15 Best File Eraser Software for Windows 11 & Windows 10

In today’s digital age, safeguarding our personal and sensitive data has become paramount. When it comes to deleting files on your Windows system, simply moving them to the recycle bin or hitting the delete key is not enough to ensure their complete eradication. To truly secure your information, you need a specialized file-erasing tool that can overwrite and permanently remove your files from the system.

In this article, we will explore the 5 best file eraser software for Windows, offering you a comprehensive guide to making an informed choice. Whether you’re looking to securely delete confidential documents, wipe away traces of online activities, or erase sensitive files beyond recovery, we’ve got you covered.

15 Best File Eraser Software for Windows

We have extensively researched and tested numerous file deletion software options available on the market. We’ve taken into account their performance, ease of use, features, and reliability to compile a list of the best tools that can effectively eliminate any digital footprint.

1. Eraser

Compatibility: Windows 11/10/8/7, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2003, Windows XP.

Price: Free.

Download Page: https://eraser.heidi.ie/

Eraser is an exceptional file eraser software that tops our list for its powerful features and user-friendly interface. This open-source tool offers advanced algorithms to securely erase sensitive files, folders, or even entire drives from your Windows system. With Eraser, you can rest assured that your deleted data is permanently and irretrievably removed, making it virtually impossible for anyone to recover.

Eraser provides multiple erasure methods, including Gutmann, DoD 5220.22-M, and more, allowing you to customize the level of secure deletion based on your specific needs. Eraser also offers scheduling capabilities, enabling you to automate the deletion process at predetermined times or intervals. This feature comes in handy when you want to regularly erase temporary files, browsing history, or any other data that needs constant cleaning.

Features:

• Secure deletion of free disk space.
• Allows you to customize the number of passes and erasure methods to meet your specific security needs.
• Eraser includes a file shredding feature that securely overwrites and deletes individual files or folders.
• Securely deletes the Recycle Bin every day automatically.
• Provides a task manager to monitor and manage ongoing erasure tasks.
• Plugin support.

Pros:

• Customizable scheduling options.
• User-friendly interface.
• Integrates itself in the right-click menu.

Cons:

• Limited customer support.
• Some users may prefer more customization options for the interface.

2. Kernel File Shredder

Compatibility: Windows 365, 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP, 2000, 98, NT, 95 Windows Server 2019/ 2016/ 2012/ 2008 R2/ 2008/ 2003 R2/ 2003.

Price: Free, Home License ($29), Corporate License ($99).

Download Page: https://www.nucleustechnologies.com/file-shredder.html

Kernel File Shredder is another powerful file eraser software that deserves a spot on our list. This tool offers advanced shredding capabilities, allowing you to permanently delete files, folders, and even entire drives from your Windows system with utmost security.

The software provides a simple and intuitive user interface, making it accessible to users of all levels of technical expertise. You can easily navigate through its features and select the files or folders you want to shred. Additionally, Kernel File Shredder allows you to schedule automatic shredding tasks, providing convenience and ensuring consistent data privacy.

Furthermore, Kernel File Shredder file delete software supports integration with the Windows Explorer context menu, allowing you to right-click on any file or folder to initiate the shredding process directly. This streamlines the file deletion process and saves you time and effort.

Features:

• Multiple erasure algorithms.
• Integration with Windows Explorer.
• Creates log files to save shredding information. 
• Enables you to schedule automatic shredding tasks for consistent data privacy.

Pros:

• Strong file shredding capabilities.
• Allows you to set a password on the app for enhanced privacy.
• Seamless integration with Windows Explorer.

Cons:

• Lack of advanced features.
• May have fewer erasure options compared to some other file eraser software.

3. BitRaser

Compatibility: Windows 11/Windows 10 / Windows 8.1 / Windows 8 / Windows 7 / Windows Server 2019 / Windows Server 2016 / Windows Server 2012 / Windows Server 2008 / Windows Server 2003.

Price: Free, BitRaser Corporate ($39.99).

Download Page: https://www.bitraser.com/bitraser-file-eraser.php

Coming in at number three on our list of best file eraser software for Windows comesBitRaser, a comprehensive tool designed to permanently delete sensitive data from your Windows system. BitRaser stands out for its robust features and ability to securely erase files, folders, internet browsing history, system traces, and even unused disk space.

One of the key features of BitRaser is its support for a wide range of erasure standards, including DoD 5220.22-M, NIST, and more. This ensures that your data is overwritten multiple times, making it virtually impossible for any recovery software to retrieve the erased information.

BitRaser offers advanced features such as file shredding, disk wiping, and privacy guard. The file shredding feature allows you to selectively shred individual files or entire folders, while the disk wiping feature securely erases entire drives, ensuring complete data destruction.

Features:

• Clears system traces and removes temporary files to protect sensitive information.
• Enables secure erasure of entire drives to ensure complete data destruction.
• Allows you to automate erasure tasks for regular data cleansing.
• Stores erasure reports locally as well as on the cloud console.

Pros:

• Safeguards digital privacy.
• Multiple scheduling options.

Cons:

• Advanced features are only available along with paid versions.
• The cost of premium versions of BitRaser may be a consideration for some users.

4. Hardwipe

Compatibility: Windows 11, 10, 8.1/8, 7, Vista, and XP.

Price: Free.

Download Page: https://hardwipe.en.softonic.com/

At number four on our list is Hardwipe, a versatile file eraser software designed to securely delete files and wipe drives on Windows systems. Hardwipe offers a range of powerful features and intuitive functionality, making it a popular choice for data erasure.

Hardwipe offers drive wiping capabilities, allowing you to securely erase entire drives or free disk space. This feature is particularly useful when you need to dispose of or repurpose storage devices while ensuring that no sensitive data remains recoverable.

This nifty file delete software also provides a user-friendly interface that simplifies the erasure process. It integrates seamlessly with the Windows Explorer context menu, allowing you to right-click on files or folders and choose the appropriate wipe option. This seamless integration enhances convenience and streamlines the file erasure process.

Features:

• Rapidly delete files and folders.
• Advanced algorithms for irreversible data deletion.
• Define specific erasure methods and patterns.
• Convenient file erasure from the context menu.
• Securely erase drives or free disk space.

Pros:

• Offers quick, secure, and custom wipe options.
• Securely erase entire drives or free disk space.

Cons:

• Advanced features are only available in commercial versions.

5. Blancco File Eraser

Compatibility: Windows 10/8/7/Vista/XP.

Price: Free, Home Edition ($17.96).

Download Page: https://www.blancco.com/products/file-eraser/

Number five on our list is Blancco File Eraser, a highly effective and comprehensive software designed specifically for securely erasing files and folders from Windows systems. Trusted by organizations worldwide, Blancco File Eraser offers advanced data sanitization features that ensure your sensitive information is permanently and irretrievably erased.

Blancco File Eraser stands out with its support for a wide range of erasure standards, including DoD 5220.22-M and NIST 800-88. These certified algorithms guarantee that your files are overwritten in a way that leaves no possibility of recovery, providing you with peace of mind regarding data security.

With its user-friendly interface, Blancco File Eraser makes the erasure process straightforward and hassle-free. You have the flexibility to select individual files, folders, or entire drives for secure deletion. Whether you prefer a quick erasure or a more thorough, multi-pass method, the software allows you to tailor the level of security to your specific needs.

Features:

• Supports certified algorithms for secure data sanitization.
• Provides comprehensive documentation for audit and compliance purposes.
• Offers options for quick erasure or more thorough, multi-pass methods.
• Cuts system downtime during the erasure process.

Pros:

• Makes the erasure process easy to navigate.
• Strong data sanitization capabilities.
• Easily integrates with other existing IT Enterprise systems.

Cons:

• Primarily geared towards enterprise-level users.

6. File Shredder By Softpedia

Compatibility: Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7.

Price: $14.95

Download Page: https://www.softpedia.com/get/Security/Secure-cleaning/Shawn-File-Shredder.shtml

File Shredder is a software designed to permanently delete files from your computer by overwriting their data, making it nearly impossible to recover them. This file eraser software offers multiple shredding algorithms, such as Gutmann and DoD, ensuring thorough and secure erasure. Its integration with the context menu allows for convenient and quick file deletion directly from Windows Explorer.

Additionally, some versions of File Shredder software may offer scheduled deletion options, automating the process for enhanced user convenience.

Features:

• Offers different methods (like Gutmann, DoD, etc.) for overwriting data, providing varying levels of security.
• Typically has a user-friendly interface, making it easy to select and shred files or folders.
• Some versions offer scheduling options to automate file deletion at specific times or intervals.

Pros:

• Offers various shredding algorithms, allowing users to choose the level of security they need.
• Provides a higher level of security by irreversibly deleting files, preventing data recovery.

Cons:

• Stronger shredding algorithms might be excessive for regular file deletion needs.
• Securely shredding files can take longer, especially for larger files or when using complex algorithms.

7. BleachBit

Compatibility: Windows 11/10/8.1/7 (Both 64-bit and 32-bit versions)

Price: Free.

Download Page: https://www.bleachbit.org/

BleachBit file eraser software is an open-source tool primarily designed to clean and free up disk space on your computer by securely deleting unnecessary files. It works across various platforms, including Windows and Linux, offering a user-friendly interface for easy navigation. Its functionalities extend beyond file shredding; it also clears system cache, temporary files, and application data, enhancing

It supports custom cleaning options, allowing users to specify the files or areas they want to target for deletion, providing a more tailored approach to system cleanup.

Features:

• Offers secure file deletion, making data recovery nearly impossible.
  Clears cache, temporary files, and logs to free up disk space.
• Allows users to specify which files and areas to clean for a tailored approach.
• Offers the option to schedule automated cleanups for convenience.
• Searches for and deletes hidden or obsolete files that may take up unnecessary space.

Pros:

• Completely erases files for secure deletion.
• Helps improve computer performance by deleting useless junk.
• Saves disk space by getting rid of unneeded files.
• User-friendly graphical interface is easy to operate.
• Customizable overwriting passes and shredding options.
• Works well with Windows, Linux, and macOS.

Cons:

• Comes with a basic interface lacking some user configuration options.
• Scanning and cleaning can be slow on larger drives.
• May potentially delete useful active system files if not properly configured.
• Requires some technical knowledge for troubleshooting issues.

8. PrivaZer

Compatibility: Windows XP, Vista, Win7, Win8/8.1, Win10, Win11 (32bits & 64bits).

Price: Free.

Download Page: https://privazer.com/en/

PrivaZer data shredder software is a privacy-focused software designed to thoroughly clean and protect your system’s privacy by securely deleting files and traces of your online and offline activities. It conducts a deep analysis of your system, locating and removing residual files, cookies, and browsing history from various applications, ensuring a comprehensive clean-up.

Additionally, PrivaZer offers a customizable approach, allowing users to tailor the cleaning process according to their specific privacy and optimization needs.

Features:

• Provides in-depth cleaning of various areas including browsing history, temporary files, cookies, and more.
• Allows for secure deletion of files to prevent any chance of recovery.
• Offers options to clean and optimize the Windows registry.
• Allows users to set up automated cleaning tasks for convenience.

Pros:

• Offers secure and permanent file deletion that prevents recovery.
• Provides government-grade deletion algorithms like DoD 5220.22-M and Peter Gutmann’s 35-pass method.
• Can shred files, folders, and drives and wipe unused disk space.
• Includes advanced options like shredding file slack space and remnants.
• Easy-to-use interface and setup wizard for beginners.
• Can monitor folders in real-time to instantly erase deleted files.

Cons:

• Can be slower in operation compared to competitors.
• Not available for operating systems other than Windows.
• Lacks features to erase individual internet usage traces.
• Some advanced customizations require deeper technical skills.

9. Secure Eraser

Compatibility: Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows Server 2016/2019, Windows Server 2012, Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2003

Price: $29.90

Download Page: https://www.ascompsoftware.com/products/show/product/secureeraser/tab/description

Developed by ASCOMP, Secure Eraser file eraser software is designed to ensure the secure deletion of sensitive files and data from your system, offering robust file shredding capabilities and additional features. It conducts thorough scans of designated files and drives, employing military-grade algorithms to overwrite data, rendering it unrecoverable by conventional means.

Furthermore, it provides a user-friendly experience with its intuitive interface, enabling users to select specific files, folders, or entire drives for secure erasure.

Features:

• Offers multiple secure deletion methods, including DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, and more.
• Allows for convenient file deletion directly from the Windows Explorer context menu.
• Capable of securely wiping entire drives or partitions for complete data erasure.
• Offers a portable version that can be run from external devices without installation.

Pros:

• Includes verification of erasure results for guaranteed data removal.
• Supports scheduled erasure tasks and real-time cleaning of deleted files.
• Easy to use pre-configured erasure wizard for beginners.
• Can shred files, folders, free space, drives, and other storage devices.
• Free version available with all key features included.

Cons:

• Lacks features to clean internet traces like browser caches.
• Confusing offer of multiple editions that lack clear feature differentiation.
• Requires rebooting of the computer after the drive/partition erase process.

10. Shredit for Windows

Compatibility: Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT, Windows 200x, Windows ME, Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, Windows 11

Price: $24.95.

Download Page: https://mireth.com/shredit/shredit-windows/

Shredit for Windows is a reliable and secure file deletion software designed to ensure the complete and permanent removal of sensitive files from your system. It employs advanced shredding algorithms to overwrite file data, making it practically impossible to recover using standard data recovery methods.

With its user-friendly interface, it offers a straightforward way to select and securely delete files, integrating seamlessly with the Windows Explorer context menu for convenient access. Additionally, the software provides various shredding methods, allowing users to choose the level of security they require for file deletion.

Features:

• Securely overwrites selected files using shredding algorithms.
• Wipes Windows Registry entries related to shredded files.
• Deletes file fragments and free space on disks or external devices.
• Offers file and disk shredding using NIST, DoD 5220 & other standards.
• Can schedule shredding tasks.
• Wizard-based setup and ease of use.

Pros:

• Provides complete data destruction with secure multi-pass algorithms.
• GPU-accelerated shredding boosts speed up to 300%.
• Protects privacy by eliminating file traces.
• Prevents recovery of deleted files.

Cons:

• Lacks integrated Anti-Recovery capabilities.
• Fewer algorithms are offered compared to competitors.
• Issues cleaning Windows system files.

11. Remo File Eraser

Compatibility: Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 2003, Windows 7, and Windows 2008 operating systems.

Price: $49.

Download Page: https://www.remosoftware.com/remo-file-eraser

Remo File Eraser data shredder software is focused on permanently deleting files from your system, ensuring that they are unrecoverable. Using advanced data shredding algorithms, it securely wipes selected files, making it extremely difficult or impossible for any recovery software to retrieve the deleted data. The tool is designed to provide a simple and intuitive user experience, enabling users to securely erase sensitive files with ease and confidence.

Features:

• Securely overwrites deleted files and folders to prevent recovery.
• In-built drive wipe feature for full or quick erasure of hard drives.
• A variety of internationally recognized data sanitization standards are offered.
• Scheduler and real-time cleaner for auto-deletion of created files.
• Supports external USB drives and permanent wipe of free disk space.
• Multiple file deletion algorithms like Random, DoD 5220.22-M, etc.

Pros:

• Faster performance compared to similar file shredding tools.
• Guaranteed and verified data removal for peace of mind.
• Additional privacy cleaning tools for web trace removal.
• Good customer support via chat, email, and phone.
• Affordable pricing tiers for personal or business use.

Cons:

• Drive wipe requires complete repartitioning.
• Update patches are less frequent than competitor products.
• Privacy cleaning is limited to browser traces only.

12. DoYourData Super Eraser 6.8

Compatibility: Support Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP/2000/Server.

Price: #29.

Download Page: https://www.doyourdata.com/data-erase-software/

DoYourData Super Eraser is secure data erasure software designed to completely delete files, folders, or storage drives to permanently prevent their recovery. It protects privacy by going beyond typical file deletion to ensure no trace remnants can ever be retrieved by recovery software or forensics.

For individual file deletion, this file eraser software overwrites data using internationally recognized standards like the DoD 5220.22-M method along with options like Peter Gutmann’s 35 pass algorithm for high-security prevention of forensic file undelete or scanning tools ever recovering wiped items.

Features:

• 35+ data sanitization standards for wiping files and storage drives.
• Multiple algorithms like Peter Gutmann and DoD 5220.22-M Support.
• Verify erasure and generate detailed report certificates.
• Schedule and automate wipe tasks.
• Erase internet history, cache, and cookies in all browsers.

Pros:

• High-security government-grade wiping algorithms.
• Thoroughly deletes data with drive/space/slack wiping.
• The easy-to-use interface is ideal for beginners.
• Provides verified proof of total data destruction.

Cons:

• Free technical support is limited to 30 days only.
• Drive erase requires reformatting the partition.
• Lacks folder tree view for targeted wiping.

13. Hard Disk Scrubber

Compatibility: Windows 11, 10, Windows 2000 SP2 or later, Windows 2000 Advanced Server or greater, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8

Price: Free.

Download Page: https://www.summitcn.com/hdscrub.html

Hard Disk Scrubber is a disk cleaning and file shredder software for permanently wiping sensitive data on hard drives or external USB storage devices. It allows securely erasing individual files or fully overwrites wiping entire disks.

This data eraser software offers a comprehensive approach to wiping data, allowing users to select specific files, folders, or entire drives for permanent deletion. This tool aims to ensure the complete eradication of sensitive data, making it an ideal choice for those concerned about data security and privacy when disposing of or repurposing storage devices.

Features:

• Complies with privacy standards like DoD 5220.22-M.
• Multiple algorithms like Peter Gutmann 35-pass overwrite.
• Verification of correct data removal.
• Supports physical/logical SATA/IDE drive wiping.
• Can shred individual files and folders.
• Wipe unused disk space and file slack areas.
• Wizard mode for simplified drive erasing.

Pros:

• Can selectively target and wipe unused disk space.
• Easy to use preconfigured disk wipe templates.
• Free customer support and software updates.

Cons:

• Cannot wipe individual partitions separately.
• The user interface is less intuitive than competitors.

14. BitKiller

Compatibility: Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7.

Price: Free.

Download Page: https://sourceforge.net/projects/bitkiller/

BitKiller is a lightweight, portable data eraser software designed specifically for securely deleting files beyond recovery from your system. It focuses on permanent data removal, ensuring that deleted files cannot be restored using conventional methods. Its simplicity and efficiency make it a handy tool for users seeking a straightforward file-shredding solution.

With its emphasis on simplicity, BitKiller offers a swift and reliable method to permanently erase sensitive files, ideal for occasional or specific file deletion needs.

Features:

• Utilizes multiple overwrite passes to irreversibly delete files, rendering them unrecoverable.
• No installation is required; it can run from portable devices like USB drives.
• Allows easy selection and deletion of files through drag-and-drop.
• Occupies minimal system resources and has a small footprint.

Pros:

• Simple interface suitable for users looking for a quick and uncomplicated file deletion process.
• Focuses solely on secure file deletion without extra features, ensuring a straightforward process.
• Being a portable tool, it can be carried on USB drives for use on different systems.

Cons:

• Might offer fewer options for customization compared to more complex tools.

15. FileWing Shredder

Compatibility: Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7.

Price: $29.95.

Download Page: https://www.abelssoft.de/en/windows/security-privacy/filewing-shredder

FileWing Shredder is a software dedicated to securely deleting files, ensuring they are unrecoverable. It focuses on providing a user-friendly interface for efficient and secure file erasure, making it suitable for users concerned about data privacy. With its emphasis on simplicity, FileWing file shredder software offers not only a quick and reliable method for permanent file deletion but also the option to shred free disk space, ensuring no remnants of deleted files remain.

Additionally, its integration with the Windows context menu provides seamless and convenient access for immediate file shredding directly from the file explorer.

Features:

• Utilizes advanced shredding algorithms to overwrite file data, preventing recovery.
• Provides various methods for secure file deletion.
• Allows direct file shredding from the right-click context menu in Windows Explorer.

Pros:

• Convenient access to file shredding directly from Windows Explorer.
• Typically performs file shredding tasks quickly, even with larger files.

Cons:

While user-friendly, the interface might lack certain functionalities or visual enhancements.

Conclusion

When it comes to securely erasing files on Windows systems, these five file delete software options stand out for their powerful features and reliability.

Whether you choose Eraser for its user-friendly interface, Kernel File Shredder for its multiple erasure methods, BitRaser for its drive wiping capabilities, Hardwipe for its versatile file erasure options, or Blancco File Eraser for its certified algorithms, each tool provides a solid solution for maintaining data privacy.

With these file eraser software at your disposal, you can confidently protect your sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands.

FAQs:

FAQ 1: Is file shredding the same as deleting files normally?

No, file shredding goes beyond normal file deletion. When you delete a file conventionally, it’s often just removed from the file system index, and the space is marked as available. However, the data remains on the disk until overwritten. File shredding uses specialized algorithms to overwrite the data multiple times, making it nearly impossible to recover.

FAQ 2: Can shredded files be recovered?

Generally, no. File shredding software, like FileWing Shredder, overwrites the file’s data multiple times, making it highly improbable to recover using standard data recovery methods. However, it’s important to note that a 100% guarantee of irrecoverability isn’t possible in every scenario.

FAQ 3: Is file shredding necessary for regular users?

It depends on the level of data security needed. For most everyday users, regular file deletion suffices. However, if you handle sensitive information and want to ensure it can’t be recovered, file shredding provides an extra layer of security and peace of mind when disposing of or selling devices.