How Data Recovery Works
Understand what happens when files are deleted and when recovery may still be possible.
Last updated August 23, 2026
When you delete a file, the operating system typically removes directory entries and may mark storage space as available. The underlying data often remains until new writes overwrite those blocks.
Filesystem metadata recovery
RecoverIQ can use filesystem metadata on supported volumes (such as NTFS and FAT32) to locate deleted entries when they still exist.
Signature carving
When metadata is missing, deep scan can search for known file signatures (for example JPEG or PDF headers) in unallocated space.
Important limits
Recovery is not guaranteed. SSD TRIM, continued use of the drive, and secure erase operations reduce success rates.