Sony’s ARW format is the proprietary RAW image type generated by its Alpha‑series cameras. It’s one of the most common RAW formats out there.
An ARW photo stores completely unprocessed sensor data. You get maximum flexibility when editing ARW photos. Unlike JPEGs, ARW files retain every bit of color, dynamic range, and detail. Those qualities are essential for professional photographers and enthusiasts. They allow precise exposure adjustments and ensure true-to-life color correction.
Recovering lost or deleted ARW files with RecoveryFox AI makes sure you keep all that high‑fidelity data. That way, you can edit your shots with the fullest possible detail.
In the next section, I’ll walk you through the steps of recovering ARW photos with RecoveryFox AI-a user-friendly and easy-to-use data recovery tool for Windows.
Step 1. Prepare Your Storage Device
Stop using the device (SD card, camera, USB drive) where your data is ARW files were stored immediately after the data loss. Continuing to write new data risks overwriting the lost files.
Connect the device to your Windows PC via a card reader or USB cable.
Step 2. Download and Install RecoveryFox AI
Go to https://www.wonderfoxrecovery.com and click the Free Download button to download the installer to your PC. Then, double-click on recoveryfoxai.exe and follow the installation wizard to install RecoveryFox AI. When complete, launch RecoveryFox AI.
Step 3. Select File Location
Pick the device in the main window. Under “Your Drives” you’ll see internal drives and any connected external devices (e.g., your SD card or USB). Click on the device letter corresponding to your camera storage and the Quick-scan will start.
Step 4. Scan for Lost Files
- Quick Scan: Automatically runs and usually takes just a few minutes.
- AI Scan (Deep Scan): If Quick Scan doesn’t locate your .ARW files, the software will seamlessly transition into AI‑powered deep scanning. This scan mode rebuilds fragmented data using advanced algorithms, and may take longer depending on the size and health of your device.
Tip: You can pause or resume the scan at any time to review or recover the files that have been found.
Step 5 (Optional). Filter and Preview ARW Files
Use file‑type filters and preview the photos. Switch to the “File Type” panel and select ARW under the Camera tab.
Or enter “.arw” in the search box to narrow results to Sony RAW files.
Select any .ARW file and hit “Preview” to verify it’s the photo you want before recovery.
Step 6. Recover and Save
Check all the ARW photos you wish to restore. At last, hit the “Recover” button and choose a different drive or device—never save recovered files back to the same card or partition to avoid overwriting other lost data.
RecoveryFox AI will export the ARW photos very smoothly and prompt you when the selected files have been restored.
P.S: The recovery feature in only available in the registered version.
Final Words
RecoveryFox AI is a beginner-friendly program centered on user experience. It makes it easy for anyone to recover precious ARW photos or pictures in other formats. Act fast when you face data loss and stop using the device that suffered data loss immediately to get a better chance at restoring your files.
