Updated 23 May. 2023

Deleted M4A file recovery for Windows and macOS

M4A recovery

Best 5 data recovery software for M4A, MPEG-4 Audio File

Disk Drill
Free version, Pro version $89
Free recovery: Free recovery - 500 MB for Windows
Download
rateDisk Drill
666762
iBeesoft
Personal License 1PC $45.95, Family License 3PCs $89.95, Company License $299.95
Free recovery: Free scan & preview
Download
rateiBeesoft
43515
MagicCute
$39.95
Free recovery: Free scan & preview
Download
rateMagicCute
11
Recoverit
Free, Professional $49.95, Ultimate $59.95, Technician $299.95
Free recovery: Free recovery - 100 MB
Download
rateRecoverit
308031
Pixel8
Free, Premium $99
Free recovery: Free Trial
Download
ratePixel8
513

Summary review

windows icon Our Windows version Windows 10
time icon How long we tested 1 week
exam icon Number of tested tools 15

What factors do you need to consider when choosing M4A recovery software

High recovery rate

There’s no point in investing time, effort, and maybe even money into a data recovery program with mediocre chances of success. Make sure to do your research and choose one with a proven track record, making it all the more likely for you to get your lost files back.

Price tag

While there are a few genuinely free data recovery programs out there and some with a decent trial version, they’re often either overly complex, ineffective, or have recovery limits. So if you’re willing to invest, you should find a program that fits your price range. Also, consider whether you’d prefer a program with subscriptions or a one-time payment.

Wide file type support

Whether it’s pictures, documents, audio, or file types, it’s a good idea to select a recovery program that supports the retrieval of a wide range of file extensions. Once you’re done recovering your files this time around, you may need to use the program again in the future for a different file type.

Simple steps to recover deleted M4A, MPEG-4 Audio File on Windows & Mac

Step 1:

Download and install the program to the Mac or Windows platform

Step 2:

Fire up the application and point it at the disk where the files were lost

Step 3:

Start the search for recoverable data by clicking on the Recover button

Step 4:

Preview the files that can be restored and click Recover to retrieve the data

3 best ways to prevent M4A files loss

1 Tip

Password protect your machine. If you live in a household with multiple people, then it’s a good idea to put a strong password on your computer or laptop. You never know when a child or another unauthorized person might try to make their way into your machine and fiddle with your files. Better safe than sorry.

2 Tip

Do routine maintenance on your computer/laptop. Neglecting your computer or laptop can lead to dust build-up, ventilation issues, and other hardware pitfalls. In turn, this could cause your device to abruptly fail, resulting in data loss. So make sure to always perform regular maintenance on your machine to ensure that it stays in tip-top shape.

3 Tip

Back up files regularly. While backing up files can sometimes be time-consuming and a hassle, it’s a vital part of keeping important files safe from unforeseen data loss. After all, you can never tell when you might accidentally delete a file or encounter device failure. One missed backup session could set you back hours, days, or even months of work.

FAQ

For Windows, if you deleted the M4A file using the Delete key or right-click > Delete command, then you should be able to find it in the Recycle Bin. On Mac, deleted X files are moved to the Trash before being deleted permanently. If your file is not present in either of these tools, you’ll need to utilize a free data recovery program.

Data recovery software often saves recovered files in a specified directory which you can then access through Windows File Explorer. Disk Drill, for example, is one of the best data recovery programs around and includes a button at the end of the retrieval process that will open the folder where your recovered M4A files are located.

The best way to recover M4A files from a memory card is to leverage a top-notch data recovery program, as it’s the most flexible and accessible retrieval method around. It’s worth noting, however, that this is ineffective if you used a “full” format on the card or it has become heavily damaged/compromised. For that, you’ll need to seek out a data recovery service.