[3 Methods] Recover Deleted NRW File (Nikon RAW Images) Easily

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Have you accidentally deleted important NRW files from your Nikon camera or computer? You're not alone. Photographers often encounter data loss due to accidental deletion, card formatting, or file transfer issues. Thankfully, recovering deleted NRW files is possible in most cases.

NRW files are Nikon's proprietary RAW image format that stores uncompressed, high-quality data from your camera's sensor. These files are critical for professionals and enthusiasts who need full control over photo editing. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explain what NRW files are, why they matter, and - most importantly - how to recover them quickly and safely.

What is an NRW File?

An NRW file is a RAW image format used by certain Nikon COOLPIX digital cameras. Unlike standard image formats like JPEG or PNG, NRW files contain all the data captured by the camera's sensor, with minimal processing. This results in higher-quality images that offer greater flexibility during post-processing.

Benefits of NRW Format:

• High dynamic range – retains more detail in highlights and shadows
• Non-destructive editing – changes can be reversed
• Better color grading – ideal for professionals using tools like Lightroom

Because of these benefits, NRW files are widely used by serious photographers who need to maintain image quality for editing or printing.

Common Causes of NRW File Loss

Whether you shoot professionally or casually, losing your RAW images can be frustrating. Here are the most common scenarios that lead to NRW file deletion:

1. Accidental Deletion

Mistakenly pressing "Delete All" on your camera or permanently removing files from your PC's Recycle Bin.

2. Memory Card Formatting

Formatting the SD card without first backing up the files.

3. File Transfer Interruption

Unplugging the camera or card reader during data transfer can result in loss or corruption.

4. Malware or Virus Attack

Malicious software can corrupt or delete NRW files on your computer.

5. Storage Device Corruption

Bad sectors on SD cards or external drives may make files inaccessible.

Precautions Before Attempting Recovery

Before jumping into file recovery, follow these essential precautions to increase your chances of success:

• Stop using the device immediately – Continuing to use the SD card or drive may overwrite the deleted data.
• Do not format or reinitialize the memory card – This can make recovery more difficult.
• Avoid saving new files – Any new data can permanently replace the deleted NRW files.
• Ensure the device is not physically damaged – If it is, seek professional help rather than using DIY methods.

3 Methods to Recover Deleted NRW Files

Let's explore various ways you can recover lost NRW files, depending on your situation and device.

Method 1. Recover Deleted NRW Files from Recycle Bin/Trash

If you deleted NRW files from your computer, start by checking the Recycle Bin or Trash.

• Open Recycle Bin or Trash.
• Search for the .nrw files.
• Right-click > Restore (Windows) or Put Back (Mac).

💡 Note: This works only if the NRW files weren't permanently deleted (Shift + Delete or Command + Delete).

Method 2. Recover Lost NRW Files from Backups

If you back up your data regularly, restoring from backup is the safest and easiest method.

Windows File History

• Go to the folder where the NRW files were stored.
• Right-click and choose Restore previous versions.

• Browse available versions and click Restore.

Mac Time Machine

• Launch Time Machine and navigate to the desired folder.
• Browse previous versions and click Restore.

Cloud Backup (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox, Nikon Image Space)

• Log into your cloud account.
• Locate the deleted files in the trash or archive.
• Restore or download them to your local drive.

Method 3. Recover Lost NRW Files with File Recovery Software

If your NRW files have been permanently deleted and are no longer in the Recycle Bin or Trash, and no backups exist, your best option is to use data recovery software. These tools work by scanning your storage device for remnants of deleted files and reconstructing them for restoration.

Donemax Data Recovery is such a data recovery tool. It can easily and quickly recover deleted/lost NRW files from Nikon digital camera, SD card, local drive, external HDD, SSD, USB flash drive, etc.

Step 1. First of all, download and install Donemax Data Recovery on your computer. (If you want to recover lost NRW files from external device, just connect the device such as Nikon camera, SD card to the same computer.)

Step 2. Open Donemax Data Recovery, then select the device or drive where you deleted or lost the NRW files.

Step 3. Click on Scan button to deeply scan the drive or device to find all recoverable files including the lost NRW files.

Step 4. After scanning, you can preview the NRW files. Then select them, click on Recover button.

💡 Pro Tip: Always recover to a different drive to prevent overwriting the deleted files.

More NRW File Recovery Tips

1. Recover Using PhotoRec (Cross-Platform, Open Source)

PhotoRec is a powerful recovery tool ideal for technically inclined users. It works on a signature-based method and can recover RAW formats like NRW even from corrupted file systems.

How to Use PhotoRec (Simplified):

1. Download and extract PhotoRec.
2. Run photorec.exe (or terminal-based sudo photorec on macOS/Linux).
3. Select the drive and partition.
4. Choose file formats to search (uncheck all, then check only .nrw).
5. Start the recovery process and save files to a new folder.

💡 Tip: PhotoRec is highly effective but has no GUI by default. Use the QPhotoRec GUI version if available for ease of use.

2. Common Recovery Issues and Solutions

Issue	Solution
Recovered files are corrupted or won't open	Try opening with Nikon ViewNX or repair with Stellar Repair for Photo
Files are found but cannot be previewed	Use deep scan or a different recovery tool
The device isn't recognized by the recovery software	Use a different card reader or check Disk Management/Utility
Recovery tool doesn't list .nrw files	Customize file type filter or use a tool with RAW support like PhotoRec or Donemax

3. Recover NRW Files from Nikon Camera SD Card

When the NRW files were deleted directly from the Nikon camera, recovery is still possible - especially if you act fast.

Steps:

1. Remove the SD card from your camera.
2. Insert it into a card reader connected to your PC.
3. Use recovery software like Donemax Data Recovery.
4. Scan the SD card, preview, and recover lost NRW files.

Avoid writing new data to the card until the recovery process is complete.

4. When to Seek Expert Guidance

If none of the above tools help recover your files or if:

• The SD card is physically damaged,
• The file system shows as RAW/unreadable,
• You've already attempted recovery but files are corrupted,

It is best to consult an expert data recovery service. Companies like Ontrack or DriveSavers specialize in deep hardware-level recovery, though services may be expensive.

5. Tips for Increasing Recovery Success Rate

To boost your chances of recovering your deleted NRW files:

• Start recovery immediately after deletion.
• Choose a deep scan option if the quick scan doesn't find the files.
• Use a high-quality card reader for better connectivity.
• Save recovered files to a separate disk or drive.
• Preview files before recovering to ensure they’re intact.

How to Open and Edit Recovered NRW Files?

Once you/ve recovered your NRW files, you may need compatible software to open or edit them.

Recommended Software:

• Nikon ViewNX-i – Free Nikon software to manage and view RAW files.
• Capture NX-D – Nikon's image editing tool tailored for NRW and NEF files.
• Adobe Lightroom / Photoshop – Industry-standard tools for RAW image editing.
• Darktable / RawTherapee – Free, open-source alternatives.

Converting NRW Files to Other Formats:

If you prefer editing in other applications or need a more common format:

• Use Adobe Lightroom to export as JPEG or TIFF.
• Use online or desktop converters if you don’t have editing software.

Troubleshooting: If a recovered NRW file won't open, it might be partially corrupted. Some tools like Stellar Repair for Photo may help repair damaged RAW files.

Preventive Measures to Avoid NRW File Loss

Avoid going through the hassle of recovery by following these best practices:

1. Regularly Backup Your Files

Use automated cloud backups or external drives to create redundancy.

2. Use High-Quality Memory Cards

Cheap or damaged cards are more likely to fail. Stick with reputable brands like SanDisk or Lexar.

3. Safely Eject Devices

Always eject memory cards and drives before unplugging them to prevent data corruption.

4. Avoid Full Storage

Don't let your SD card or storage drive get too full; it increases the chance of file system errors.

5. Install Antivirus Protection

Keep your computer and devices safe from malware that can corrupt or delete your files.

Conclusion

Losing valuable NRW files can be stressful, especially for photographers who rely on high-quality RAW images. Fortunately, in most cases, recovery is entirely possible - especially if you act quickly and avoid overwriting data.

Start by checking the Recycle Bin or your backups. If that fails, use a reliable data recovery tool to scan and retrieve your lost files. For SD cards, remove them from the camera and use a card reader for best results. Once recovered, open and edit the files using tools like Nikon ViewNX-i or Adobe Lightroom.

Remember, the best recovery method is prevention. Keep backups, use good hardware, and be cautious when handling storage devices. With the right steps, you can recover your deleted NRW files and safeguard your photography work going forward.