When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Heres how it works.
Everyone has sensitive data they dont want anyone else to get their hands on.
It can be medical records, pay slips, passwords, banking details, etc.
Preferred partner (What does this mean?)
The good news is that you’re free to use data shredder software to erase the files permanently.
The software will overwrite the files in their raw form with nonsense data.
This way, no one can recover the sensitive files if they try.
Eraser
Eraser is an advanced data shredding tool thats free and open-source.
It works with any hard disk accessible on Windows, including old versions like Windows XP and Vista.
Eraser destroys data by overwriting it with gibberish, making it irrecoverable.
Its not the modern, responsive interface youd find on many rival tools, but it works well.
CleanMyMac X Shredder
CleanMyMac X is a file cleaner app designed for macOS users.
It works with all types of Macs, including MacBooks, iMac, and Mac Mini.
This tool makes it easy to delete unwanted files from Mac PCs.
It has a shredding feature that overwrites unwanted data with gibberish, making it irrecoverable.
CleanMyMac X doesnt stop at being a data shredder.
Its a broad file management tool.
It can detect junk files on your Mac, and it’s possible for you to erase them immediately.
CleanMyMac X offers a 7-day free trial, and you better pay afterward to access most of its features.
BitRaser
BitRaser File Eraser is a file wiping software designed for home users & enterprise as well.
BitRaser File Eraser comes in Standard & Corporate edition.
BitRaser allows users to wipe files away from their computers permanently.
BitRaser is easy to use and one of the most trusted data wiping solutions.
The pricing differs for the desktop, mobile, and hard disk/SSD eraser.
EaseUS BitWiper
EaseUS is a Chinese software company specializing in PC utilities.
It offers a file-shredding tool called BitWiper.
This tool makes it easy to wipe files from Windows hard drives permanently.
It can wipe individual files, entire disks, or distinct disk partitions.
you’ve got the option to wipe internal disks or external storage mediums connected to your Windows PC.
BitWiper uses the DoD 5220.22-M, P50739- 95, and Gutmann data destruction algorithms.
EaseUS offers a free version, albeit with limitations.
The Pro edition costs $29.95 annually, covering 1 PC and 3 hard disks.
The Tech edition costs $99.90 annually, covering unlimited PCs and disks.
TweakNow SecureDelete
Microsofts Windows system has come a long way since its debut in 1985.
The company released the latest version, Windows 11, in 2021 and has deployed several updates since then.
If you fall into this category, TweakNow SecureDelete is an ideal file erasure tool for you.
SecureDelete is free to use, so youll stash your money.
This tool is easy to use.
Just clickAdd FileorAdd Folderto choose the data you want to overwrite permanently.
Then nudge the Delete button, and the app will do its job.
Adaware PC Cleaner
Adaware is a Swedish software company popularly known by its former name, Lavasoft.
The company offers a PC Cleaner that includes a data shredding feature.
This software allows you to permanently wipe files in a few clicks.
PC Cleaner only works with Windows PCs.
Adware offers a 30-day free trial to test this tools features.
KillDisk
KillDisk is a popular disk erasure tool.
It offers separate versions for Windows, Linux, and macOS.
It mainly uses the DoD 5220.22 M data destruction algorithm.
KillDisk allows you to erase multiple disks simultaneously.
KillDisk doesnt stop at wiping files.
CBL Data Shredder
CBL is an Atlanta, USA-based company specializing in data management tools.
It offers a Data Shredder that for Windows users to wipe disks permanently.
This tool is completely free to use.
CBL shreds hard disks by overwriting the data with random bit patterns, making recovery attempts impossible.
CCleaner
CCleaner is a popular disk management software developed by Piriform Software, a British software company.
It helps users manage the files on their PCs and keep their storage space in good shape.
There are distinct versions for Windows and macOS.
CCleaner is designed to detect and delete junk files from PCs.
The free version of CCleaner doesnt offer data shredding, so you oughta pay for a premium plan.
KakaSoft File Shredder
KakaSoft is a British software company specializing in utilities for PCs and mobile phones.
It offers a free file shredding tool for Windows users as part of marketing efforts.
This tool uses the US DOD 5220.22-M algorithm to wipe sensitive files permanently.
KakaSofts File Shredder has a user-friendly interface thats easy to understand and navigate.
This tool is compatible with Windows XP, 7, 8, 10, and 11.
KakaSoft offers a user guide to help first-time customers navigate this tool.
File Shredder
At this point, you should have observed that there are many data-shredding tools out there.
The aptly named File Shredder is one of them.
This tool was designed to shred digital files quickly, securely, and reliably.
The developer released their work for free under the GNU license, meaning you might use it without restrictions.
File Shredder allows you to choose between 5 shredding algorithms.
This software also has aDisk Wiper, which lets you wipe unused disk space on your PC.
It is easy to download, install, and use.
Blancco File Eraser
Blancco is a prominent Finnish technology company with offices across the globe.
It offers a variety of data management tools, including a File Eraser for PCs.
This tool lets you securely eliminate sensitive files and folders from desktops, laptops, and servers.
Blanccos File Eraser was designed for enterprises.
The administrator can set up automated processes for erasing files and folders.
This tool provides a digitally signed certificate of data erasure to help enterprises comply with audits.
Its a perfect data shredder software for large enterprises.
This tool doesnt have standard pricing.
Youll have to contact Blanccos sales team to negotiate a deal.
A free trial is available to prospective customers.
PrivaZer
PrivaZer is a PC cleaning tool that has data shredding capabilities.
It lets you delete unwanted files in one swoop.
PrivaZer permanently shreds files by overwriting them with new gibberish data.
This way, they cant be recovered regardless of how hard someone tries.
PrivaZer has a unique pricing strategy; you might choose your own price for an annual license.
Yes, you heard that right.
you could pay $10 and above for your license, and PrivaZer publishes the list of contributions.
PrivaZer is compatible with only the Windows operating system.
CyberShredder
CyberShredder is a lightweight yet effective data-shredding tool.
This tool is free to use, so dont worry about the costs.
CyberShredder does one job and does it excellently.
CyberShredder overwrites files 26 times, making recovery impossible.
This tool has a simple interface that you should face little or no problems navigating.
The main drawback is that it has limited functionality.
It doesnt come with complementary data management features like many rival tools.
IObit Uninstaller
IObit is a prominent software company specializing in PC utilities.
It offers an Uninstaller app that lets PC owners wipe unwanted apps completely from their systems.
This app has a file-shredding feature that allows you to delete files permanently.
Just add the files inside the program, and itll overwrite them with new data.
IObit Uninstaller works exclusively with the Windows operating system.
you could download the free version to shred files and clean up your PC.
IObit Uninstaller Pro costs $12.97 for an annual subscription for 1 PC.
Theres a 30-day window to request a refund if youre unsatisfied with the software.
Iolo DriveScrubber
Iolo is an American software company building utilities for PCs.
It offers a hard drive shredding software named DriveScrubber.
you might use it to shred data from internal or external hard disks.
you’re able to wipe individual files or the entire drive.
Afterward, your disk looks new, and your private files cant be recovered.
This tool lets you wipe multiple drives simultaneously.
It shreds data faster than many rival tools, primarily using the American DoD 5220.22-M algorithm.
This tool works with Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10, and 11.
Unfortunately, this tool doesnt have a free plan.
You must pay to access its features: $29.95 for an annual subscription.
However, theres a 30-day window to request a refund if unsatisfied with the tool.
O&O SafeErase
O&O SafeErase is a sophisticated data-wiping tool.
SafeErase includes tools for wiping web browsing traces, including cookies and download file references.
it’s possible for you to also detect and eliminate insecure files on your PC.
This tool lets you delete entire hard disks or individual partitions on the same disk.
O & O offers SafeErase Server edition for wiping servers.
This version works with all Windows Server operating systems and lets you wipe servers clean to protect your data.
This tool costs $19.95 for an annual license for 1 PC or $29.95 for 5 PCs.
Remo File Eraser
Remo is a prominent utilities software developer.
It offers a File Eraser for Android smartphones and tablets.
you might download this app from the Google Play Store.
It has a simple interface you’re able to easily understand.
Youll give the app access to your files, and you might grab the ones you want to eliminate.
Remo also offers a File Eraser for Windows PCs.
you might use it to wipe data from disks using various shredding patterns.
you might shred files from internal disks or external storage mediums connected to your PC.
Remo provides its data shredding tools for free to Android and Windows users.
Easy File Shredder
Easy File Shredder is designed to wipe data permanently from Windows hard disks.
This tool shreds files quickly and easily by overwriting them multiple times to remove the old data completely.
you could download it from the official website and start shredding files immediately.
Moo0 has an outdated, bland interface, but its still simple to understand.
