diskdigger.exe

What is diskdigger.exe?

diskdigger.exe is a Windows data recovery tool that scans storage devices to locate and recover deleted files. It supports local drives, USB drives, and memory cards, offering quick and deep scan modes, image previews, and signature-based file carving.

DiskDigger reads raw disk data to carve out recognizable file signatures across common file systems (NTFS, FAT32, exFAT). It runs as GUI or portable, writes only when you save recovered files, and avoids modifying existing data to minimize risk.

Types of DiskDigger Processes

• Main GUI Process: User interface and scan orchestration (1 instance)
• Scanner Process: Background sector reading and file carving during a scan
• Preview Process: Generates thumbnails and previews for recovered files
• Temporary Buffer Process: Manages in-memory buffers during long scans
• Driver Access Layer: Low-level disk access wrapper communicating with storage devices

Is diskdigger.exe Safe?

Yes, diskdigger.exe is safe when it's the legitimate file from the official DiskDigger site and not a disguised malware.

Is diskdigger.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real diskdigger.exe is a not a virus. However, malware can imitate names. Always verify path and signature.

How to Tell if diskdigger.exe is Legitimate or Malware

1. File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\DiskDigger\DiskDigger.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\DiskDigger\DiskDigger.exe. Any diskdigger.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
2. Digital Signature: Right-click DiskDigger.exe -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show a valid signature from DiskDigger/Defiant Technologies.
3. Resource Usage: Idle CPU typically 0-5%. Scanning can use more CPU; persistent high usage while idle is suspicious.
4. Behavior: Should not run background tasks when you have not started a recovery job. Extra processes outside your session indicate potential malware.

Why Is diskdigger.exe Running on My PC?

DiskDigger runs when you initiate a recovery job or when the program is configured to scan in the background. It does not install as a Windows service by default.

Reasons it's running:

• Active Recovery Scan: You started a recovery job; DiskDigger loads the drive and begins data carving to locate deleted files.
• Background Scan Profiles: Saved scan profiles or recent sessions may auto-resume, keeping the process active to complete the job.
• Startup Launch: If DiskDigger is configured to run on Windows startup, the executable may start when you log in.
• Portable/Removable Media: Running the portable version from a USB drive can keep the process resident while you interact with it.
• Drive Activity: When a drive is accessed during scanning or when a new media is detected, DiskDigger may initialize worker threads to handle the data stream.

Can I Disable or Remove diskdigger.exe?

Yes, you can disable diskdigger.exe. It's safe to close the app when not recovering data, and you can uninstall it completely if you no longer need it.

How to Stop diskdigger.exe

• End Active Scans: In the GUI, click Stop or Cancel to halt the current recovery job
• Close Application: Click the X button or choose File > Exit to close the program
• Prevent Startup: Windows Task Manager -> Startup tab -> Disable DiskDigger
• Remove Scheduled Tasks: Open Task Scheduler -> locate any DiskDigger tasks -> Delete
• Disable Background Runs: In DiskDigger, disable any option like 'Run in background' or 'Auto-resume' if present
• Uninstall DiskDigger: Windows Settings -> Apps -> Google DiskDigger (or DiskDigger) -> Uninstall

How to Uninstall DiskDigger

• ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → DiskDigger → Uninstall
• ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → DiskDigger → Uninstall
• ✔ Keep in mind you may lose recovered data if you haven't saved it elsewhere

Common Problems: DiskDigger Scanning Issues

If diskdigger.exe is not behaving as expected during recovery scans:

Common Causes & Solutions

• Too Many Files or Large Drive: Limit the scan scope or use Quick Scan first; deep scans on large drives can take a long time
• Resource-Heavy Extensions or Apps: Close other programs; ensure the system has enough RAM; run disks with stable I/O
• Incorrect Drive Selection: Verify you are scanning the correct drive and not a mounted partition you don’t intend to recover from
• Write Destination Permissions: Ensure the destination folder has write permissions and sufficient space
• Outdated Software: Update DiskDigger to the latest version from the official site
• Corrupted Scanned Data: Try a shallower scan first; consider a deep scan on a clean drive if data is still not recoverable

Related Processes