Best File Shredder to Securely Delete Data for Windows
Why need a secure file shredder?
A secure file shredder is a powerful tool that safely and permanently deletes files or folders from a hard drive, providing three key benefits:
● Protect data from recovery: Deleting a file to the Recycle Bin and then emptying it doesn't actually delete the data, but rather makes it invisible by removing the address from your drive. In reality, the file is still there and can be easily restored using many recovery tools.
The powerful shredder can completely erase data from your hard drive, but recovery tools can still retrieve valuable information.
● Forcefully delete files or folders: When trying to delete a file or folder, Windows often reports that it's open in another program, preventing deletion. In such cases, a file shredder can be a helpful tool to forcefully delete the file or folder.
● Wipe infected files: If your PC is infected with a virus, it's crucial to remove the virus and any infected files to safeguard other data on the hard drive and prevent further damage.
How to permanently and securely shred files in Windows 10, 8, 7?
Qiling Disk Master Professional is a Windows file shredder that can securely delete individual files, folders, partitions, or entire drives using various erasure standards, including zero-filling and the U.S. Department of Defense's DoD standard.
The shredder software is compatible with Windows 10, 8, 7, and XP, Vista, and also offers a server edition for Windows Server systems. It has an intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it easy for both beginners and experts to erase files.
If you'd like to try it out, simply click the "Demo download" button and follow the instructions.
Step 1. Install Open Qiling Disk Master, click "Wipe" in the top toolbar, and choose "Shred Files".
Step 2. The file shredder program will be launched. Click "+" to add a file/files that need to be wipe completely.
Step 3. Check your files and folder. Then select a shredding methods, and hit "Shred".
✍ Note: 4 shredding methods adopt different standards, giving varying levels of data deletion security. The "Random data" method is the most secure, followed by "DoD 5220.22-M", "Guttman", and "NIH" methods, each offering increased security with more passes and complex values. Users can select the method that best suits their needs.
Step 4. At last, click "Yes" to confirm the operation.
✍ Note: If you get a message saying some files can't be shredded because they're currently in use, try rebooting your PC by entering reboot mode, clicking PreOS mode or Windows PE mode, and restarting it.
When you see "All files/folders have been shredded completely", your files and folders will be permanently deleted.
How to create a portable file shredder?
Qiling Disk Master enables you to create a portable file shredder software that can be installed on an external USB drive, making it bootable. This allows you to use the portable shredder to delete data on different PCs, even those with boot issues, using the connected USB drive.
To proceed, attach a blank USB drive or CD to your computer and follow these steps.
Step 1. Click "Tools" in the top toolbar, and choose "Make Bootable Media".
Step 2. You can choose "USB Boot device" or "Burn to CD/DVD", "Export ISO file" according to your need. Then click "Proceed".
The USB drive or CD will become a portable file shredder that can be used to boot up another PC and shred data.
● Boot from the portable file shredder
1. Connect the USB drive to a PC, turn it on, and access the BIOS setup by pressing the specific key for your PC model, which can be found by searching online.
2. Under the "Boot" tab, use the arrow keys to select "Change boot order".
3. Set the USB drive as the first option in the boot order. This will allow the system to prioritize the USB drive over the internal hard drive when booting up.
Conclusion
With Qiling Disk Master, you can easily shred files or folders in Windows, wipe partitions or hard drives completely, and securely erase data on an SSD without damaging it.
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