File delete software also known as shredder programs are tools that permanently delete files from your computer. As you may or may not know deleting a file just hides it from the operating system. It isn’t really gone until that same space is overwritten by something else.
This is exactly what a file shredder does – it overwrites selected files using a specified data sanitization method, ensuring that’s it can never be un-deleted with a file recovery program.
Below is an updated list of the very best completely free file shredder software tools:
1: Eraser
Eraser is a very well designed file shredder program. As far as advanced options go, Eraser wins the file shredder competition hands down. With Eraser, you can schedule file shredding with all the precision you’d expect with any scheduling tool. Eraser works in Windows 8, 7, Vista, and XP, as well as Windows Server 2008 R2, 2008, and 2003.
Securely File Shredder is another file shredder program that installs really fast and works by drag and drop. You can add one or more files and folders to Securely File Shredder to completely obliterate them using any of the shredding methods listed here.
In addition to the above, you can use Securely File Shredder to easily shred the contents of the Recycle Bin by clicking the appropriate button in the program.
3. Freeraser
Freeraser is incredibly easy to use. Much like Securely File Shredder from above, it places a Recycle Bin-like icon on your desktop that you can use for a file shredder. Just drag a file or group of files to the bin and they’ll be forever erased from your computer.
When running the Freeraser setup file, you can choose to install it like a standard program or run it like a portable one, which means the files will install to a folder that you can use on a removable drive.
4. WipeFile
WipeFile is a portable file shredder program with some unique options and support for several data wipe methods. You can save the files and folders you have queued up so you can restore and remove them later. WipeFile can also overwrite data with custom text, write to a log file, and be setup to work with the “Send to” context menu in Windows Explorer.
Note: The program defaults to German but can be easily changed from the Extras menu.
Secure Eraser is a software suite that serves not only as a file shredder program but also a registry cleaner. The easiest way to use Secure Eraser is to simply drag and drop files and folders into the program. They’ll automatically show up and you can just click Start deletion to begin shredding the files with any of the above sanitization methods. You can also add data from the right- click context menu.
An option is available to exit the program, reboot the computer, or shutdown the computer when the file shredding is finished.
Note: Secure Eraser attempts to install another program during setup that you must deselect if you don’t want it.
