Open-source data recovery software is free and allows you to recover all lost or inaccessible data. Similar to other data recovery tools, open-source data recovery software contains preview and deep scan features as well as some limitations. Here we list four best free open-source data recovery software. You can experience and choose one that meets your demands.
#1. TestDisk
TestDisk is a well-known open-source data recovery software for Windows, Mac, and Linux. This software is basically designed to recover lost partitions and fix unbootable disks. By repairing partition issues, this software makes your data accessible again.

Pros:
TestDisk doesn’t need installation. It can run on any of your devices.
This software can repair disk issues to make it work properly.
Cons:
The command line interface might be difficult for ordinary Windows users.
It is bundled with Photo Rec. You will download the two software at once.
#2. Photo Rec
Photo Rec is for Windows, Mac, and Linus. You can run this tool to recover pictures, videos, documents, and other data. Since this tool is compatible with many file systems, encompassing FAT, NTFS, exFAT, ext3, ext4, and HFS+, you can run this software on various data storage devices.

Pros:
Photo Rec is easy to install and has a quick scan speed.
It is a completely free data recovery software.
Cons:
Photo Rec has no technical support when you encounter problems.
The interface is not concise, making it difficult to understand.
#3. FreeRecover
Another open-source data recovery software for Windows is FreeRecover. Please note that this tool runs for NTFS drives. You can not only preview the found files but also figure out their original path.

Pros:
FreeRecover has a fast scan speed and intuitive interface.
You can search for the needed files on the result page.
Cons:
Running FreeRecover needs the .NET Framework on your system.
It only works on NTFS drives.
#4. Kickass Undelete
Kickass Undelete is a free data recovery software for Windows. This open-source data recovery is able to find the deleted files on your hard drive, USB drive, or SD card, and allows you to recover them.

Pros:
Kickass Undelete has an intuitive interface and a large Scan button.
It has different colors to distinguish file status.
Cons:
Kickass Undelete only supports NTFS and FAT file systems.
This software probably gets corrupted from time to time.
Alternative Option: Recover Data with MiniTool Power Data Recovery
Though open-source data recovery software is totally free, there are underlying disadvantages, such as incompatible operating systems, malicious users, complex operations, etc. Compared with users with technical skills, data recovery newbies are suggested to run professional data recovery software and restore files under clear and simplified instructions.
MiniTool Power Data Recovery is a trustworthy option. This tool is capable of restoring types of files and completing the data recovery process within a few steps. Additionally, you can use practical features to quickly locate required files and preview files before saving them.
If you are worrying about whether this software can find your wanted files, you can get MiniTool Power Data Recovery Free first to scan and restore up to 1GB of files without any charge.

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Bottom Line
This post discusses four open-source data recovery software and lists their pros and cons. You can run these tools to recover files if needed. On most occasions, they are reliable and useful. If you have specific requirements, such as recovering files from an unbootable computer, formatted SD card, lost partition, etc., professional data recovery software, like MiniTool Power Data Recovery, is necessary.
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