Updated 26 May. 2023

Recover deleted WMV (Windows + Mac)

WMV recovery

Best 5 data recovery software for WMV, Windows Media Video File

Disk Drill
Free version, Pro version $89
Free recovery: Free recovery - 500 MB for Windows
Download
rateDisk Drill
666762
Recoverit
Free, Professional $49.95, Ultimate $59.95, Technician $299.95
Free recovery: Free recovery - 100 MB
Download
rateRecoverit
308031
UFS Explorer Standard Recovery
Personal License €129.95, Commercial License €129.95, Corporate License €399.95
Free recovery: Free scan & preview
Download
rateUFS Explorer Standard Recovery
3974
PhotoRec
Open Source
Free recovery: Freeware
Download
ratePhotoRec
152488
DoYourData
Free, Pro $69, Technician $299.00
Free recovery: Free recovery - 1GB
Download
rateDoYourData
2842

Summary review

windows icon Our Windows version Windows 11
time icon How long we tested 3 weeks
exam icon Number of tested tools 15

What to consider when choosing WMV recovery software

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.

Scanning Speed

Just like how not all data recovery programs aren’t created equally in terms of retrieval rates, they also differ in the speeds at which they’re able to scan storage media, whether it’s a regular or deep scan. If it’s a big deal to you, you should look into how quickly the program can get through a recovery session.

Ease of use

Not everybody is tech-savvy and knows their way around a command prompt or advanced menus. Choose a data recovery program that has a user interface and flow that fits your technical expertise. That way, you’ll be able to recover your files with minimal hassle. Some apps are even designed to accommodate both novice and expert users.

Simple steps to recover deleted WMV, Windows Media Video File on Windows & Mac

Step 1:

Download and install the app to your Windows or Mac computer

Step 2:

Start the recovery software and choose the disk you want to scan for lost data

Step 3:

Search for deleted data on the disk by cicking the Recover button

Step 4:

Click Recover again after selecting the files that you wish to restore from the preview display

How to easily prevent WMV 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 not mess with unfamiliar files. Operating systems include lots of important files that may not seem familiar to you. These files could be vital to running the platform and tweaking or deleting them could lead to the OS becoming unstable and may cause you to incur data loss. That’s why it’s best to leave unfamiliar system files alone.

3 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.

FAQ

Deleted WMV 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.

For WMV 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.

If you find that WMV 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.