Quick Scan

Method: File system metadata reconstruction.
What it finds: Recently deleted files and files on a deleted/lost partition (as long as metadata is present).
When to use: You emptied the Recycle Bin or removed files recently. But also, scan a lost partition with an intact file system

Deep Scan

Method: Raw signature-based scan.
What it finds: Files by signature even if the file system is damaged or missing. May infer names from EXIF or embedded metadata, but original folder tree is lost.
When to use: When other can modes yield no result.

Search for Lost Data

Method: Hybrid — uses file system reconstruction and performs a deep scan only in empty/unallocated space.
What it finds: Existing, reconstructed and deleted/lost files with faster deep-scan coverage where it counts.
When to use: You want a thorough but time-efficient scan that balances speed and reach. This is the default scan mode in Disk Drill

Allocate Existing

Method: File system metadata reconstruction.
What it finds: Existing data referenced in the file system.
When to use: Some times minor file system corruption prevents data access, this method may help you access your files without the need for scans

Advanced Camera Recovery

Method: Signature-based scan, file meta data analysis, pattern analysis.
What it finds: Still and video footage on corrupt, formatted, etc. memory cards
When to use: To recover photo and video footage produced by hi-res and action cameras from memory cards.

How to Start Different Scan Modes in Disk Drill 6

Disk Drill organizes scan modes based on whether you right-click a physical drive or a partition. Here’s a quick guide:

When you right-click a physical drive (like Toshiba or WDC):

• Search for Lost Data — performs a combined scan on the entire physical disk.
• Deep Scan — runs a full signature-based raw scan across the whole drive.
• Scan for Partitions — locates lost or deleted partitions before scanning them individually.

When you right-click a partition (like C:, D:, or a recovered partition):

• Search for Lost Data — scans for deleted or lost files within that specific partition.
• Advanced Camera Recovery — specialized scan for photos and videos on that partition, great for SD cards and camera media.
• Quick Scan — fast recovery of recently deleted files on that partition.
• Deep Scan — signature-based recovery limited to the selected partition.
• Allocate Existing Data — lists all files currently accessible by the OS on that partition.

Not sure which Disk Drill 6 scan mode to choose?

Different types of data loss require different recovery approaches. Whether you’ve accidentally deleted a file, lost an entire partition, or need to recover fragmented 4K video from a camera card, picking the right scan mode can save you time and improve results. The table below lists the most common data loss scenarios, along with the recommended Disk Drill scan mode and why it works best.