CAD files are the core digital assets for designers, engineers, and architects. Once lost, they can lead to project delays and even significant financial losses. That’s why knowing CAD file recovery is essential for maintaining workflow and ensuring data security.
If you find that your CAD file wasn’t saved, won’t open, or was accidentally deleted, don’t panic. In this blog, we’ll show you how to recover CAD files in different ways.
Before that, you should clarify your doubts regarding why CAD file recovery is so important. Let us show you some points here:
CAD drawings are often packed with complex details and critical data. Rebuilding them from scratch can take hours or even days.
Even with regular backups, files can still get corrupted or go missing due to system glitches or human error.
Now, let’s get started with these three free CAD file recovery methods and learn about the data recovery process
3 Effective Methods to Recover CAD Files on Windows
There are plenty of ways to recover deleted CAD files, but the best solution depends on your specific data loss scenario. To fully solve your problem, we’ve put together three proven recovery methods below for different situations. But before you get started, here are a few helpful pointers to maximize your probability of successful CAD file recovery:
✅Stop using the drive where the CAD files were stored. As soon as you realize your CAD files are missing, stop using the drive where they were stored. The more you use that drive, the higher the risk that new data will overwrite the lost files.
✅Don’t format or rebuild the disk partition. Even if your system prompts you to format due to errors or inaccessibility, don’t do it right away. Formatting can erase partition tables and complicate recovery efforts.
✅Use a professional CAD file recovery tool. At the first sign of trouble, reach for reliable data recovery software instead of trying random “fixes” from the internet, which could cause further damage to your file system.
Method 1Kingshiper Data Recovery [Safe & Reliable]
Best for: Accidental deletion, formatting, or partition errors
The first method we want to share is the easiest and most effective way on this post to recover deleted, unsaved, and corrupted CAD files is to use data recovery software such as Kingshiper Data Recovery. This tool can help you retrieve files that were accidentally deleted, lost due to formatting, or even after a system crash. It’s beginner-friendly and easy to handle.
Now we’re going to guide you step by step on how to use Kingshiper Data Recovery. It currently supports Windows 7/8/10/11 and is capable of scanning your hard drive to recover common AutoCAD file types like .dwg and .dxf.
Follow the steps below to recover your CAD files with Kingshiper Data Recovery easily:
Step 1. Download and install Kingshiper Data Recovery from its official site, or click the button below to complete the installation process.
Step 2. Launch this program on your Windows computer. To maximize the chances of your successful recovery, it’s best to select “Deep Recovery” to deep scan your system.
Step 3. Then, click on the “Recover” button. Choose the device where your CAD file is stored from Kingshiper Data Recovery’s main list and click “Scan”.
Step 4. After that, this tool will begin scanning the partition you selected. Once you find the target CAD file, just directly check the file and click the “Recover” button at the bottom right of the interface.
Method 2Use the CHKDSK Command [Free]
Best for: Disk errors or corrupted file systems
If you can't open your CAD files because of disk errors or a corrupted file system, you can consider running CHKDSK to recover CAD files. CHKDSK (short for "Check Disk") is a file system repair tool that enables you to scan your drive for problems and try to fix them. While it doesn’t recover deleted files, it can help you access files that became unreadable due to file system damage.
Note: CHKDSK can only scan drives that are mounted and assigned a drive letter (like D:, E:, etc.) and have a recognizable file system.
If you don’t know how to use CHKDSK for CAD file recovery, you should read this section carefully.
Step 1. Type “Windows PowerShell” in the Windows search and run it as an administrator.
Step 2. Type in “chkdsk X: /r”, replace X with the letter of the drive where your CAD files were stored, and hit Enter. Then, it will start scanning and repairing the drive. This might take a while, depending on the size of the drive and how many errors it finds.
Method 3Recover CAD in Windows Security Settings
Best for: CAD files deleted by antivirus software
When your CAD files are accidentally deleted by Windows Security protections, they haven't been permanently lost. Instead, they are typically quarantined in the "Protection History," rather than being completely erased. You can recover these files through the Windows Security settings.
Many users may not notice the files automatically quarantined by antivirus software, but these could be the files you're looking for. If you think that your CAD files were mistakenly flagged and deleted by Windows Defender or other security programs, in this section, we are going to show you how to recover CAD files in Windows Security Settings.
Step 1. Search “Windows Security” and open it on your Windows start menu, go to "Virus & Threat Protection".
Step 2. Click on the “Protection history” under the “Current threats” section. Then, use the filter to select "Quarantined Items," and find the CAD files you need to recover.
Step 3. Once you've located the files, click "Actions" and select "Restore" to recover them to your Windows PC.
What Causes CAD File Loss on a Windows Computer
After learning how to recover CAD files, you should be aware that there are many reasons that can lead to CAD file loss. You can learn the following tips to figure out the detailed reasons and take effective preventive measures to avoid file loss in the future:
Accidental Deletion: This is a common reason that can lead to CAD file loss on your computer. Therefore, be cautious when deleting files to avoid accidentally deleting important files or folders.
Unsupported File Format: Sometimes, CAD file formats may not be compatible with certain operating systems or applications, leading to file loss or an inability to open the file. Ensure that you are using the appropriate application to open and edit CAD files.
System Crashes or Software Failures: If your CAD software crashes or your computer freezes, any unsaved work can be lost or corrupted. Be sure to save your progress regularly to avoid losing any important files.
Hardware Failure: Issues with your hard drive or SSD can lead to file loss or make files inaccessible. Keep your hardware in good condition and perform regular checks to avoid unexpected problems.
Power Outages: A sudden power cut can cause you to lose unsaved files. Avoid working during unstable power conditions, and consider using an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) to protect your computer from sudden shutdowns.
Virus Attacks: Malware or viruses can delete or corrupt files, including CAD files, and make them unusable. Stay cautious by avoiding downloading suspicious software or clicking on unsafe links.
The Final Verdict
By reading this guide, you will have a further understanding of the different methods for CAD file recovery. After learning how to recover CAD files, you may be ready to recover your lost files. Undoubtedly, all of these methods are proficient and can get your files back.
That said, there are some limitations with these methods. Both Windows PowerShell and Windows Security depend on the file system working properly, so they might not be able to recover all types of lost files, especially if the files are severely damaged or have not been backed up in time.
Therefore, we recommend you go with Kingshiper Data Recovery because of its powerful features. You can recover various types of files more efficiently, especially when the data loss situation is more complicated, with this tool. Compared to the other option, Kingshiper Data Recovery provides a more comprehensive recovery solution, helping you recover your deleted, unsaved, or corrupted CAD files with ease.
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