Updated 17 September. 2023

Recovering ISO files on Windows and Mac

ISO recovery

Best 5 data recovery software for ISO, Disc Image File

Disk Drill
Free version, Pro version $89
Free recovery: Free recovery - 500 MB for Windows
Download
rateDisk Drill
666762
Fireebok Data Recovery
$49.95
Free recovery: Free scan
Download
rateFireebok Data Recovery
33606
Any Data Recovery
1 Month Subscription $45.95, 1 Year Subscription $49.95, Lifetime License $59.95,
Free recovery: Free scan & preview
Download
rateAny Data Recovery
65437
Disk Warrior
$119.95
Free recovery: No free version
Download
rateDisk Warrior
18119
Coolmuster
$69.95
Free recovery: Free scan
Download
rateCoolmuster
43109

Summary review

windows icon Our Windows version Windows 11
time icon How long we tested 4 weeks
exam icon Number of tested tools 18

Top 3 factors to consider when choosing ISO 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.

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.

Storage media compatibility

There’s no telling when data loss can strike and you may end up having to recover files from any kind of storage medium, such as SD cards, SSDs, hard drives, RAID setups, and more. It’s important that your chosen data recovery software is fully compatible with the ones you use.

Simple steps to recover deleted ISO, Disc Image File on Windows & Mac

Step 1:

Install the program on your Windows or macOS computer

Step 2:

Launch the software and select a disk on which to recover lost files

Step 3:

Hit Recover to initiate the scanning algorithms

Step 4:

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

3 ISO loss prevention tips

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

If you find that ISO files are randomly being deleted from your computer, it’s a good indication that your hard drive is failing. In these cases, it’s a good idea to make a backup image of the drive to avoid further data loss. Another reason is that your computer has been infected by a virus or some form of malware.

Deleted ISO files that cannot be found in the Windows Recycle Bin or Mac Trash can still be recovered using an effective data recovery program. Just make sure you stop using the drive they were in right away to avoid overwriting the deleted file. Alternatively, if you had File History enabled or created a System Restore point beforehand, you can use those methods.

Backups are the easiest way to recover ISO files that were saved over. Windows machines also have a built-in feature that allows you to retrieve older versions of X files, as long as you enabled the tool before the overwriting occurred. Mac has a similar feature called Time Machine. Alternatively, you can use Windows System Restore to return your PC to a previous point in time, but you’d need to have created a backup prior.