Updated 18 May. 2023

Recover Deleted or Lost DOCX files on Windows & Mac

DOCX recovery

Best 5 data recovery software for DOCX, Microsoft Word Open XML Document

Disk Drill
Free version, Pro version $89
Free recovery: Free recovery - 500 MB for Windows
Download
rateDisk Drill
666762
PhotoRec
Open Source
Free recovery: Freeware
Download
ratePhotoRec
152488
iBeesoft
Personal License 1PC $45.95, Family License 3PCs $89.95, Company License $299.95
Free recovery: Free scan & preview
Download
rateiBeesoft
43515
Stellar
Free, Professional $79.99, Premium $99.99, Technician $199
Free recovery: Free scan & preview
Download
rateStellar
484261
M3 Data Recovery
Free, Home edition $69.95, Professional edition $99.95, Technician edition $299
Free recovery: Free recovery - 1GB
Download
rateM3 Data Recovery
22436

Summary review

windows icon Our Windows version Windows 10
time icon How long we tested 4 weeks
exam icon Number of tested tools 13

Top 3 factors to consider when choosing DOCX recovery software

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.

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 DOCX, Microsoft Word Open XML Document on Windows & Mac

Step 1:

After downloading the app, install it on any Mac or Windows machine

Step 2:

Launch the app and direct it to the disk you will use for recovery

Step 3:

Clicking the Recover button will initiate the app’s powerful scanning algorithms

Step 4:

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

3 simple things you can do to prevent DOCX loss

1 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.

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

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 DOCX files are located.

When DOCX files are deleted from a computer, they are not permanently erased just yet. So long as they’re not overwritten by new data, these files remain out of sight on the storage media and can be recovered through quality data recovery programs. Backup tools like File History, System Restore, and Timeline can also be used to recover lost data.

The best way to recover DOCX 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.