{"id":36731,"date":"2021-11-10T16:27:19","date_gmt":"2021-11-10T16:27:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cleverfiles.com\/howto\/?p=36731"},"modified":"2025-01-28T18:29:21","modified_gmt":"2025-01-28T18:29:21","slug":"how-to-recover-ntfs-partition-without-losing-data","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cleverfiles.com\/howto\/recover-ntfs-partition.html","title":{"rendered":"How to Recover NTFS Partition Without Losing Data"},"content":{"rendered":"

Most of what we do is digital. Personal projects, work, school \u2014 we have files for everything, and the list goes on. Losing an entire NTFS partition can be rough, especially if you didn\u2019t have a backup of your data.<\/p>\r\n

Worry not, for this article will guide you through various methods you can use to recover an NTFS partition without losing data. We\u2019ll also cover what you can do to protect your data from being lost in the future.<\/p>\r\n

<\/span>Can I Recover Data From a Deleted NTFS Partition?<\/span><\/h2>\r\n

Yes, recovering data from a deleted NTFS partition is possible. In some cases, the entire partition can be recovered. However, your chances of success will vary based on how long ago the partition was lost and what the drive has been used for since then. If you need to recover an accidentally deleted NTFS partition, you must act with haste.<\/p>\r\n

⚠️ For SSDs, there is also the factor of TRIM. If the NTFS partition was deleted normally, that is through Disk Management, then there\u2019s a high chance that a TRIM command has been issued, which will make recovery near impossible.<\/div>\r\n

When you lose data, it\u2019s important that you stop using the drive until you can perform recovery. Continued use can result in your data being overwritten with new data, severely reducing the chances of recovery. Additionally, in cases where the partition was lost due to an issue like partition corruption, the data is in an even more vulnerable state. Therefore, if your NTFS partition has vanished, be sure to read the entirety of this article before attempting recovery.<\/p>\r\n

<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Symptoms<\/b><\/td>\r\nScenarios<\/b><\/td>\r\nSolutions<\/b><\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Your NTFS partition was accidentally deleted, formatted, or it is unrecognized<\/td>\r\nPartition was mistakenly removed or reformatted. It now shows up as \u201cUnallocated\u201d or \u201cFree Space.\u201d<\/td>\r\n\r\n
    \r\n\t
  1. Use Disk Drill<\/a> ✅ to recover lost data you can\u2019t access<\/li>\r\n\t
  2. Use TestDisk<\/a> if you need to recover a corrupted partition<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
Your NTFS partition disappeared<\/td>\r\nYou can still see your NTFS partition in Disk Management but it doesn\u2019t appear in File Explorer<\/td>\r\n\r\n
    \r\n\t
  1. Run CHKDSK<\/a> to restore the NTFS partition<\/li>\r\n\t
  2. Assign a drive letter<\/a> to access your data<\/li>\r\n\t
  3. Use data recovery software <\/a>then recreate the partition<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n
You can\u2019t boot Windows because the system partition is corrupted<\/td>\r\nThe computer won\u2019t boot to Windows; you see \u201cNo Boot Device Found\u201d or similar errors.<\/td>\r\n\r\n
    \r\n\t
  1. Repair the system partition<\/a> then recover any lost data <\/a>if necessary<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>\r\n<\/tbody>\r\n<\/table>\r\n

    <\/div>\r\n

    <\/span>How to Recover NTFS Partition Without Losing Data<\/span><\/h2>\r\n

    We\u2019ll show you multiple ways you can recover your NTFS partition without losing data. Since this is a somewhat complex problem, most methods will require the use of third-party tools.<\/p>\r\n

    ℹ️ Before we proceed, it\u2019s highly recommended that you create a byte-to-byte image of the drive first, as this is the only way of guaranteeing the data of the NTFS partition won\u2019t be overwritten in its current state. A byte-to-byte image is a complete sector-by-sector backup of your disk; essentially a snapshot. This can be done with a dedicated tool like Clonezilla<\/a>, or using the byte-to-byte backup feature<\/a> of Disk Drill, the data recovery application we introduce in the second method<\/a>.<\/div>\r\n

    <\/span>Method 1:<\/span> Fix NTFS Partition with CHKDSK<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\r\n

    Damage to your disk\u2019s boot sector could result in your NTFS partition showing up as RAW. You can confirm if this is the case by checking it in Disk Management (Right-click Start and click Disk Management). To fix an NTFS partition showing as RAW, you can use CHKDSK<\/a>, a repair tool designed to fix file system-related problems.<\/p>\r\n

    ✅ CHKDSK can be utilized for NTFS partition recovery as it can restore the boot sector from a backup.<\/div>\r\n

    Follow these steps to recover an NTFS partition from RAW using CHKDSK:<\/p>\r\n

      \r\n\t
    1. Right-click Start<\/b> and click Terminal (Admin)<\/b>.\"Opening<\/li>\r\n\t
    2. Type the following CHKDSK command. Replace the * with your own drive letter, then press Enter<\/kbd>.\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
      chkdsk D: \/f<\/pre>\r\n\"Running<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
      <\/span>Method 2:<\/span> Recover Lost NTFS Partition Using Disk Drill<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\r\n
      With data recovery software, you can recover all of the data from the lost NTFS partition. There is plenty of NTFS partition recovery software out there, but not all of them are the same. You want a recovery solution that gives you the best chance of recovering data from a missing NTFS partition.<\/p>\r\n
      Disk Drill<\/a> is an excellent partition data recovery tool<\/a> that excels in these situations. When a partition becomes lost, Disk Drill can utilize the remnants of data left in the partition table to locate where the partition resided on the disk. From there, it can recover the files using file system metadata. Even if you need to recover a formatted NTFS partition, which usually erases any usable remnants, Disk Drill can use its signature scanner to identify up to 400 different file types.<\/p>\r\n
      This is how you recover data from an NTFS partition using Disk Drill:<\/p>\r\n
        \r\n\t
      1. Download<\/a> Disk Drill and install it. Open it.
        \r\n            
        \r\n                
        \r\n                
        \r\n                    \"Disk        \r\n                <\/div>\r\n                <\/div>\r\n                
        \r\n                    download-block-title<\/b>
        \r\n                    download-block-text\r\n                <\/div>\r\n                
        \r\n                    \r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n<\/svg>\r\ndownload-block-button-text\r\n<\/a>\r\n                <\/div>\r\n            <\/div>\r\n        <\/div><\/li>\r\n\t
      2. Select your drive with the lost NTFS partition, then click Search for lost data<\/b> to start the scan.\"Searching<\/li>\r\n\t
      3. Click Review found items <\/b>when the scan has finished. Or, if you only want to see the recoverable data from the lost partition, click the lost partition at the bottom of the window.\"Reviewing<\/li>\r\n\t
      4. Select the files you want to recover. Use the Recovery chances<\/b> column to determine how recoverable each file is. You can also preview any files that are natively supported by Windows, as well as any files for which the default reader is installed. When ready, click Recover<\/b>.\"Selecting<\/li>\r\n\t
      5. Select your output location. It\u2019s recommended you recover to a separate physical disk to avoid overwriting your data. Press Next<\/b>.\"Recovering<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
        Disk Drill can be used to recover data from almost any type of storage media, including RAW partition recovery<\/a>. As demonstrated, it can even discover lost partitions and recover files from them.<\/p>\r\n
        <\/span>Method 3:<\/span> Restore NTFS Partition Using TestDisk<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\r\n
        TestDisk<\/a> is a partition recovery tool that can recover the NTFS partition for free, either by fixing the damage that caused it to disappear or restoring the deleted partition if another hasn\u2019t already been made in its place. More specifically, it can rebuild the NTFS boot sector (or recover it from a backup) and fix the Master File Table (MFT)<\/a> using an MFT mirror. In doing so, the partition will be restored in place with all of its data, a somewhat unique type of demonstrating NTFS file system recovery.<\/p>\r\n
        Follow these instructions to recover the lost NTFS partition with TestDisk:<\/p>\r\n
          \r\n\t
        1. Download<\/a> TestDisk and extract the contents of the zipped folder.<\/li>\r\n\t
        2. Open testdisk_win<\/b>. If Windows alerts you to potential risks, simply click More info <\/b>then Run anyway<\/b> as it\u2019s a false positive.<\/li>\r\n\t
        3. Press Enter<\/kbd> on the Create <\/b>option.\"Choosing<\/li>\r\n\t
        4. Use the up and down arrow keys to choose the drive that the partition was located on. Press Enter<\/kbd> to Proceed<\/b>.\"Selecting<\/li>\r\n\t
        5. Choose your partition table type. If you\u2019re unsure, TestDisk automatically selects the partition table type it believes you have. Press Enter<\/kbd>.\"Choosing<\/li>\r\n\t
        6. Press Enter<\/kbd> to Analyse<\/b>.\"Beginning<\/li>\r\n\t
        7. Press Enter<\/kbd> again to begin the Quick Search<\/b>.\"Quick<\/li>\r\n\t
        8. Select the missing partition and press Enter<\/kbd>.\"Selecting<\/li>\r\n\t
        9. If you\u2019ve found your partition, move across to the Write <\/b>option and press Enter<\/kbd>. If not, choose Deeper Search<\/b>.\"Writing<\/li>\r\n\t
        10. Press Y<\/kbd> to confirm.\"Confirming<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
          You will be prompted to restart your computer for the changes to take effect. Once you reboot, your partition should be restored.<\/p>\r\n
          <\/span>Method 4:<\/span> Assign Drive Letter in Disk Management<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\r\n
          It could be that your partition isn\u2019t appearing because it simply doesn\u2019t have a drive letter. Without a drive letter, Windows may not be able to locate your data. You can fix this, quite easily in fact. Just assign a drive letter through Disk Management. This is one of the easier forms of NTFS data recovery because it simply re-establishes access to the data.<\/p>\r\n
          ℹ️ We\u2019ll be showing you how to do this on Windows 11, but the steps will be the same for Windows 10.<\/div>\r\n
          This is how you assign a drive letter using Disk Management:<\/p>\r\n
            \r\n\t
          1. Right-click Start<\/b> and click Disk Management<\/b>.\"Opening<\/li>\r\n\t
          2. Select the NTFS partition without a drive letter, then click Change Drive Letter and Paths<\/b>.\"Changing<\/li>\r\n\t
          3. Click Add<\/b>.\"Adding<\/li>\r\n\t
          4. Click OK<\/b> after choosing a drive letter.\"Confirming<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
            <\/span>Method 5:<\/span> Repair System Partition<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\r\n
            Your partition table<\/a> holds all information pertaining to your partition structure. It tells the operating system exactly where to find your data. This, along with the Master Boot Record (MBR)<\/a>, is essential for you to boot your computer and use it every day. But, if your system partition is corrupted, the files required to boot Windows may be compromised, preventing you from loading in and accessing your data.<\/p>\r\n
            To fix this, you can recreate system partition files, thereby fixing the NTFS partition. A copy of your Windows OS is required to repair the NTFS partition with a USB. Or, you can use your Windows installation disk if it\u2019s available.<\/p>\r\n
            These steps will show you how to fix the partition table without losing data by restoring the Windows boot files:<\/p>\r\n
              \r\n\t
            1. Insert your bootable media and boot into it as you start your computer.<\/li>\r\n\t
            2. Click Next<\/b>.\"The<\/li>\r\n\t
            3. Click Repair your computer<\/b>.\"Choosing<\/li>\r\n\t
            4. Click Troubleshoot<\/b>.\"Selecting<\/li>\r\n\t
            5. Click Command Prompt<\/b>.\"Opening<\/li>\r\n\t
            6. Type diskpart<\/b> and press Enter<\/b>.\"Opening<\/li>\r\n\t
            7. Type list vol<\/b> and press Enter<\/kbd>. Make note of the volume associated with your system partition.\"Listing<\/li>\r\n\t
            8. Type exit <\/b>and press Enter<\/kbd>.\"Exiting<\/li>\r\n\t
            9. Type bcdboot C:\\Windows <\/b>and press Enter<\/kbd>.\"Creating<\/li>\r\n\t
            10. Exit the command prompt and click Continue<\/b>.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
              <\/span>Method 6:<\/span> Data Recovery Service<\/span><\/span><\/h3>\r\n
              If you haven\u2019t had much success using the above methods, or if you feel these methods are too intimidating for you to attempt, you can always rely on a professional to take care of it for you.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n
              🔰 Using a data recovery service<\/a> takes the pressure off yourself and gives you confidence knowing your drive is in capable hands. Data recovery professionals work in a controlled environment and make use of industry-grade equipment, an unmatched level of service when you compare it to a recovery tool.<\/div>\r\n
              As with data recovery software, there are plenty of data recovery services available to choose from. Unlike DIY software, however, the process is relatively simple. All you need to do is fill out some paperwork and send your drive away.<\/p>\r\n
              Here\u2019s a preview of what it looks like to recover a damaged partition using the Clever Files Data Recovery Center:<\/a><\/p>\r\n
                \r\n\t
              1. Go to the Data Recovery Center webpage<\/a>. Click Start Recovery<\/b>.\"Starting<\/li>\r\n\t
              2. Choose the type of service you want and fill in all of your details.\"Choosing<\/li>\r\n\t
              3. When ready, click Complete my work order<\/b>.\"Finishing<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
                <\/span>How to Repair a Damaged Partition<\/span><\/h2>\r\n
                If your partition is visible, but you\u2019re unable to access any files because you\u2019re met with error messages, you can repair the broken NTFS partition instead.\u00a0<\/p>\r\n
                ⚠️ NTFS recovery should be done before attempting any of these fixes to ensure your data is safe and sound.<\/div>\r\n
                We\u2019re going to be using an error-checking feature that\u2019s built in to Windows. This feature makes use of CheckDisk (CHKDSK) but doesn\u2019t require you to open a terminal and run through a series of commands. Unlike before, where CHKDSK was used to fix the damaged partition that wasn\u2019t showing properly, this time it will be fixing an NTFS partition that is present but won\u2019t allow you to interact with any data it contains.<\/p>\r\n
                Here\u2019s how you can repair the NTFS partition using the error-checking tool:<\/p>\r\n
                  \r\n\t
                1. Open File Explorer<\/b>. Right-click the drive that has the damaged partition and click Properties<\/b>.\"Accessing<\/li>\r\n\t
                2. Click Tools<\/b>, then Check <\/b>in the \u2018Error checking\u2019 area.\"Starting<\/li>\r\n\t
                3. Click Scan drive<\/b>.\"Scan<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
                  <\/span>Repair Corrupted NTFS File System Using Format<\/span><\/h3>\r\n
                  If nothing has worked thus far, and the partition is still damaged or missing, the last resort is to repair the corrupted NTFS partition by reformatting it. Reformatting involves formatting the same space that the old NTFS partition occupied with a brand new, fresh file system. This will \u2018repair\u2019 the NTFS file system, allowing you to store data on it once again.<\/p>\r\n
                  ⏸️ Understand that this will delete all of the data on the partition, so it\u2019s imperative that you\u2019ve recovered the data (or at least backed it up) before doing this.<\/div>\r\n
                  This is how you reformat a drive to repair a corrupted NTFS file system:<\/p>\r\n
                    \r\n\t
                  1. Right-click Start<\/b> and click Disk Management<\/b>.<\/li>\r\n\t
                  2. Right-click the space that will become the NTFS partition, then click Format<\/b>. If it\u2019s currently unallocated space, you will need to click New Simple Volume<\/b> instead and follow the prompts.\"Formatting<\/li>\r\n\t
                  3. Add a volume label, ensure Perform a quick format<\/b> is ticked, then click OK<\/b>.\"Starting<\/li>\r\n\t
                  4. Click OK<\/b> to confirm.<\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n
                    ✅ Are you a Linux user? You can repair NTFS file system on Linux by formatting it with gparted (GNU Partition Editor).<\/div>\r\n
                    <\/span>How to Prevent Partition Damage in the Future<\/span><\/h2>\r\n
                    So you don\u2019t need to go through the hassle of recovering an NTFS partition again, take note of the below tips to help avoid a situation like this and prepare yourself in case it happens again.<\/p>\r\n