3 Steps to Recover Data from exFAT Drive

Jean updated on Jan 09, 2024 to Storage Media Recovery | How-to Articles

To get data back from the exFAT hard drive, you can easily make it by using data recovery software, which is able to detect and read the external hard drive, HDD, USB flash drive, and SD card of the exFAT file system. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard is such a capable exFAT data recovery tool.

What Is exFAT File System Format

Any type of data storage device needs formatting with a proper file system so that the operating system can read & write data on it. The most commonly used file system for HDD, SSD, USB flash drive, pen drive, or memory card nowadays, is NTFS, FAT32, and exFAT. Mac computer is uniquely using HFS+, APFS, or exFAT.

exFAT is for use on multiple operating systems than the other two forms, it's compatible with Windows OS and macOS/Mac OS X. Besides, it has greater flexibility than NTFS and FAT32, which makes more and more drives using exFAT.

Benenfits of exFAT File System:

  • Works well on large drives
  • No limit on file size, and partition size
  • exFAT replaces FAT32 and supports cross-platform scenarios
  • Save up to 2,796,202 files in the same directory

How Do I Recover Files from exFAT Hard Drive

Accordingly, the more people are using exFAT hard drives, the greater chance they are subject to data loss. Take one user's story for an example:

"I have an external drive that was formatted as exFAT. After long-term use, it does not show up on my system now when I plug it into the computer. When I run Disk Utility, the drive appears on my system but a message pops up with "error: Disk Utility can't repair this disk. Back up as many of your files as possible, reformat the disk and restore your backup files. Is it the only thing that I can do now? Please tell me how to recover data from the exFAT drive. Is it dead or not?

Calm down. The drive seems not dead yet. Disk Utility was unable to fix the drive. However, when your hard drive appears on the computer again, it seems to be still intact with all the important data. Now the problem is that you can't open the device.

Is it possible to regain the data inside? We both clearly know that something is wrong with the exFAT drive. You should have it fixed with the help of professionals after retrieving the data.

The Best exFAT Data Recovery Software

To get data back from the exFAT hard drive, you can easily make it by using data recovery software, which is able to detect and read the hard drive, external hard drive, HDD, USB flash drive, and SD card of the exFAT file system. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard is such a capable exFAT tool.

EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard outstrips its competitors with rich features in the following:

  • Simple three-step recovery
  • Free trial before purchase
  • 24x7 technical support
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Download EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard and follow the guide below to recover data from your exFAT drive.

How to Recover Data from exFAT Drive on Windows 11/10/8/7

Don't worry if this is the first time you to try EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard. The user-friendly design and intuitive interface won't let you down. You're allowed to easily handle the whole recovery process with only these three simple steps.

Step 1. Select the drive where you lose your data and click "Scan".

Step 2. Use "Filter" or "Search" to find the lost files when the scan completes.

Step 3. Select all the files you want and click "Recover". Then, browse another secure location to save them.

Are you satisfied with the recovery result? exFAT hard drive data recovery scenarios are far from what we mentioned here, but EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard can do it all for you. It's designed for retrieving data after accidental deletion, disk formatting, disk not opening, not accessible, not readable or even virus infection. It supports all file types including photos, documents, videos, audio files, and more. Never hesitate to download the comprehensive data recovery software for data rescue. It's worth your try.

How to Recover Data from exFAT Drive on Mac

Things could be a little bit different if you are a Mac user. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac works well in restoring data from macOS Ventura, Monterey, Big Sur, Catalina, and more. With it, you can recover deleted files on Mac and restore formatted, corrupted, and other missing data with simple clicks. Download this Mac data recovery software and recover exFAT data.

Step 1. Search for lost files

Correctly connect your external hard drive to your Mac. Launch EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for Mac, and select the external hard drive. Then, click "Search for lost files" to find lost/deleted files on your external devices.

Note: Before data recovery, you'd better click "Disk Backup" from the left sidebar to create a backup of your external hard drive to avoid further data loss. After backing up the external hard drive, the software can recover data from your external hard drive's backup, and you can remove the external hard drive and use it again.

Step 2. Filter and find lost files

After the scan, all file types will be presented in the left panel. Select the file type to find wanted files on your external devices.

Step 3. Preview and recover

Click the file and preview it. Then, select the files you want to recover and click the "Recover" button. You can save your data to local and cloud drives.

Conclusion

Don't worry if you lose data from your exFAT hard drive, USB flash drive, or SD card. EaseUS data recovery software provides the most effective ways to restore exFAT data on Windows and Mac devices. Download this software and get back exFAT data.

exFAT Data Recovery FAQs

That's all about exFAT data recovery. If you still have problems, read the questions and answers below to get additional help.

1. Can data from external hard drive be recovered?

Yes. You can recover data from external hard drive with the methods below:

  • Restore External Hard Drive Data Using Data Recovery Software
  • Recover Lost External Hard Drive Partition and Data
  • Show Hidden Files on External Hard Drive
  • Run CMD Command to Recover Virus Hidden Files on External Hard Disk

2. Is exFAT the Same as FAT32 Format?

Is exFAT the same as FAT32 format? No. They are different file system formats. The maximum file size of FAT32 is 4GB, while exFAT doesn't have this limitation.

3. How to convert exFAT to NTFS in Windows 10?

Steps to convert exFAT to NTFS:

  • Launch EaseUS Partition Master, right-click the partition you intend to format, and choose Format.
  • In the new window, enter the Partition label, and choose the NTFS file system.
  • Set the cluster size according to your needs, then click OK.
  • Then you will see a warning window, click Yes in it to continue.
  • Click the Execute 1 Task button in the top-left corner to review the changes.
  • Click Apply to start formatting the partition to NTFS.

4. Does exFAT Work on Mac?

Does exFAT Work on Mac and PC? Yes, It does. It works well on MacBook and iMac.