Is it a Virus?
✔ NO - Safe
Must be located at <code>C:\Program Files\Wondershare\Recoverit\Recoverit.exe</code> or <code>C:\Program Files (x86)\Wondershare\Recoverit\Recoverit.exe</code> and digitally signed by Wondershare.
Warning
Background processes can appear during scans
Recoverit launches multiple subprocesses for scanning, indexing, and preview generation
Can I Disable?
✔ YES
Close Recoverit or disable startup/background scanning in settings
What is Recoverit.exe?
recoverit.exe is the main executable for Wondershare Recoverit, a comprehensive Windows data recovery tool. It scans drives to locate deleted, formatted, or corrupted files, using quick and deep scan modes, previews results, and guides you through safe, selective recovery without altering source data.
Recoverit employs a robust scan engine with Quick and Deep Scan modes, supports NTFS/FAT32/exFAT, and performs non-destructive recovery. It indexes results and offers previews, so you can selectively restore files to a safe destination without altering the source drive.
Quick Fact: Recoverit pioneered robust deep scanning techniques to maximize recovery success on damaged drives.
Types of Recoverit Processes
- Launcher Process: Main UI window and user interactions (1 instance)
- Scan Engine: Quick scan and Deep scan modules (multiple instances during a session)
- Preview Engine: Generates previews for recoverable files
- Indexing/Database: Indexes recovered items for fast search
- Updater: Checks for and applies software updates
- Temporary Cache: Stores intermediate results and thumbnails
Is recoverit.exe Safe?
Yes, recoverit.exe is safe when it is the legitimate file from Wondershare downloaded from official sources (wondershare.com or official Microsoft store).
Is recoverit.exe a Virus or Malware?
The real recoverit.exe is NOT a virus. However, malware can masquerade with similar names to trick users.
How to Tell if recoverit.exe is Legitimate or Malware
- File Location: Must be in
C:\Program Files\Wondershare\Recoverit\Recoverit.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\Wondershare\Recoverit\Recoverit.exe. Any other path is suspicious.
- Digital Signature: Right-click Recoverit.exe in File Explorer -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show "Wondershare Software Co., Ltd." or similar.
- Resource Usage: During scanning, CPU usage may spike; typical idle usage is low. If you see consistent high usage without user action, investigate.
- Behavior: Legitimate Recoverit runs only during recovery sessions. If it starts without user initiation or background tasks outside configured modes, consider malware scanning.
Red Flags: If recoverit.exe is located outside the Wondershare directory, lacks a valid signature, or runs when no recovery is started, scan with antivirus and obtain a fresh download from wondershare.com.
Why Is recoverit.exe Running on My PC?
recoverit.exe runs when you start a data recovery session or when scheduled or background tasks operate under user consent.
Reasons it's running:
- Active Recovery Scan: You launched Recoverit to scan a drive or location; the engine runs to locate recoverable files.
- Background Caching/Indexing: During an active session, the app may index items and cache results to speed up recovery.
- Scheduled or Auto-Update Tasks: If configured, Recoverit may perform background tasks to support updates or recovery workflows.
- Software Updates: Updater runs to fetch and apply new versions; this can launch background processes momentarily.
- File Explorer Integration: Context menu integrations or quick-access tools can spawn a process when you interact with recovered items.
Can I Disable or Remove recoverit.exe?
Yes, you can disable recoverit.exe. You can prevent automatic startup, close the app after use, and uninstall if you don't need data recovery software.
How to Stop recoverit.exe
- End Recovery Session: In the UI, stop the active scan or close the program.
- Close from Taskbar: Right-click the Recoverit icon in system tray and exit.
- Disable Startup: Task Manager -> Startup tab -> Disable Wondershare Recoverit
- Block Background Tasks: In Windows Settings -> Privacy or Background Apps, disable Recoverit background tasks if available.
- Stop Updates: Within Recoverit -> Settings -> Update, turn off automatic update checks.
How to Uninstall Recoverit
- ✔ Windows Settings -> Apps -> Apps & Features -> Wondershare Recoverit -> Uninstall
- ✔ Control Panel -> Programs -> Uninstall a program -> Wondershare Recoverit
- ✔ Consider using alternative data recovery tools if needed
Common Problems: High CPU or Memory Usage
If recoverit.exe is consuming excessive resources during scanning or previews:
Common Causes & Solutions
- Large drive with heavy data: Limit scan scope to specific folders or perform targeted scans; pause or stop the scan when unsure.
- Deep Scan heavy: Switch to Quick Scan first; enable Deep Scan only for required files
- Background indexing: Disable background indexing in Settings to reduce memory usage
- Outdated software: Update to latest Recoverit version via Settings -> Update
- Conflicting extensions: Disable auxiliary components or background tools that might interfere with scanning
- Malware or suspicious files: Ensure you downloaded Recoverit from Wondershare official site and run a malware scan
Quick Fixes:
1. Cancel or pause the scan when not necessary
2. Close unnecessary previews and stop thumbnail generation
3. Update to latest version
4. Limit scan depth and scope
5. Run a malware scan to rule out spoofed software
Frequently Asked Questions
Is recoverit.exe safe?
Yes, as long as it’s downloaded from Wondershare's official site and located in C:\Program Files\Wondershare\Recoverit\Recoverit.exe. Malware may imitate the name, so verify the Digital Signature.
What can Recoverit recover?
Recoverit can recover deleted, lost, formatted, or corrupted files from HDDs, SSDs, USB drives, cameras, and memory cards using quick or deep scans.
Does Recoverit have a free version?
Yes, Recoverit offers a free trial with limited recovery amounts; full recovery requires a paid license.
Why is Recoverit running in the background?
Background processes can occur if you initiated a scan or if Windows background services or update checks are enabled. You can disable background tasks in settings.
How do I recover a specific file?
Run a scan, locate the file in the results, preview, select the file, and click Recover. Choose a safe destination different from the source drive.
Where are recovered files saved?
By default, recovered files are saved to a user-specified location during the recovery process (e.g., D:\Recovered). Always choose a different drive to avoid overwriting data.