Our verdict: R-Studio is a tool for difficult cases: damaged partitions, RAID arrays, Mac and Linux disks or a PC that no longer boots. Its interface assumes you know what a partition table is. The demo shows everything it finds but saves only files up to 1 MB, so you can check the result before buying.
About R-Studio
R-Studio is developed by R-Tools Technology Inc. It scans disks, partitions, disk images and virtual disks, recognises Windows, macOS and Linux file systems, and can rebuild software RAID and volume sets. Files can also be recovered from other computers over a network with the R-Studio Agent, and from a computer that does not start with R-Studio Emergency startup media.
Without a license R-Studio runs in demo mode. Every function works, including preview, but only files smaller than 1024 KB can be saved. A license key turns the same installation into the full version without reinstalling. R-Studio FAT ($49.99) is limited to FAT and exFAT disks, R-Studio NTFS ($59.99) adds NTFS and ReFS, and the full R-Studio for all file systems costs $79.99. No account is needed to run the demo.
What it does well
- Many file systems. Reads NTFS, ReFS, FAT, exFAT, HFS+, APFS, ext2/3/4 and XFS.
- RAID reconstruction. Detects and rebuilds software RAID and volume sets with automatic parameter detection.
- Network recovery. Recovers files from remote computers running the R-Studio Agent.
- Disk imaging. Creates linear, runtime and multi-pass images of unstable disks before recovery.
- Emergency media. Builds a bootable USB or CD to recover files from a PC that will not start.
Who it is for
Good fit
Advanced users and technicians who recover data from damaged partitions, RAID arrays, Mac or Linux disks.
Look elsewhere
Beginners who want a simple wizard, and users who expect free recovery of large files.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Handles Windows, Mac and Linux file systems
- RAID and network recovery
- Demo shows full scan results and preview
- One-time license, no subscription
Cons
- Demo saves only files smaller than 1 MB
- Complex interface aimed at technicians
- Cheaper editions are limited to certain file systems
How to install R-Studio
The button downloads the official installer from r-studio.com. Install it on a different disk from the one you want to recover; administrator rights are required. In demo mode, check the results with preview first, then buy and enter a key to save larger files.
Questions about R-Studio
Is R-Studio free?
No. Without a license it runs as a demo with no time limit: you can scan and preview everything, but only files smaller than 1024 KB can be saved. Licenses start at $49.99 for R-Studio FAT; the full R-Studio costs $79.99.
Can R-Studio recover files from a Mac or Linux disk on Windows?
Yes. The Windows version reads HFS+, APFS, ext2/3/4 and XFS as well as Windows file systems.
Does R-Studio work when Windows does not start?
Yes, with R-Studio Emergency. You create a bootable USB or CD on another PC and start the damaged computer from it.
