Updated 11 September. 2023

Comprehensive ICO file recovery for macOS and Windows

ICO recovery

Best 5 data recovery software for ICO, Icon File

Disk Drill
Free version, Pro version $89
Free recovery: Free recovery - 500 MB for Windows
Download
rateDisk Drill
666762
Magoshare
Free, 1-Year License $49.95, Lifetime License $69.95
Free recovery: Free scan & preview
Download
rateMagoshare
1729
Puran Software
Freeware
Free recovery: Freeware
Download
ratePuran Software
10142
Any Data Recovery
1 Month License $55.95, 1 Year License $59.95, Lifetime License $69.95
Free recovery: Free scan & preview
Download
rateAny Data Recovery
65437
Pixel8
Free, Premium $99
Free recovery: Free Trial
Download
ratePixel8
513

Summary review

windows icon Our Windows version Windows 11
time icon How long we tested 1 week
exam icon Number of tested tools 12

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

File preview

There’s a good chance that when you attempt to recover files from a particular storage medium, there will be a whole lot of recoverable files to sift through on the results page. That’s why it helps if the program is equipped with a preview feature that allows you to get a glimpse of a file before recovering it.

Look out for extra features

While a data recovery program’s retrieval capabilities are certainly its most important aspect, the extra features it brings to the table certainly add a lot of value. For example, some apps come with a drive backup feature while others allow the repair of compromised/damaged files, both of which can come in very handy.

Operating system availability

Data loss can occur on any operating system but not all data recovery programs support multiple platforms. Make sure the app you choose is fully compatible with the OS you run or, at least, has a version for that platform particularly. Certain programs even allow the recovery of storage media formatted for a different operating system entirely.

Simple steps to recover deleted ICO, Icon File on Windows & Mac

Step 1:

Install the software on a Windows or Mac computer

Step 2:

Kick off the program and choose the disk where you will perform the recovery

Step 3:

Hit Recover to initiate the scanning algorithms

Step 4:

Click Recover after determining which files are to be recovered from those in the preview display

3 tips on how to prevent ICO files loss

1 Tip

Keep food and drink away from your work computer. This one goes without saying, but you’d be surprised by the number of people who keep food and drinks dangerously close to their laptop or computer. No matter how careful you are, uncontrollable circumstances may occur that could cause a spill onto your machine, potentially compromising your data.

2 Tip

Avoid suspicious emails and files. Suspicious emails are rife with phishing emails and other forms of malicious files. Accessing the contents of these emails could severely compromise the security of your computer. This could lead to hackers accessing your machine, putting your important files in jeopardy. So if you see a suspicious email, simply delete it.

3 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.

FAQ

Backups are the easiest way to recover ICO 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.

If you find that ICO 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.

For ICO files that were accidentally deleted using the Delete key or right-click > Delete command, they should be available for restoration from the Windows Recycle Bin tool. Other forms of data loss may be recovered using the File History feature, provided it was enabled beforehand. Otherwise, you’ll need a quality data recovery program.