Can You Retrieve Files from a Dead Laptop?
Yes, files can often be recovered from a dead laptop if the HDD or SSD is intact, using DIY methods, software, or professional services.
A dead laptop, one that won’t power on, shows a black screen, or fails to boot, doesn’t always mean lost data. Even if the motherboard or battery fails, the storage drive often survives.
For unbootable laptops that stuck in a boot loop or showing a Blue Screen of Death, recovery is even easier.
This guide tailors solutions to your skill level.
Recovery Options by Skill Level
Beginners (No Technical Skills):
- Bootable Recovery USB: recover files without opening the laptop.
- Data Recovery Software: simple, point-and-click recovery.
Intermediate Users (Comfortable with Hardware):
- Remove the HDD/SSD and connect it to another PC using a USB adapter or enclosure.
- If the files don’t show up, run Data Recovery Software on the connected drive.
Experts / When All Else Fails:
- Professional data recovery services or official brand repair if software fails or the drive is physically damaged, send it to a professional lab or the laptop brand’s service center. Safest option, but most expensive.
How to Get Files Off a Dead Laptop?
Here are a few solutions to retrieve files from a dead laptop that won’t boot/turn on
Method 1: Use a Bootable Recovery USB
Create a bootable USB with Windows 10/11 recovery media, boot the laptop, and recover files without removing the hard drive.
- Create a bootable USB: Download a Windows 10/11 ISO from Microsoft and use Rufus to make a bootable USB.
- Boot from USB: Enter BIOS (F2/DEL on startup) and set the USB as the boot device.
- Scan and recover files: Use the recovery environment’s file explorer to copy files to an external drive.
Method 2: Remove the Hard Drive or SSD and Connect to Another PC
Remove the HDD/SSD, connect it to another PC via a USB adapter, and recover data from laptop SSD.
Steps:
- Identify HDD or SSD: Check your laptop’s manual to confirm the drive type.
- Remove the Drive: Open the laptop’s back panel (consult the manual to avoid damage).
- Connect to Another PC: Use a USB-to-SATA adapter or enclosure (~$15–$30).
- Copy files to the working PC, watching for permission errors.
Pros: Direct access to files if the drive is functional.
Cons: Risks damaging components or voiding warranties; manual copying fails on corrupted drives.
Method 3: Use Data Recovery Software
If the drive itself is still detectable, the simplest way to get your files back is by using Windows data recovery software.
Remo Recover can scan the hard drive or SSD from your dead laptop and let you restore the files to another computer safely. This avoids risky manual copying and gives you a straightforward way to bring back important documents, photos, or projects.
“….Out of over eight gigabytes of material…The program has practically recovered everything…”- Stefano Stronati on TrustPilot
Steps:
- Connect the laptop’s drive to a working PC (via USB adapter or bootable USB).
- Install Remo Recover Windows on the working PC.
- Scan the connected drive to recover deleted, corrupted, or inaccessible files.
- Click on Scan.
- Preview and save files to a safe location.
Pros: Non-destructive, works on corrupted drives, user-friendly.
Cons: Software cost (~$40–$100, free trial available).
Method 4: Professional Data Recovery Services
Use a dead laptop data recovery service for physically damaged or severely corrupted drives. Costs range from $500–$2,000.
Steps:
- Research reputable services like SalvageData, DriveSavers, and Ontrack.
- Send the drive for professional recovery.
- Receive recovered data via secure transfer or a new drive.
Pros: High success rate for physical damage.
Cons: Expensive and time-consuming (1–4 weeks).
How Much Does Laptop Data Recovery Cost?
The cost of recovering data from a dead laptop depends on the extent of damage and the service provider. On average:
- Logical/software issues: $100 – $300 (non-bootable laptop, deleted files, corrupted partitions)
- Hardware/drive issues: $500 – $2,000+ (damaged HDD/SSD requiring repair or cleanroom service)
Important Things to Know Before Paying for Recovery
- Free Scan or Evaluation: Most professional labs offer a free initial check to assess recovery chances.
- No Data, No Fee Guarantee: Reliable providers only charge if your data is successfully recovered.
- Upfront Estimates: Always ask for a cost estimate before approving recovery.
- Beware of Hidden Charges: Low advertised prices may exclude essential services like parts replacement or expedited recovery.
In short: Costs vary, but you should never pay blindly. Start with a free evaluation and choose services wisely.
What to Do With a Dead or Unbootable Laptop After Data Recovery?
Recovering your files is only half the battle. The next step is deciding whether to fix, upgrade, or retire your laptop.
The right choice depends on whether your system is truly dead (no power at all) or simply unbootable (turns on but Windows won’t load).
Dead Laptop (No Power, Hardware Failure)
Replace the Drive: If the drive was the failing part, install a new SSD, reinstall Windows, and restore your recovered files. This can breathe new life into the laptop.
Repair Other Components: If the storage was fine but the motherboard, charging circuit, or RAM failed, weigh the repair cost. Official brand repair services (Dell, HP, Lenovo, etc.) may be safer but pricier.
Repurpose or Retire: If repair isn’t economical, consider salvaging the RAM, charger, or screen for resale, or trade the laptop in through brand recycling programs.
Unbootable Laptop (Blue Screen, Boot Loop, Windows Crash)
Reinstall Windows: Use a bootable USB to reinstall Windows 10/11. This resolves many OS-level crashes. After reinstalling, restore your recovered data.
Replace the Drive: If the laptop boots inconsistently or shows SMART errors, replace the old HDD with a new SSD. You’ll get both reliability and a performance boost.
Keep as a Secondary System: Not ready to let go? Repurpose it into a Linux machine, media server, or backup system once it’s stable again.
When All Else Fails
Professional Repairs: For laptops under warranty or with valuable hardware, official service centers can attempt motherboard or power system repairs.
New Laptop Decision: If repair costs outweigh replacement value, it may be more practical to buy a new system and use your recovered files to get started quickly.
Prevention Tips to Avoid Dead Laptop Data Loss
Protecting your data is easier than recovering it. Here are proven ways to minimize the risk of losing files if your laptop dies again.
Back Up Regularly:
- Cloud Backup: Use OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox to keep copies of important files automatically.
- External Drive: Set up Windows File History or third-party tools to back up to an external HDD/SSD.
- Best Practice: Follow the 3-2-1 backup rule → 3 copies of your data, 2 different storage types, 1 offsite (cloud).
Monitor Drive Health:
- Use Tools Like CrystalDiskInfo or Hard Disk Sentinel to track HDD/SSD health and SMART attributes.
- Warning Signs: Frequent crashes, slow performance, clicking noises (HDD), or sudden disappearance (SSD).
- Action: If health drops to “Caution” or “Bad,” replace the drive before it fails.
Protect Against Power Problems:
- Use a UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply): Prevents data corruption from sudden blackouts or voltage spikes.
- Battery Care: Don’t let your laptop battery fully drain often; it stresses the hardware and can cause sudden shutdowns.
Keep Windows and Drivers Updated
- Updates patch critical bugs that may cause system instability or boot failures.
- Regularly update BIOS and storage drivers for better hardware compatibility.
Avoid Physical Stress
- For HDD laptops: Avoid drops, shaking, or overheating, which can cause mechanical failure.
- For SSD laptops: Keep firmware updated; while more durable, SSDs can fail suddenly.
Conclusion
A dead laptop doesn’t mean your files are gone for good. In most cases, the storage drive survives even if the laptop itself won’t turn on. From simple methods like creating a bootable USB to removing the drive and connecting it to another PC, or using trusted recovery software, there are reliable ways to get your data back. And if the damage is severe, professional services can step in.
If you want a safe, beginner-friendly option, you can try Remo Recover Windows, download the free trial, and start retrieving your files from a dead laptop’s HDD or SSD today.
