Is Disk Drill Safe?
Some people need clarification about whether Disk Drill is safe, especially when it comes to protecting their data from malware or potential scams. The solution is simple: test the software for yourself to confirm its safety. We did just that, thoroughly scanning Disk Drill for viruses, malware, and any suspicious activity. Here is what we found out.
How We Tested if Disk Drill Is Safe to Use
To check Disk Drill, we took a thorough approach, covering all the bases to verify its safety. You can follow these steps yourself to confirm the results. Here’s how we tested it.
1. The Software Download
We started by downloading Disk Drill directly from the official CleverFiles website. The developer, CleverFiles (a subsidiary of 508 Software), provides the most up-to-date version of Disk Drill through their official site.
⚠️ Important. Always download software from official sources, no matter what anyone says. Avoid third-party websites, as they can distribute modified or cracked versions, which often carry malware.
We visited the CleverFiles website and accessed the download page. The newest release, Version 5.5.900, dated 7 May 2024, began downloading automatically. The website provided two download options: a regular installer (around 20 MB) and an extended installer (over 100 MB). The regular installer includes the critical application files, while the extended installer offers everything needed for Disk Drill to run smoothly on Windows, including Microsoft’s NET Desktop Runtime.
2. Virus Check of the Installer
After downloading Disk Drill from the official CleverFiles website, we proceeded to test the safety of the installer. We began with the regular installer, which most users will choose. For this, we used VirusTotal, a trusted service owned by Chronicle, a subsidiary of Google. VirusTotal inspects files using over 70 antivirus scanners and URL/domain blocklisting services, along with a wide range of tools to extract signals from the content being analyzed. You can read more about how VirusTotal works on their official website.
We uploaded the regular Disk Drill installer to VirusTotal, which began its extensive scan. The result was clear: none of the 75 security vendors flagged the file as malicious, and no virus was detected.
We also tested the extended installer, which includes additional software components like Microsoft’s .NET Desktop Runtime. This version was scanned by 63 antivirus engines, and no threats were detected.
To further validate the results, we manually reanalyzed both installers through VirusTotal. This extra step confirmed our initial findings: both the regular and extended installers are free of malware. These detailed checks show that Disk Drill’s installation files are secure when downloaded from the official source.
🖊️ Note. Scanning the installer is important, but stopping there isn’t enough. Some malware can stay hidden until after installation, triggering only when the software runs. To catch any potential risks, we tested Disk Drill after installation in the virtual environment, keeping a close watch on system behavior and performance.
3. System Check After Using Disk Drill
We installed Windows 11 on a virtual machine and tested the system for malware before downloading Disk Drill. This approach confirmed that we were working in a clean environment, so our results would not be affected by any pre-existing threats. Both the regular and extended installers of Disk Drill were tested within this virtual machine setup.
We ran the installer and installed the software on our system without any issues. During installation, the system displayed the usual prompt: “Do you want to allow this app to make changes to your device?” We selected “Yes.” This prompt is standard for software that requires administrator-level access, such as data recovery tools. Disk Drill needs these permissions to scan deep into your system and recover lost data effectively.
After performing several data recovery operations, we conducted a full system scan. We chose Windows Defender to scan the system because it is a powerful, built-in security tool for Windows 11. Windows Defender consistently ranks among the top antivirus solutions, offering strong protection with up-to-date malware definitions.
After about 20 minutes of running a full system scan, Windows Defender confirmed that our system was safe and free from malware. This thorough scan covered all areas of the virtual machine, verifying that the Disk Drill did not introduce any security threats during installation or use. The clean scan results further supported our findings that Disk Drill operates securely on Windows without compromising system integrity.
💎 Note. Did you know that sometimes Windows Defender can mistakenly delete important files it identifies as suspicious? You can learn how to restore these files if this happens.
So Does Disk Drill Contain Malware?
No, Disk Drill does not contain malware. Our thorough testing confirms that the software is free from any malicious code. From scanning the installer to running full system scans after installation, all results indicate that the Disk Drill is safe to use.
However, while confirming that Disk Drill is malware-free is a critical part of assessing its safety, there are additional factors that contribute to the overall security of the software. Safety isn’t just about avoiding viruses; it also involves how the software interacts with your data, privacy protections, and system integrity. These aspects are equally important in determining whether Disk Drill is a reliable and secure choice for data recovery. Next, we’ll examine the specific features that contribute to safety.
Is Disk Drill Safe to Use?
Through our detailed testing, we identified several critical factors that contribute to Disk Drill’s safety. These factors go beyond just avoiding malware and touch on how the software interacts with your data and system during the recovery process.
Non-Destructive Data Recovery
Non-destructive data recovery refers to a method of retrieving lost files without making any changes to the original data on your drive. This approach is important because it prevents further damage to your files during the recovery process. Some recovery tools may write new data to the drive, which risks overwriting or corrupting the files you’re trying to recover. Non-destructive recovery guarantees that the software only reads your lost data without modifying anything on the disk.
To verify that Disk Drill uses a non-destructive approach, we tested it on several drives, including a 32GB flash drive. After scanning the drive with Disk Drill, we analyzed the contents to check for any unexpected changes or modifications. Disk Drill successfully recovered files without writing any new data to the drive, confirming that it preserved the integrity of the original data. This non-destructive approach adds an important layer of safety, as it minimizes the risks associated with data recovery.
Offline Operation
We also verified that Disk Drill operates entirely offline, which is a key feature for maintaining security and privacy during recovery. While scanning our 32GB flash drive, we monitored network activity to confirm that the software didn’t send any data over the internet or communicate with external servers. Disk Drill performed all recovery tasks locally on the test machine without requiring an internet connection. This offline operation ensures that your data remains private and secure throughout the entire recovery process, without any risk of external access.
Privacy
We live in a world where much of the software and online services we use collect extensive data on users, often to sell it to third parties. This makes privacy an important factor when choosing a data recovery tool. A reliable tool must respect user privacy and handle recovered files, along with any related metadata, confidentially.
Disk Drill, developed by CleverFiles, follows strict privacy practices. As stated in the application’s terms of service:
💎Note. The company’s privacy policy further states this commitment:
“508 Software will not sell or rent Your Personal Information or a list of its customers and/or users to third parties.”
Our testing confirmed that Disk Drill operates offline, keeping all recovery processes and data strictly local to your machine. This guarantees that your data remains entirely under your control, without being transmitted to external servers. With such a strong emphasis on privacy, Disk Drill stands out as a safe choice when you need to recover lost files without worrying about your information being exposed or shared.
Does Disk Drill Collect Data?
We’ve already discussed how Disk Drill respects user privacy and does not collect personal information. However, like most software of its kind, Disk Drill does collect some data. This is completely normal and doesn’t involve gathering information about you personally. Instead, the software collects anonymous data about how users interact with the program.
The information collected includes information on which features are most commonly used. These anonymous data points help developers analyze the software’s usability and make improvements. No personal or sensitive information is involved, so your privacy remains protected.
💎Note. If you prefer not to share any data at all, Disk Drill allows you to disable this feature. Here’s how:
1. Open Disk Drill on your computer.
2. Click on the menu icon in the top-right corner of the interface.
3. Select “Preferences” from the dropdown menu.
4. Uncheck the box labeled “Share anonymous analytics with CleverFiles.”
Who Stands Behind Disk Drill? Is Developer Legit?
When evaluating software, it’s important to look at the developer behind the tool. Many software tools are created by developers who provide little information about themselves, raising concerns about trustworthiness. Without transparency, you can’t be sure if their software is safe. Some developers might steal your data, while others might push additional unwanted software onto your system. These risks make it vital to know who is behind the software you’re using.
Disk Drill is developed by CleverFiles, a US-based company that operates under 508 Software in Alexandria, Virginia. With numerous consumer protection laws and policies in the US, CleverFiles is held to clear standards, which helps users feel more secure about the company’s practices. Additionally, CleverFiles has been operating for more than a decade, further reinforcing its credibility. You can trust that this is not a scam or a fly-by-night operation.
CleverFiles also stands out for its transparency. The company openly provides details about its operations, contact information, and its commitment to user privacy. This level of openness sets it apart from less reputable developers, making it easier to trust Disk Drill as a safe and legitimate recovery tool backed by a reliable company.
User Feedback and Reviews
The internet is full of Disk Drill reviews from both professionals and regular users. These reviews offer an exhaustive look at the software’s effectiveness and overall user experience.
Most users share positive reviews about Disk Drill, praising its ease of use and strong recovery capabilities. Whether on forums, review platforms like Trustpilot, or tech blogs, Disk Drill is often recommended as a reliable data recovery solution. Users frequently highlight successful recoveries from hard drives, USB drives, and other storage devices.
However, a few negative reviews do exist. These are usually related to specific data recovery results or debates about the software’s pricing model, and they have nothing to do with the software’s security. Factors like the condition of the storage device and the extent of data loss can affect recovery outcomes, which explains some of the mixed experiences.
For a broader look at user feedback, go check reviews on sites like Trustpilot and Reddit:
- “I was able to recover all the files, and at least 95% have been fully recovered. I am so incredibly happy. TWO THINGS… it is not a miracle piece of software. It can find and recover deleted files/folders and even partitions, but only if they have not been overwritten (NOTHING can recover overwritten files).”
- “Disk Drill is an amazing experience. I took my daughter on a scuba trip to Palau (South Pacific) and we had some amazing footage of diving with sharks. I stored the video on a 3TB drive and thought I would build a small secure partition to protect my data. Turns out I partitioned the entire disk. I nearly gave up but tried Disk Drill on a whim, right before completely reformatting the drive. I can’t tell you how shocked I was that I was able to completely recover all the files I was missing! I appreciate all that you have made, and I wish you the best.”
These mostly positive reviews, combined with endorsements from professionals, reinforce that Disk Drill is a safe and dependable tool for data recovery.
Conclusion
After thoroughly testing Disk Drill and considering user feedback, we confidently conclude that Disk Drill is a safe and reliable data recovery tool. It passed malware checks, operated securely on our system, and respects user privacy by not collecting personal information unless permitted. With positive reviews and a solid reputation, Disk Drill stands out as a trustworthy option for recovering lost data without compromising your system’s security.
FAQ
Is Disk Drill a secure option?
Yes, based on our extensive testing, Disk Drill is a secure option. It passes all malware scans, operates securely on both Windows and Mac, and respects user privacy by not collecting personal information without permission.
Is Disk Drill Safe to Download?
Yes, Disk Drill is safe to download, provided that you obtain it directly from the official CleverFiles website. Downloading software from unofficial or third-party websites can expose you to modified versions that might contain malware.
Does Disk Drill contain malware?
No, Disk Drill does not contain any malware. We scanned the installer using multiple antivirus tools, including VirusTotal, and found no threats. Additionally, our full system scans after installation confirmed the software’s safety.
Is Disk Drill Safe for Mac?
Yes, Disk Drill is safe to use on Mac. We tested it on macOS as well and found no security issues. The software operates securely, respects your privacy, and works offline without sending data to external servers.
Does Disk Drill collect my data?
Disk Drill does not collect personal data unless you explicitly allow it. The software gathers anonymous analytics about in-app usage to improve performance, but you can disable this feature in the software’s preferences.
Can I use Disk Drill without an internet connection?
Yes, Disk Drill operates entirely offline. You do not need an internet connection to use the software, which means your data stays on your machine without being transmitted externally.
Is CleverFiles a trustworthy company?
Yes, CleverFiles is a US-based company with a lot of experience in data recovery software. They operate transparently, adhere to consumer protection laws, and have built a strong reputation with users and professionals alike. CleverFiles has been operating for more than a decade, so you can trust that this is not a scam.
