Quick Answer
photorec.exe is safe. PhotoRec is a legitimate data recovery tool from CGSecurity; it runs from the command line to search storage drives and recover files, writing results to a user-specified destination.
Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be in C:\Program Files\TestDisk\photorec_win.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\TestDisk\photorec_win.exe
Warning
Occurs during scans or batch runs
PhotoRec runs as a single or batch process when recovering data; multiple threads may appear during complex scans
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Terminate the session by closing the window or pressing Ctrl+C; remove the TestDisk suite if you do not need it
What is photorec.exe?
photorec.exe is the Windows executable for PhotoRec, a command-line data recovery tool that scans storage devices to recover lost files. It operates independently of the file system, enabling recovery after deletions, formatting, or corruption. It ships with CGSecurity's TestDisk suite.
PhotoRec reads raw sectors, ignoring the file system to locate signatures and reconstruct recoverable files. It supports many formats and writes to a user-chosen destination, providing a non-destructive method to salvage data.
Quick Fact: PhotoRec can recover files from damaged or reformatted partitions by analyzing raw data, making it a versatile companion to TestDisk.
Types of PhotoRec Processes
- Photorec Session: Command-line data recovery session that scans a selected drive or image.
- File Signature Matching: Identifies headers to reconstruct files without relying on the file system.
- Destination Write: Recovered files are written to a user-specified folder.
- Disk Image Recovery: Can operate on disk images (DD images) as input.
- Batch/Scripted Runs: Can be invoked via scripts for automated recoveries.
- Log and Report: Produces a log of recovered files and actions.
Is photorec.exe Safe?
Yes, photorec.exe is safe when obtained from the official CGSecurity site and used as intended.
Is photorec.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real photorec.exe is not a virus. Malware may imitate names; ensure file path and digital signature.
How to Tell if photorec.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\TestDisk\ or C:\Program Files (x86)\TestDisk\photorec_win.exe. Any other path is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click photorec_win.exe -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show CGSecurity.
- Resource Usage: Normal usage during a scan can vary; watch for unusual CPU spikes when idle.
- Behavior: The executable should only run when a scan is initiated by the user; background activity is atypical.
Red Flags: If photorec.exe appears outside TestDisk folders (e.g., Temp, AppData), lacks a valid signature, or runs without user initiation for long periods, scan for malware.
Why Is photorec.exe Running on My PC?
photorec.exe runs when you start a data recovery task with PhotoRec or when a batch/automation script triggers a scan.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Recovery Scan: You initiated a recovery operation; PhotoRec analyzes the target drive to locate recoverable data.
- Batch or Script Execution: Automated recoveries via batch files or scheduled scripts can launch photorec.exe in the background.
- Disk Image Analysis: If you opened a disk image (e.g., an .iso or .dd file), PhotoRec will run to extract files from the image.
- Long-running Scans: Large drives or deep scans may keep photorec.exe active for extended periods during the recovery process.
- Background Recovery Tasks: Some recovery workflows run in the background to prepare results while you work elsewhere.
Can I Disable or Remove photorec.exe?
Yes, you can disable photorec.exe. Stop active scans, prevent startup, and uninstall the TestDisk suite if you no longer need it.
How to Stop photorec.exe
- End Active Session: In the PhotoRec/Command window, press Ctrl+C to stop the current recovery run.
- Close Command Window: Close the photorec command prompt window.
- End Task: Open Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), locate photorec_win.exe, right-click -> End Task.
- Prevent Startup: If part of a startup batch, remove the script from Startup or Scheduled Tasks.
- Stop Background Actions: Check for any CGSecurity background services or startup entries and disable them.
How to Uninstall PhotoRec/TestDisk
- ✔ Windows Settings → Apps → Apps & Features → TestDisk or PhotoRec → Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel → Programs → Uninstall a program → TestDisk / PhotoRec → Uninstall
- ✔ Delete the TestDisk folder (e.g., C:\Program Files\TestDisk) if no other CGSecurity tools are used
Common Problems: Drive Not Detected or No Files Recovered
If photorec.exe isn’t finding files or cannot access a drive, try the following targeted fixes:
Common Causes & Solutions
- No destination folder selected: Choose a valid output folder before starting recovery; ensure you have write permissions to the destination.
- Disk read errors: Check drive connections; run CHKDSK or use a hardware diagnostic tool to verify the disk health.
- Wrong partition type or file signatures: Specify appropriate file systems or try broader search width options (e.g., -t for file types).
- Permission denied: Run photorec_win.exe as Administrator to grant necessary access.
- Large drive with long scan: Be patient; consider limiting the scan to specific partitions or using a smaller target image.
- Corrupted disk image: If scanning a disk image, verify the image integrity or recreate from a known-good source.
Quick Fixes:
1. Run photorec_win.exe and select a drive to scan
2. Choose a valid destination folder for recovered files
3. Update to the latest TestDisk/PhotoRec version from CGSecurity
4. If issues persist, try a disk image recovery scenario
5. Review the log for recovered file paths and errors
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PhotoRec and how is photorec.exe used?
PhotoRec is a data recovery tool that recovers files by signature analysis from a drive or image. photorec.exe is its Windows executable used to launch scans from the command line.
Is photorec.exe safe to run on Windows?
Yes, when downloaded from CGSecurity and used as intended. Verify the file path and digital signature to avoid counterfeit versions.
Where are recovered files saved by PhotoRec?
Recovered files are saved to the destination folder you specify during setup; choose a different drive than the source to avoid overwriting data.
Do I need to install TestDisk to use photorec.exe?
Photorec.exe is part of the TestDisk suite. You typically install TestDisk to obtain photorec.exe, but you can copy the executable if you have the official package.
Can PhotoRec recover from formatted or damaged drives?
Yes. PhotoRec analyzes raw data and signatures, enabling recovery after formatting or corruption, though results vary by drive condition.
How long does a typical PhotoRec recovery take?
Timing depends on drive size and scan depth. Small drives finish quickly; large SSDs or deep scans can take hours.