In this post, we discuss the best file shredder software to prevent hackers from accessing sensitive information on your PC.

Why do hackers invade a device? Most of the users think that hackers aim to get a ransom in return for their data. But, you know what this is what a novice hacker does. The hacking experts look at the bigger picture, i.e., in addition to extorting money, they also want to use your data for their evil purposes. They might even intend to plan a terrorist attack using your data. The only way to safeguard your data is to keep it out of the hacker’s reach.

People think that deleting data from the PC and transferring it to the cloud saves them. Well, this is also not true as, nowadays, even an average computer user can recover the deleted files via file recovery software. Hence, it would not be tough for hackers to retrieve them. Thus, the ultimate way to protect yourself is to make your data irrecoverable using the best data shredder software.

The best file shredder for Windows 10 uses data sanitization methods to overwrite the data on a hard drive so that it cannot be recovered. All the file shredders use different sanitization methods such as Secure Erase, DoD 5220.22-M, NCSC-TG-025, AFSSI-5020, and more. First, let’s look at the data sanitization methods in a bit more detail. After that, we will talk about the best data shredder software that makes it impossible for hackers to retrieve the data.

Data Sanitization Methods that the Best File Shredder Software Use

Below are the data sanitization methods that are commonly used by various Windows file shredders.

It implies a combination of commands on PATA and SATA hard drives. Using this method of data sanitization, the best computer document shredder wipes out the data from the drive itself. And, experts call it one of the most reliable ways to get rid of data permanently.

This is another most common data destruction way that the best file deletion software use to delete files permanently. It overwrites the hard drive data using zeros and ones randomly. In this method, there are three overwriting passes. The first pass writes and verifies 0, the second pass writes and verifies 1, and the last pass writes and verifies a random character.

Next is NCSC-TG-025. It also uses a three-pass system like DoD 5220.22-M and works in the same way. Though it is less frequently used than the latter.

Above were three top ways to remove the data permanently. After knowing about them, it will be fairly easy for you to pick the best file shredder software for Windows 10/8/7.

The Best File Shredder for Windows 10 to Permanently Delete Data & Make it Irrecoverable

Below are some of the best file and data shredder software that you need to wipe away the deleted data completely.

1. O&O SafeErase

Windows file shredder to erase files instantly 

Data Sanitization Methods:  Gutmann, DoD 5220.22-M ECE, US DoD 5220.22-M, Lowest Security Method, Overwrite data with zeros, Medium security Method

We believe that when it comes to sensitive data, you should only use reliable and the best file shredder for Windows 10. One of the trusted tools is O&O SafeErase. This easy to use software has plenty of features to delete the files permanently and make them irrecoverable.

Talking about the features, it has all the regular functionalities such as folder deletion, deleting files from memory card and USBs, and more. The highlighting feature of this software is Instant Erase as it allows you to permanently wipe out the files in a fraction of seconds.

Features of  O&O SafeErase

• It does not need a boot medium to delete the whole computer.
• With this software, you can delete internet traces and temporary files.
• It boasts six ways to remove confidential data permanently.
• There is an analysis tool to find the unsafe deleted files.
• It gives you a detailed report of all that is deleted.
• You can use the instant erase feature to delete files immediately.

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2. Secure Eraser

Best delete software with multiple uses 

Compatibility: Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP

Data Sanitization Methods: DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, Random Data, VSITR

This entrant on our list is not merely the best file shredder for Windows but it is the perfect blend of many PC care tools. For instance, it even hosts the much-needed registry cleaner to free up the PC space.

This is not all and it also scrapes away folders, partitions, and even the complete hard drive. It uses various sanitization methods such as DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, and more. One unique thing about this disk shredder for Windows 10 is that it even lets you change the data sanitization method.

Features of Secure Eraser

• It boasts support for five top-class deletion algorithms and displays a description of all of them.
• With this software, you can safely overwrite previously deleted items, drives, and partitions.
• It can find and fix registry errors.
• There is a highly needed junk removal feature to get rid of useless data.
• You can make the software ignore errors that you do not wish to correct.

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3. DriveScrubber

Best data destruction software to make the entire drive’s data irrecoverable 

Compatibility: Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, XP

Data Sanitization Methods:  Guttman, single pass system, DOD 5220.22‐M

As it is evident from the name, this secure file eraser for Windows 10 scrubs the entire drive. This ensures that the data remains irrecoverable no matter how hard someone tries to recover it.

It hosts three modes to ensure the irrecoverability of data. The first mode is wiping out the entire hard drive. The second mode is clearing the drive’s free space. The last but not least mode is a desktop file incinerator that deletes single files and folders. All these modes collectively ensure that even the best file recovery software fails to recover the files.

Features of DriveScrubber

• It has customizable cleaning levels and lets you be in control of wiping strength.
• DriveScrubber uses wiping methods earlier used by the US Department of Defense.
• You can batch-wipe drives, i.e., clean more than one drive simultaneously.
• It allows you to pause and resume the cleaning process whenever you want.
• This software even removes data from damaged or virus-infected drives.

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4. Lavasoft File Shredder

One of the best file shredders for Windows 10 to delete files in a jiffy 

Compatibility: Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8

Data Sanitization Methods: Gutmann, DOD 5220.22-M ECE, US Army Algorithms

Lavasoft is among the pioneers in the anti-spyware domain. Here we introduce you to the best file eraser for Windows 10 from this tech giant. This easy to setup utility helps you effectively delete all the sensitive data from the PC’s hard drive. It even lets you choose from the available sanitization methods to permanently overwrite the space occupied by the deleted files and make them irrecoverable.

What make it a part of our list are the unique features that it offers. Some of these options include wiping out the traces of your computer usages, deleting the files from the recycle bin, and more. It even creates a bin icon on the desktop to help you delete files snappily.

Features of Lavasoft File Shredder

• You can drag and drop files into the shredding bin to get rid of them conveniently.
• It boasts a simple 3 click process to shred files.
• There is a “Shred all free space guide” to remove all deleted files and folders permanently.
• You get a detailed shred log with complete information about all that has been removed.

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5. WipeFile

Among the best portable Windows file shredders 

Compatibility: Windows 10, 8, 7

Data Sanitization Methods: Bit Toggle, DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, NATO Standard, NAVSO P-5239-26, MS Cipher, Random Data, WipeFile, Write Zero

If you need a free file shredder for Windows 10, then we would recommend WipeFile. This easy-to-use and portable software provides some of the most unique features that are not available even in the premium file shredders.

A few of its striking features include drag & drop to shred multiple files, the option to add specific data for overwriting the hard drive, EXE file removal, etc. Moreover, it has several data sanitization methods such as Write Zero, Gutmann, NATO Standard, and more to make files unrecoverable.

Features of WipeFile

• It seamlessly integrates with Windows Explorer.
• You can drag and drop multiple files to the shredder.
• This software lets you add file masks when shredding files from folders.
• It is a portable software that you can use without downloading.

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6. Hard Disk Scrubber

Best delete software with file renamer 

Compatibility: Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8

Data Sanitization Methods: AFSSI-5020, DoD 5220.22-M, and Random Data

Here comes another free file shredder for Windows 10 that lets you shred multiple files at once. In addition to this, it also boasts highly customizable settings. Some of these settings include the option to overwrite the files without removing them. This way your data gets protected even without deleting the file.

It employs three data sanitization methods namely AFSSI-5020, DoD 5220.22-M, and Random Data to permanently wipe out the deleted files. The highlight of this best data shredder software is the option to rename the files instead of deleting them. If you use this functionality, then it first renames the file and then makes use of the sanitization method to render it irrecoverable.

Features of Hard Disk Scrubber

• It lets you overwrite files without any need to delete them.
• There are three data sanitizing options to delete files permanently.
• You get a file renamer to rename files without deleting them.
• With this software, you can create your own Scrub Types.

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Also Know: How to Disable Telemetry and Data Collection in Windows 10

7. Remo File Eraser

Best free file eraser with customizable scheduler

Compatibility: Windows 10, 8, 7

Data Sanitization Methods: DoD 5220.22-M, Random Data, Write Zero

Now, let’s have a look at another easy to use and the best free file shredder. It has an array of features to delight users and makes it easy for you to permanently delete the files.

This best data shredder software’s unique features include a hard drive, memory card, and USB shredding. Moreover, it also lets you permanently delete files from the recycle bin, shred previously deleted files, and schedule the file deletion.

Features of Remo File Eraser

• There is a wipe free disk space option to shred deleted files.
• It boasts context menu integration to let you wipe out files from anywhere in Windows.
• You can drag and drop files to batch shred them.
• In its Pro version, it gives you an option to choose from medium and high level shredding patterns.
• As said above, it comes with an in-built scheduler to schedule file shredding.

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8. Eraser

One of the most straightforward free file shredding software 

Compatibility: Windows XP, Server 2003, Vista, Server 2008, 7, 8, 10

Data Sanitization Methods: DoD 5220.22-M, AFSSI-5020, AR 380-19, RCMP TSSIT OPS-II, HMG IS5, VSITR, GOST R 50739-95, Gutmann, Schneier, Random Data

Eraser is as straightforward as its name suggests. With this free and open-source software, you can permanently wipe out deleted files with ease. It boasts multiple data sanitization methods to help you make the files unrecoverable even with the best data recovery tools. Some of its highly useful features include a customizable scan scheduler that you can use to shred files as and when needed. Apart from this, below is what else makes this software one of the best file shredding software for Windows.

Features of Eraser

• It has a scheduler to let you schedule the file shredding process according to your convenience.
• There is a multitude of data sanitization methods available.
• Eraser boasts Windows Explorer integration as well.
• You can drag and drop files to the shredding pane.
• With this software you can clean an individual file, files present in a folder, files from Recycle Bin, unutilized disk space, drives/partitions.

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9. Kernel File Shredder

Windows file shredder with password protection

Compatibility: Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10

Data Sanitization Methods: Zeros (1 pass), DOD 520 (3 passes), US Army AR380-19 (3 passes), US Air Force 5020 (3 passes)

Kernel File Shredder is another computer document shredder worth your attention. It boasts many features that make it easy for you to scrape away deleted files permanently and securely. One of the most noticeable features of this software is its option to lock the software with a password. You can password protect the software to prevent its unauthorized use. In addition to this, below is what else brought this software to our list.

Features of Kernel File Shredder

• It automatically shreds files at a pre-scheduled time.
• This software allows you to choose from its 11 shredding algorithms.
• It creates automatic log files to save shredding history.
• Kernel File Shredder offers a vast range of advanced file shredding algorithms.

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10. PC Shredder

A compact and portable free data shredding software 

Compatibility: Windows XP, Vista, 10, 8, 7

Data Sanitization Methods: DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, Random Data

PC Shredder is yet another file shredding software you can use without pressurizing your computer resources. It is a small program that needs no downloading. You can use it as portable software. Moreover, it boasts all the essential features you need to shred files efficiently and easily. We share them below.

Features of PC Shredder

• It uses 5 in-built algorithms to overwrite files to make them irrecoverable.
• With this software, you can wipe out the free space effortlessly.
• PC Shredder saves disk space and improves the performance of your computer.

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11. CCleaner’s Recuva

A well-known file recovery software with a computer document shredder 

Compatibility: Windows XP, Vista, 10, 8, 7

Data Sanitization Methods: DoD 5220.22-M

Recuva does not need much introduction. It is among the well-known file recovery utilities out there. File shredding is one of the features it offers. Apart from this, here is what else it has in store.

Features of CCleaner’s Recuva

• With this software, you can recover files from rewritable media like external hard drives, etc.
• It allows you to recover files from damaged or recently formatted drives.
• There is an advanced mode to scan for files you have deleted.
• It has four levels of secure deletion.

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12. IObit Unlocker

A complete package to shred files, ensure their safety, and availability

Compatibility: Windows XP, Vista, 10, 8, 7

Data Sanitization Methods: AR 380-19, DoD 5220.22-M

With IObit Unlocker, you can not only shred files but also rename, copy, move, and manage them easily. And this is what brought it to our list of the best software to delete files permanently. Let’s take a look at the features of this software.

Features of IObit Unlocker

• It allows you to unlock files effortlessly.
• IObit Unlocker ensures the safety and security of files.
• With this software, you can perform tasks like run, read, and move easily.

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14. Freeraser

One of the best portable free file erasers

Compatibility: Windows 10, 8, 7

Data Sanitization Methods: DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, Random Data

As the name suggests, Freeraser is a free to use Windows file shredder. Moreover, you can use it through a removable device as it is completely portable. Let’s take a look at the outstanding features of this software.

Features of Freeraser

• It boasts three deletion methods, namely fast, forced, and ultimate.
• You can drag and drop files to get them shredded.
• Freeraser adds a bin to your desktop for easy file shredding.

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15. Hardwipe

A portable free data shredding software with context menu integration

Compatibility: Windows 10, 8, 7

Data Sanitization Methods: DoD 5220.22-M, GOST R 50739-95, Gutmann, Random Data, Write Zero, VSITR, Schneier

Here comes yet another file shredding program that you must know. It is portable software that you can use with a USB. Moreover, it also offers context menu integration for effortless file shredding. Further, below are the other offerings of this software.

Features of Hardwipe

• It lets you shred multiple files and folders.
• Hardwipe boasts seamless context menu integration for easy shredding.
• With this software, you can shred files existing in USB sticks and portable devices.
• It shreds files existing in Recycle Bin making them irrecoverable.
• This software allows you to clear pagefiles on computer shutdown.
• It ensures complete data sanitization with multiple overwrite combinations.
• Hardwipe displays the complete information about the sanitization activity.

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16. Disk Wiper Professional

Best file shredder with in-built Wipe Media Builder 

Compatibility: Windows XP, Vista, 8.1, 8, 7

Data Sanitization Methods: Many military-grade data wiping algorithms

Another widely acclaimed file shredder is Disk Wiper Professional. It boasts many features that make it a deserving addition to this list. We share the highlighting ones below.

Features of Disk Wiper Professional

• You can add a wipe stamp to MBR (Master Boot Record) containing details such as the wiping program used, disk’s serial number, system ID, algorithm, wiping status, etc.
• With its in-built Wipe Media Builder, you can delete data from hard drives even if your operating system does not boot.
• It deletes data from SSDs safely without affecting their durability and functionality negatively.

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17. Securely File Shredder

An easy to use software to mass shred files 

Compatibility: Windows XP, Vista, 10, 8, 7

Data Sanitization Methods: DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, Schneier

Securely File Shredder, as the name suggests, is software to shred files safely and easily on Windows. Though it does not offer many advanced features, still we included it in our list for its outstanding performance. Talking about the features, we share them below.

Features of Securely File Shredder

• It allows you to shred recycle bin contents.
• You can drag and drop files to the shredder.
• This software employs three powerful methods to shred files.
• You can integrate this software into the system tray and Windows autostart.

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Read More: Best Folder Locking Software for Windows 10

18. BitKiller

One of the most user friendly file shredder software 

Compatibility: Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10

Data Sanitization Methods: DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, Random Data, Write Zero

Here we have another file shredding software with a neat and clean interface. All its settings are neatly placed on the left panel of the program. And you won’t find any tools hiding somewhere else. Apart from a friendly interface, below is what it has to offer.

Features of BitKiller

• You can choose from any of the four data sanitization methods to shred files from the hard drive.
• There is an option to drag and drop files to the shredder.
• It works as a portable program that you can use through a removable device.

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Concluding thoughts on the Best File Shredder Software for Windows

Above were our top picks when it comes to choosing the best file shredders for Windows. You can use any of these programs to make deleted files irrecoverable to prevent unauthorized use of your data. Before selecting any software, view it in the light of its features, pros, and cons. And then select the one that suits your needs perfectly. For more software recommendations, subscribe to our blog.