File shredder programs are software tools that permanently delete files on your computer. Deleting and shredding are different terms—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 undeleted with a file recovery program.
Below is an updated list of the very best completely free file shredder software tools:
See our How to Wipe a Hard Drive tutorial if you’re interested in erasing an entire hard drive, a great step before selling or recycling a computer. While some of the tools below can do that, that tutorial and the programs listed in our free data destruction programs list are better suited for that task.
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.
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 currently supported under Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP, as well as Windows Server 2012 through 2022.
Securely File Shredder
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.
Data Sanitization Methods: DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, Schneier
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.
Securely File Shredder works with Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP.
WipeFile
WipeFile is a portable file shredder program with some unique options and support for several data wipe methods.
Data Sanitization Methods: Bit Toggle, DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, NATO Standard, NAVSO P-5239-26, MS Cipher, Random Data, WipeFile, Write Zero
You can save the files and folders you have queued up so you can restore and remove them later. WipeFile can also write to a log file and be set up to work with the “Send to” context menu in File Explorer.
We tested the most recent version of WipeFile in Windows 10, but it should also work in other versions like Windows 11, 8, 7, etc.
WipeFile downloads in the 7Z format; you can use 7-Zip to open it.
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.
Data Sanitization Methods: DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, Random Data
When running the 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.
You can use Freeraser in Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP.
Secure Eraser
Secure Eraser is a software suite that serves not only as a file shredder program but also a registry cleaner.
Data Sanitization Methods: DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, Random Data, VSITR
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 choose a method from above and start shredding. 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.
Versions of Windows that can use Secure Eraser includes Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP, as well as Windows Server 2019 through 2003.
Note
Secure Eraser attempts to install another program during setup that you must deselect if you don’t want it.
TweakNow SecureDelete
If you’re looking for an easy to use and stylish file shredder program, TweakNow SecureDelete has you covered. The buttons are simple to understand and the options are easily accessible.
Browse for files and folders to add to the program or simply drag and drop them. The shredding method is simple to change and you can choose a custom number of passes before shredding anything.
This program should work fine on any Windows version.
One thing that can be confusing about TweakNow SecureDelete is that there are two buttons with similar names: “Remove” and “Delete.” The “Remove” button simply clears the file/folder from the application window without deleting the actual data. The “Delete” button does the actual deleting and should be clicked when you’re ready to shred the data.
Hard Disk Scrubber
Shredding files with Hard Disk Scrubber is as easy as choosing the Add Files or Add Folder button and then clicking Scrub Files.
Data Sanitization Methods: AFSSI-5020, DoD 5220.22-M, and Random Data
In addition to the above, Hard Disk Scrubber lets you create your own custom wipe pattern, such as writing specific characters over files.
Hard Disk Scrubber is a file shredder program that runs in Windows 2000 and newer versions of Windows.
BitKiller
BitKiller is a super simple portable file shredder program. Just add specific files and folders to the queue, or drag and drop them there, and choose any of the supported methods from below to securely erase them from the hard drive.
There aren’t any extra buttons that are hard to understand and there are absolutely zero settings aside from those you can see on the left side of the program.
Data Sanitization Methods: DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, Random Data, Write Zero
Something we don’t like about BitKiller is that once you’ve begun the process of shredding files, while there is a cancel button, you’re unable to click it.
BitKiller can shred files in all versions of Windows, including Windows 11/10.
Glary Utilities
Glary Utilities is a software suite with lots of tools, such as a file shredder, a registry cleaner, a defrag program, and many others. The file shredder portion of the program is in Advanced Tools > Privacy & Security.
Just drag and drop files and folders into the program window or use the buttons to browse for them. You can also right-click files or folders in File Explorer and choose Wipe with Glary Utilities to send them to the file shredder program.
Data Sanitization Methods: DoD 5220.22-M
Though probably not necessary, you can repeat the data wipe method up to 10 times for a more thorough clean.
Glary Utilities can also write over the free space of an entire hard drive, which is useful for ensuring files you’re already deleted are truly irrecoverable.
All versions of Windows should be able to run Glary Utilities.
Moo0 File Shredder
Similar to a couple programs from above, Moo0 File Shredder is yet another easy to use file shredder program that resembles the Recycle Bin, like removing multiple files and folders at once by dragging them into the program window.
You can configure Moo0 File Shredder to sit on top of every other window so you can always have instant access to securely delete files. Also, the confirmation prompt can be disabled so you can delete files just that much quicker.
Officially, users on Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP, and Windows Server 2003 can install Moo0 File Shredder. It probably works for other versions of Windows, too.
PrivaZer
PrivaZer is a PC cleaner that includes file shredding capabilities to securely delete files and folders.
Data Sanitization Methods: AFSSI-5020, AR 380-19, DoD 5220.22-M, IREC (IRIG) 106, NAVSO P-5239-26, NISPOMSUP Chapter 8 Section 8-501, NSA Manual 130-2, Write Zero
Right-click context menu integration is permitted and, as you can see above, there are a few unique wiping methods you won’t find in many of the other programs listed here.
Because PrivaZer can do many other privacy cleaning tasks like deleting old files and erasing Internet activity traces, it can be a confusing process to use just the file shredding features.
Users of Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP can use PrivaZer, either through the regular installer or the portable version.
PC Shredder
PC Shredder is a small, portable file shredder program that’s really easy to use. Just browse for a single file or a whole folder to gather a list of things to shred.
We like that PC Shredder is portable and has a simple interface. It takes up less than 300 KB, which is great for storing on a flash drive.
PC Shredder is said to work on only Windows Vista and XP, but we used it in Windows 10, 8, and 7 without any issues.
Hardwipe
Hardwipe isn’t as easy to use as the above file shredder programs, but it supports a variety of data sanitization methods and can power off or log off when it’s finished deleting files.
Data Sanitization Methods: DoD 5220.22-M, GOST R 50739-95, Gutmann, Random Data, Write Zero, VSITR, Schneier
One thing we like is that you can shred multiple folders at one time, but we don’t like the small advertisement that’s always displayed in the program (though it’s not too intrusive).
It works with all the most recent versions of Windows, from Windows XP to Windows 10.
WinUtilities File Shredder
WinUtilities is a program suite that includes several system cleaning and optimization programs, one of which is a file shredder.
You can shred multiple files and folders at once with WinUtilities File Shredder and even drag and drop them into the program to do so.
Data Sanitization Methods: DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, NCSC-TG-025, Write Zero
You can also use WinUtilities File Shredder to shred all the files in the Recycle Bin.
The file shredder in WinUtilities can be found in the Modules > Privacy & Security section.
Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP (32-bit and 64-bit versions) are the supported operating systems.
Delete Files Permanently
Delete Files Permanently is a free file shredder program that supports more methods of sanitization than most of the other programs in this list, and you can even add custom data wiping schemes from the settings.
Data Sanitization Methods: AR 380-19, DoD 5220.22-M, GOST R 50739-95, Gutmann, HMG IS5, NAVSO P-5239-26, RCMP TSSIT OPS-II, Schneier, VSITR, Write Zero
There are options in the settings to protect the program with a password and run it in an invisible mode when shredding files.
Unfortunately, Delete Files Permanently only supports shredding individual files and not entire folders like most of the other programs in this list.
Delete Files Permanently should work in Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP.
File Shredder
File Shredder is a really easy to use as it supports drag and drop and also works by right-clicking on files/folders to instantly start the removal process from anywhere without first opening the program.
Data Sanitization Methods: DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, Random Data, Write Zero
If using the right-click context menu, you can choose to securely delete the files or simply to add them to the queue to remove later.
We tested File Shredder in Windows 10 and Windows 7 without any issues. It should also run on Windows 11, 8, etc.
Super File Shredder
Super File Shredder is another file shredder program that’s intuitive and quite easy to use.
Just drag and drop files or folders into Super File Shredder and then click Start to shred them. You can also shred files from the right-click context menu.
Choose a different sanitization method from the settings.
Super File Shredder works with Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP.
XT File Shredder Lizard
XT File Shredder Lizard is another free file shredder. You can add multiple files at once to the queue to be shredded as well as entire folders. You can also easily shred the files that are in the Recycle Bin.
Data Sanitization Methods: DoD 5220.22-M, Random Data, Write Zero
The only thing we don’t like about XT File Shredder Lizard is that the interface is a bit outdated, which makes it a little strange to work with.
You shouldn’t have any troubles using this program in newer versions of Windows like Windows 11 and 10, but also older ones like Windows XP.
Ashampoo WinOptimizer Free
Ashampoo WinOptimizer Free is a program with many individual tools you can use to optimize your PC, with one of the tools being a file shredder called File Wiper.
If you’re erasing files, you can drag and drop multiples into the program at once and then shred them all. You can import the contents of multiple folders, too, and even securely erase the Recycle Bin’s contents.
Data Sanitization Methods: DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, Write Zero
This program’s free file shredder tool can be opened from the File tools menu on the left of the main screen. Choose File Wiper from there to get started.
We tested the most recent version of Windows 10, but it also works in Windows 11, 8, and 7.
Advanced SystemCare
Advanced SystemCare (a system optimizer program) includes a file shredder program appropriately named File Shredder. It’s found in ASC’s toolbox, which is accessible from the icon at the upper right-hand side of the program.
Data Sanitization Methods: DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, Write Zero
Select File & Folder to securely delete a single file or a whole folder of data, or pick Recycle Bin to shred all the things you’ve sent there. Free Disk Space is another option for double-checking that everything you’ve previously deleted is gone for good.
You can install ASC in Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP.
Remo File Eraser
Remo File Eraser is an easy-to-use file shredder that not only lets you securely remove multiple files and folders at once, but also schedule the removal of anything you wish on a one-time, daily, or weekly basis.
Data Sanitization Methods: DoD 5220.22-M, Random Data, Write Zero
It also lets you empty the Recycle Bin using any of the above sanitization methods.
One thing we don’t like about this program is that while several wipe methods are shown in the settings, you can only choose the three from above in this free version. Also, you can’t create more than one schedule.
We tested this application in Windows 11, 8 and XP.
AbsoluteShield File Shredder
AbsoluteShield File Shredder is another very simple file shredder tool. You can delete multiple files at once, as well as any number of folders.
Instead of using the program to add files to the queue, you can also quickly send files and folders to AbsoluteShield File Shredder using the right-click context menu in File Explorer.
Data Sanitization Methods: Schneier, Write Zero
The shredding method can be changed from the Action menu.
AbsoluteShield File Shredder is said to work in Windows Vista, XP, 2000, NT, ME, and 98. We tested the most recent version in Windows 11, 10, and XP without any problems.
DeleteOnClick
There are many easy-to-use file shredders in this list but DeleteOnClick may be the easiest of all. There are no buttons, no menus, and no settings at all because there is no interface to the program.
Use DeleteOnClick by right-clicking one or more files or folders and then choosing Securely Delete from the context menu.
DeleteOnClick only supports one data wipe method, so it’s not nearly as advanced as most of these other file shredders. Also, there is no confirmation when you choose to remove files, which means it’s possible you could accidentally erase files you meant to keep.
This program should work fine in Windows 11, Windows 10, and older versions of Windows, back to Windows 2000.
ProtectStar Data Shredder
Although it’s no longer being updated by its developers, ProtectStar Data Shredder supports erasing both files and folders, even from the right-click context menu in File Explorer.
Data Sanitization Methods: Random Data
As you can see in the screenshot, there are also options to delete free space and temporary files.
Prompts to buy the professional version are sometimes shown, but you can easily click USE FREEWARE to bypass them.
We successfully used ProtectStar Data Shredder in Windows 11, 10, 7, and XP.
Wise Care 365
Wise Care 365 is a system optimizer program that includes over 10 tools for optimizing a computer, one of which is a file shredder for protecting privacy.
The file shredder is located in the Privacy Protector section of the program. Just load one or more files and folders using the Add button and click Shred to immediately start the process.
You can also shred files from File Explorer by right-clicking and choosing Shred file/folder.
A portable version is also available from within the installable version.
Wise Care 365 can also completely remove deleted files by overwriting them with more secure sanitization methods than the file shredder. This tool is called Disk Eraser.
Wise Care 365 works with Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP.
System Mechanic Free
System Mechanic Free is a suite of several programs, such as a registry cleaner, defrag program, and a file shredder.
Just drag and drop any file or folder you wish to remove, walk through the wizard to select how many times to overwrite the data (1-10 times), and then click the Incinerate Now button to start.
Open the file shredder program from Toolbox > Individual Tools > Ensure Personal Privacy > Incinerator > Securely Delete Files > Start.
You must enter your email address during setup to get a free activation key required to make System Mechanic Free work.
System Mechanic shreds files and folders in Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP.
ToolWiz Care
Similar to System Mechanic Free, the file shredder in ToolWiz Care is part of a whole suite of other programs. You can find the File Shredder portion under the Tools > Basic Tools section.
Choose Add File or Add Folder/Drive to load multiple files or a single folder at once. Files and folders will be added to the queue, after which you can click Erase File/Folder to securely delete the data.
Data Sanitization Methods: Write Zero
The data wipe method can run up to 16 times for greater privacy.
During setup, you can choose an option to run the program without installing it, which is useful if you want to use ToolWiz Care as a portable app.
We used ToolWiz Care in Windows 11, 10, 7, and XP.
Baidu PC Faster
Baidu PC Faster is a system optimizer that includes a file shredder. To use it, go to ToolBox (top right corner) and then File Shredder, drag and drop one or more files into the window, and click Shred Now.
The data wipe method can be run three times by selecting the Triple Shred option.
Something unique about this tool is that it keeps a history of the files you’ve shredded. You, of course, can’t restore these files, so it serves more as an informative list that you can clear at any time.
We were unable to get Baidu PC Faster to work in Windows 11, but it should be fine for older versions, like Windows 7 and Windows XP.
Blank And Secure
This is a completely portable file shredder that’s really small and supports the most basic wipe method using drag and drop.
Blank And Secure has a simple interface that lets you shred files and folders and then automatically close. There’s also an option to delay deleting files for 1-5 seconds, the ability to shred data from the File Explorer context menu, and an option to run the write zero erase method up to 35 times.
Another feature in Blank And Secure is the ability to write the free space of a folder with zeros, great for scrubbing files that you’ve previously deleted in the normal fashion.
A progress bar helps determine how much time has elapsed, as well as how long until the whole process will complete.
Black And Secure securely deletes files from Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP computers.
There are two download versions available for Blank and Secure. See How To Tell If You Have Windows 64-bit or 32-bit to know if you should select the “x64” link on the download page.
SDelete
SDelete, short for Secure Delete, is a command-line based file shredder that can be run from the Command Prompt.
SDelete is part of the Sysinternals Suite of free system utilities available from Microsoft. SDelete does not utilize Secure Erase even though its name might lead you to think otherwise.
SDelete runs on Windows operating systems that are Windows Vista and newer, as well as Windows Server versions that are Server 2008 and newer.
There are several drawbacks to using this program, and the information on their download page has a fair discussion of those issues. We suggest using any of these other file shredder programs before trying this one.
Simple File Shredder
Just as it would seem, Simple File Shredder is a pretty simple file shredder, though it’s also a bit unique from some of the others on this list.
You can password protect the whole program, enable Windows context menu integration, and drag and drop files to set them up for deletion. You can also add custom files and folders to System Shredder and then delete those files quickly at any time from the toolbar.
If you choose the Random Data to wipe method, you can choose how many times (1-3) you want the data overwritten.
We were only able to get Simple File Shredder to work while using Windows XP.
CyberShredder
CyberShredder is a tiny file shredder program that opens quickly and works a bit like the Recycle Bin. You can drag and drop files and folders into the open program so CyberShredder will immediately start shredding them.
Data Sanitization Methods: Random Data, Schneier, Write Zero
You can change the sanitization method from the menu, as well as some other settings like showing a confirmation before deleting files.
There’s a portable version and a regular installer available from their download page.
We were able to get CyberShredder to shred files in Windows 8 but not Windows 10. It should also work with Windows 7, Vista, and XP.
If cyber shredding makes you nervous, don’t fret. You can still buy a traditional paper shredder to get the job done.
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