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23 September 2024  Amanda J. Brook  Senior Product Manager
 

Summary
The article discusses the process of recovering data from an exFAT Drive on Windows 10 using third-party recovery software. It highlights the importance of having a powerful data recovery tool to retrieve lost or deleted files from various devices such as HDDs, SSDs, SD cards, and USB sticks. Additionally, the article explains the exFAT file system, its optimization for flash memory devices, and its compatibility with both Windows and Mac computers, making it a preferred choice over NTFS and FAT-32 for certain applications.



Table of contents

table iconWhat is the exFAT Format and How It Differs From Other Formats?
table iconHow to Recover Data from an exFAT Drive
table iconWhat are the Main Reasons for Data Loss?
table iconConclusion
table iconFAQ
Formatting is required to use the error message
If you accidentally format your exFAT drive or it becomes corrupted, you might try to recover data from a backup. But what if the backup is unavailable or outdated? How do you perform exFAT data recovery? This article will guide you through the process of recovering old, lost, or deleted files from an exFAT drive using third-party recovery software. With a powerful exFAT data recovery tool, you can retrieve data from various devices, including HDD or SSD drives, SD cards, and USB sticks.

What is the exFAT Format and How It Differs From Other Formats?

The Extensible File Allocation Table (exFAT) is a file system format optimized for flash memory devices, including SD cards and USB flash drives. External hard drives use the exFAT format due to its compatibility with Windows and Mac computers. It is the top choice if NTFS is impractical to use. The exFAT also covers some of the inefficiencies that users often encounter with the FAT-32 file system. But how does the exFAT differ from other formats like FAT32 and NTFS file systems? Let’s take a closer look at this comparison table below.
exFATFAT32NTFS
Introduced with Windows XP & VistaIntroduced with Windows 95Introduced with Windows NT and used after Windows XP
Ideal for flash drives, exFAT’s large data block reading and writing capabilities make it especially suitable for digital cameras.Easiest to use and format as exFATCan support file permissions, create backup copies, offers encryption, disk limits, and more
Compatible with all Windows versionsWorks with all Windows, Linux, and Mac versionsCompatible with all Windows versions
No need to use extra software when using LinuxNo need to use extra software for MacRead-only when used with Mac and other Linux versions
No file size or file partition size limitationsUp to 4 GB (minus 64KB) file size and 8TB partition sizeNo file size or file partition size limitations
Replaces FAT32 and supports more devices and OS with NTFS. Not as popular as FAT32.Older file system not very efficient as NTFS.The most modern of the three. NTFS is standard in Windows as it is optimized for hard disk drives (HDDs) and Solid State Drives (SSDs) with its journaling feature.
Now that you’re familiar with the exFAT format, let’s get started!

How to Recover Data from an exFAT Drive

In this step-by-step guide, we’re going to use a third-party software for exFAT data recovery. Renee Undeleter is designed to restore lost/deleted data files. Whether you accidentally delete important files, empty the recycle bin, or format the disk/storage, this tool can retrieve lost data. This tool supports various file systems, including not just exFAT, but also NTFS, and FAT32, making it versatile for different devices. You can preview recoverable files before completing the process, ensuring you get the right data. For formatted partition, Renee Undeleter scans the whole partition and lists all files, especially for the formatted partition or inaccessible issue.
Renee Undeleter - Powerful Data Recovery SoftwareRenee Undeleter data Recovery software

Easy to use Only simple steps to recover data from storage devices.

Multiple scan modes Fast partition scan, whole partition scan and whole disk scan for different recovery needs.

File types Support to recover pictures, videos, audios, documents, mails, etc.

Supported storage devices Recover data from recycle bin, SD card, external disk, etc.

Supported systems Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP, 2000 and Mac OS X10.6, 10.7, 10.8.

Easy to use Only simple steps to recover data from storage devices.

Multiple scan modes - 3 scan modes for different recovery needs.

Supported storage devices Recover data from recycle bin, SD card, external disk, etc.

Free TrialFree TrialFree Trial

3000 users have downloaded Renee Undeleter and found data back!

Step 1: Download(Windows, MacOS), install, and open Renee Undeleter, and select (Whole Partition Scan) which is suitable for “Formatted data recovery” and “Memory card data recovery”.
Note: Do not install Renee Undeleter in the disk where data is lost to avoid data overwriting.
select whole partition scan in renee undeleter to recover deleted video from sd card
Data Recovery Function
Fast Partition Scan – Retrieve files lost from accidental deletion or emptying the recycle bin.
Whole Partition Scan – Recover files from inaccessible or formatted partitions.
Whole Disk Scan – Analyze partition information and perform a full scan of the entire partition.
Image Creation – Create an image of a partition to back up its current state.
Step 2: Select the Formatted partition where the files are lost, and click (Next).
Renee Undeleter Whole Partition Scan
Step 3: After the scan is over, select the files you want to recover and click the (Recover) button. Note: To prevent data overwriting, ensure to save the recovered files onto different disks rather than the original storage location.
preview and select the files to recover in renee undeleter

What are the Main Reasons for Data Loss?

Accidental deletion, file corruption, and formatting issues can all lead to minor or major data loss. Hence, you must take proper action against data loss as soon as possible. This includes efficient data backup and recovery. The following are the main reasons that can lead to exFAT data loss:
Accidental Deletion
One of the most common causes of data loss is accidental deletion. Human error can easily lead to deleting important files, like emptying the Recycle Bin by mistake. Also, deleting improperly labeled files may lead to severe data loss.
Hard Disk Crashes
Crashes can be due to hardware failure, extreme heat, and power issues. This can also be due to corrupted firmware. If a hard disk crashes within a short period, there may be defects in the device manufacturing. While hard drive crashes can be severe, data recovery is still possible in some cases, especially if the physical damage isn’t extensive.
Formatting and Partitioning Mistakes
If you format the wrong drive by mistake, then you lose a lot of data. When formatting your hard disk, you may find the error message “Windows was unable to complete formatting.” This is due to a corrupted disk, or you may be in the RAW file. Also, there may be a previous unresolved exFAT partition or exFAT disk format issue which led to this error message. During disk partition, you can also end up losing data when lost partitioning happens.
Virus or Malware Attacks
A virus or a malware attack can happen at any time. If you don’t have an efficient device protection tool, all or a part of your files may become corrupted or deleted.
Corrupted File Storage
Memory cards can become corrupted when removed from a device after a file transfer. A memory card used on different devices can also become corrupted. You can recover an exFAT SD card using a recovery tool.

Conclusion

Recovering data from an exFAT drive is straightforward with the right tools. Renee Undeleter is a reliable option for retrieving lost files from various devices. Understanding exFAT’s nuances and being aware of common data loss causes can help you better manage your data and recovery processes. Regular backups and use of effective recovery software are key to protecting your files.

FAQ

How to format an external hard drive to exFAT on Windows 10?

To format an external hard drive to exFAT on Windows 10, follow these steps:
1. Plug the external hard drive into your computer.
2. Open File Explorer and locate the drive in the list of connected devices.
3. Right-click on the drive and select “Format” from the context menu.
4. In the Format window, select “exFAT” from the File System dropdown menu.
format to exfat external hard drive is not showing up in mac
5. Choose a name for the drive in the “Volume Label” field if desired.
6. Click “Start” to begin the formatting process. A warning will appear indicating that all data on the drive will be erased.
7. Confirm the warning and wait for the process to complete. Once done, your drive will be formatted to exFAT and ready for use.

What is the difference between FAT and exFAT?

FAT32 and exFAT are both file systems used for storage, but they have some key differences:
Compatibility: FAT32 is an older file system that is compatible with a wide range of devices and operating systems, including older systems. exFAT is a more modern version, designed to handle larger files and storage devices, and is compatible with updated devices and operating systems.
File and Partition Size Limits: FAT32 has a file size limit of 4GB and a partition size limit of 8TB. In contrast, exFAT supports much larger files and partitions, making it suitable for modern storage needs.
Performance: exFAT is optimized for flash memory devices, offering better performance and fewer limitations compared to FAT32.

What is the exFAT file system?

The exFAT (Extensible File Allocation Table) file system is developed specifically for flash memory devices like SD cards and USB flash drives. It is designed to bridge the gap between the older FAT32 file system and the more complex NTFS file system. exFAT supports larger files and partitions than FAT32 and provides better performance for flash memory storage. It is widely compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems, making it a versatile choice for external storage devices.
Renee Undeleter - Powerful Data Recovery SoftwareRenee Undeleter data Recovery software

Easy to use Only simple steps to recover data from storage devices.

Multiple scan modes Fast partition scan, whole partition scan and whole disk scan for different recovery needs.

File types Support to recover pictures, videos, audios, documents, mails, etc.

Supported storage devices Recover data from recycle bin, SD card, external disk, etc.

Supported systems Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP, 2000 and Mac OS X10.6, 10.7, 10.8.

Easy to use Only simple steps to recover data from storage devices.

Multiple scan modes - 3 scan modes for different recovery needs.

Supported storage devices Recover data from recycle bin, SD card, external disk, etc.

Free TrialFree TrialFree Trial

3000 users have downloaded Renee Undeleter and found data back!