How to Recover Data from Unbootable Desktop/Laptop Hard Drive [No Data Loss Repair Methods]

Can I recover files from an unbootable hard drive?

A non-bootable hard drive means you can't get into your operating system, which means you can't access your personal data, installed programs, games, and everything else on the hard drive. Unless the hard drive is on its last legs, damaged beyond repair, or otherwise non-functional, not being able to boot from the hard drive isn't the end of the world as long as you have the right tools. You can learn how to deal with a dying hard drive and how to access hard drive data without an operating system.

The question is: how to recover data from an unbootable desktop or laptop hard drive? If you are dealing with such an issue, keep reading for 2 solutions that will walk you through the process of retrieving data directly from a non-bootable hard drive on your Windows PC. Just follow the steps below and start getting your files back from the unbootable hard drive right now.

How to Recover Data from Unbootable Hard Drive in Windows 10/8/7

When your computer fails to boot from the hard drive, you can use a professional data recovery wizard tool to retrieve data from an unbootable Windows computer hard drive and save all the data from the failed disk to another secure external storage device.

By downloading and installing a data recovery tool with bootable media on a functioning computer, and following its instructions, you can fix an unbootable hard drive without losing any data.

Step 1: Create a Bootable Disk

Launch the Data Recovery Wizard, select “Crashed PC Recovery” and click “Start Recovery”.

Select an empty USB drive and click “Create.”

Warning: The Data Recovery Wizard will delete all data stored on the USB drive when creating a bootable disk. Back up important data in advance.

Step 2: Boot your computer from the USB drive

Connect the bootable disk to the unbootable computer, and change your PC's boot order in BIOS. For most users, this involves restarting your computer and pressing F2 as it boots up to enter BIOS.

Set the boot order to “Removable Device” (the bootable USB drive) instead of the hard drive. Press “F10” to save and exit.

Step 3: Recover data from a crashed system/computer

After booting from the Data Recovery Wizard Boot Disk, select the drive you wish to scan for all lost files. Preview and recover desired files to a secure location.

Then you can try reinstalling Windows on the unbootable computer's hard drive, and copy your recovered data back to the machine and use it again.

How to Use Professional Data Recovery Services to Retrieve Data and Repair an Unbootable Hard Drive

You can also utilize the service's manual data recovery services to retrieve files that cannot be restored by data recovery software. Furthermore, their professional technical team can assist you in resolving various system boot errors, including system crashes, blue screens, and issues with devices not starting.

Tool Data Recovery Services

Contact our experts for a free assessment.

Consult with our Tool Data Recovery specialists for one-on-one manual recovery services. After a free diagnosis, we offer the following services:

• Repair damaged RAID structures, unbootable Windows OS, and corrupted virtual disk files (e.g., .vmdk, .vhd, .vhdx)
• Recover/repair lost partitions and repartitioned drives
• Unformat hard drives and repair original drives (including BitLocker encrypted drives)
• Fix disks that have become GPT protected partitions

How to Manually Copy Data from an Unbootable Hard Drive

You can also try manually copying files and data from the unbootable hard drive to another functioning PC. Recovering data from an unbootable hard drive this way involves five steps.

1. Get an external hard drive enclosure.
2. Remove the non-bootable hard drive.
3. Install the hard drive in the enclosure.
4. Connect the USB and power cables.
5. Recover your data.

Step 1: Turn off the computer, remove the battery, and unplug the laptop or desktop from its power source.

Step 2: Open your laptop's case, locate the unbootable hard drive, disconnect its cable, unscrew it, and remove it from the housing.

Step 3. Place the drive in an external enclosure, and connect it to your new computer. Alternatively, insert the drive into a functioning computer.

4. Restart the computer, and boot from the main hard drive as usual; you should now be able to read and access the data on the second drive.

Step 5: Finally, copy the files and data from the failed drive to the new storage device.

If you found this article helpful, please share it on your Twitter and Facebook feeds to help others find it too.

People also ask

When it comes to the question of how to recover data from an unbootable or inaccessible desktop or laptop hard drive, we've picked two of the most effective methods for you. To better assist you with other similar scenarios, the section below answers more questions.

**1. How to recover files from an external hard drive that won't boot on Mac?**

When your Mac hard drive or external hard drive won't boot, the Data Recovery Wizard for Mac tool comes in handy. It takes 3 easy steps to retrieve files from unbootable drive: create a bootable drive > boot your Mac from the created bootable drive > select the unbootable drive to scan.

2. How can I back up my files if my computer won't start?

With Todo Backup tools, you can back up files or entire disks selectively when Windows fails to boot. You'll need to use this software to burn a Windows PE image to a blank USB to create a bootable disk. Then, you can boot your computer from the bootable disk and use the Todo Backup utility to make a full backup of your computer's saved data. Get the step-by-step guide here>>

3. Can you recover data from a damaged hard drive?

The "Bootable Data Recovery Wizard" can help you recover data from an unbootable laptop hard drive. In fact, it can retrieve all sorts of data from old, crashed, or damaged hard drives.