{"id":181,"date":"2024-09-25T18:41:30","date_gmt":"2024-09-25T18:41:30","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/auslogics.my\/en\/articles\/?p=181"},"modified":"2025-10-18T23:30:17","modified_gmt":"2025-10-18T23:30:17","slug":"file-shredder","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/file-shredder\/","title":{"rendered":"File Shredding: How to Permanently Delete Files on Your Windows 10\/11 PC"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>We usually think that deleting files from our computer is the end. But the files are technically still there. With the right tools, anyone can retrieve them. That\u2019s why you need to know h ow to delete file s the right way.<\/p>\n<p>If you\u2019re concerned about your privacy, security, or just want to make sure sensitive data doesn\u2019t fall into the wrong hands, you can use a file shredde r (yes, file shredders exist for Windows PCs as well).<\/p>\n<p>This will help you achieve true deletion.\u00a0 In this guide, I\u2019ll explain how data removal tools work and how you can delete files forever on your Windows PC.\u00a0 Let\u2019s begin.<\/p>\n<h2>What Does a File Shredder for a Windows PC Do?<\/h2>\n<p>Before we get into the crux of things, it\u2019s important to know how file shredders work to help you choose the right method. The main job of this utility is to delete files beyond recovery\u2014i.e., permanently.<\/p>\n<p>It accomplishes this by overwriting the file\u2019s data several times. Specifically speaking, it breaks the file\u2019s references in the file system, which makes it impossible for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/best-data-recovery-software-for-your-pc-in-2024-full-guide-with-pros-and-cons\/\">data recovery software <\/a> to retrieve them.<\/p>\n<p>This is not what happens when you <a href=\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/how-to-find-and-remove-duplicate-files-in-windows\/\">clear files from your PC <\/a> using the normal method. When you delete files normally, the information still lingers until new data overwrites it.<\/p>\n<p>In other words, until you\u2019ve used the hard drive for other stuff like installing new games, videos, etc., you can recover them.<\/p>\n<div class=\"notebox\">\r\n\t<div class=\"notebox__text\">There are different types of data removal tools, and each has their own level of data overwriting. That is to say, the number of times a file gets overwritten varies depending on the software you choose. So, you need to choose carefully. <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n<h2>How to Delete Files Permanently on Windows 10 or 11<\/h2>\n<p>File shredding is a crucial aspect that every user should consider if you want to secure your PC and, especially, your data. So I\u2019ll start with the easiest option to start the ball rolling. With that said, here is how to permanently delete files on a PC:<\/p>\n<h3>Method 1: Use third-party software to delete files permanently<\/h3>\n<p>One of the most reliable ways I recommend that you use it is the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/software\/boost-speed\/\">Auslogics BoostSpeed <\/a> app.\u00a0 It features File Shredder for Windows that deletes files in a way that makes it impossible for anyone, including hackers, to restore them. It\u2019s the ultimate way to protect your data.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wipe-hard-drive\/\">Wiping your hard drive <\/a> is also not a big deal for this software. You have the freedom to choose the files you want to remove and set the security level from basic to military-grade.\u00a0 And you can complete the process in a few clicks.<\/p>\n<div class=\"notebox\">\r\n\t<div class=\"notebox__heading\">Auslogics BoostSpeed offers more helpful tools<\/div>\r\n\t<div class=\"notebox__text\">Besides shredding your files, you can use BoostSpeed to free up disk space on your laptop.<\/p>\n<p>For example, if you want to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/how-to-find-and-remove-duplicate-files-in-windows\/\">remove your duplicate files <\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/how-to-delete-temporary-files-from-windows-10-pcs\/\">delete temporary files <\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/windows-update-cleanup-a-comprehensive-guide-to-free-up-disk-space\/\">clear old Windows Update files <\/a>, the option is available.<\/p>\n<p>You can also optimize your internet, protect your privacy, and much more! <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\n<p>Let\u2019s find out h ow to permanently delete files from a comput er using BoostSpeed:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Go to Auslogics\u2019 official website, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/software\/boost-speed\/after-download\/\">download the program <\/a>, and install it. This only takes about 60 seconds.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Open the program and click on <i>Tools <\/i>. Then hover your mouse over <i>Security Tools <\/i> and select <i>File Shredder.\u00a0 <\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"screenshots\">\r\n  <div class=\"screenshots__image-shadow\">\r\n    <img data-src=\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screenshot-1.png\" alt=\"Delete files with Auslogics BoostSpeed File Shredder\" class=\"lazyload screenshots__image\">\r\n  <\/div>\r\n  <div class=\"screenshots__description\"><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Now, you can click on <i>Add <\/i> to open the option to add from a file or folder. But you can also drag the file or folder you want to delete to the window to add the files.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Afterwards, click <i>Shred <\/i> to start the process. You can also check <i>Also erase files in the Recycle Bin <\/i> to delete any files in there. That\u2019s it!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"screenshots\">\r\n  <div class=\"screenshots__image-shadow\">\r\n    <img data-src=\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screenshot-2.png\" alt=\"Auslogics BoostSpeed Also erase files in the Recycle Bin\" class=\"lazyload screenshots__image\">\r\n  <\/div>\r\n  <div class=\"screenshots__description\"><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n<p>It takes only a few minutes to complete the deletion process.<\/p>\n<div class=\"cta-block cta-block_native top\" data-cta-type=\"native\" data-cta-position=\"top\">\r\n\t<div class=\"cta-block__top\">PRO TIP<\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"cta-block__text_native\">You can use <a href=\"\/en\/software\/boost-speed\/after-download\/\">Auslogics BoostSpeed<\/a>  to clean your computer and improve its performance. It has the necessary tools to find and clear any files you don\u2019t need. It can also optimize your hard drive, including solid-state drives!<\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"cta-block__btn-group top\">\r\n        <a class=\"cta-block__download-btn\" href=\"\/en\/software\/boost-speed\/after-download\/\">Download for Free<\/a>\r\n        <a class=\"cta-block__learn-more\" href=\"\/en\/software\/boost-speed\/\">Learn More<\/a>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\n<h3>Method 2: Shift + Delete your files<\/h3>\n<p>The <code>Shift + Delete<\/code> method of Windows file removal is a simple way of getting rid of files so they don\u2019t hang around in the Recycle Bin.<\/p>\n<p>This method of file deletion is a shortcut. It saves you the time you would use to first delete a file, locate the file in the Recycle Bin, and delete it again.<\/p>\n<p>With <code>Shift + Delete<\/code>, the file is automatically deleted from your user folder and the Recycle Bin. To use the <code>Shift + Delete<\/code> option to get rid of files, follow the steps below:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Select the files (or a whole folder) you want to delete.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Tap both the Shift and Delete keys on your keyboard.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Select <i>Yes <\/i> in response to the <i>Delete File\/Folder <\/i> prompt.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"screenshots\">\r\n  <div class=\"screenshots__image-shadow\">\r\n    <img data-src=\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screenshot-5.png\" alt=\"Delete File\/Folder\" class=\"lazyload screenshots__image\">\r\n  <\/div>\r\n  <div class=\"screenshots__description\"><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"cta-block cta-block_native left\" data-cta-type=\"native\" data-cta-position=\"top\">\r\n\t<div class=\"cta-block__top\">PRO TIP<\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"cta-block__text_native\">Remember that the deleted files can still be retrieved in this case because it doesn\u2019t perform the same function as a file shredder.<\/p>\n<p>If your objective is to remove files without any chance of getting them back, consider using <a href=\"\/en\/software\/boost-speed\/after-download\/\">Auslogics BoostSpeed<\/a> .<\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"cta-block__btn-group left\">\r\n        <a class=\"cta-block__download-btn\" href=\"\/en\/software\/boost-speed\/after-download\/\">Download for Free<\/a>\r\n        <a class=\"cta-block__learn-more\" href=\"\/en\/software\/boost-speed\/\">Learn More<\/a>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\n<h3>Method 3: Reconfigure your Recycle Bin<\/h3>\n<p>Another way to delete files on a PC is to reconfigure the Recycle Bin system folder to prevent it from collecting deleted files.<\/p>\n<p>Follow the steps below to do it:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Open the Run box by pressing <code>Windows + R<\/code> on your keyboard.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Then, enter <i>\u201cshell:RecycleBinFolder\u201d <\/i> in the search field to open the Recycle Bin folder.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"screenshots\">\r\n  <div class=\"screenshots__image-shadow\">\r\n    <img data-src=\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screenshot-3.png\" alt=\"shell:RecycleBinFolder\" class=\"lazyload screenshots__image\">\r\n  <\/div>\r\n  <div class=\"screenshots__description\"><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Right-click anywhere in the folder and select <i>Properties. <\/i><\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Next, select <i>Don\u2019t move files to the Recycle Bin <\/i>. <i>Remove files immediately when deleted <\/i>.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Click <i>OK <\/i>to close the Properties window and implement the changes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"screenshots\">\r\n  <div class=\"screenshots__image-shadow\">\r\n    <img data-src=\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screenshot-4.png\" alt=\"Don\u2019t move files to the Recycle Bin. Remove files immediately when deleted\" class=\"lazyload screenshots__image\">\r\n  <\/div>\r\n  <div class=\"screenshots__description\"><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"tipsbox\">\r\n\t<div class=\"tipsbox__heading\">\r\n\t\t<div class=\"tipsbox__arrow-right\"><\/div>\r\n\t\t<div class=\"tipsbox__shield\">PRO TIP<\/div>\r\n\t\t<div class=\"tipsbox__arrow-left\"><\/div>\r\n\t<\/div>\r\n\t<div class=\"tipsbox__text\">I personally recommend using <a href=\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/free-pc-cleaners-review-what-are-the-best-tools-for-cleaning-your-pc\/\">computer cleaners <\/a> if you want to clean unnecessary files on your system to make space and improve its speed.<\/p>\n<p>Since the tool\u2019s sole purpose is to remove files, it does a better job at locating every file while optimizing your PC. <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\n<h3>Method 4: Use PowerShell to permanently delete files<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/most-useful-powershell-commands-cheat-sheet-with-examples\/\">Windows PowerShell <\/a> offers a fast deletion process you can use. Here is how to permanently delete files on a PC via PowerShell:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Type <i>\u201cPowershell\u201d <\/i> in the search bar and click on it to open.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"screenshots\">\r\n  <div class=\"screenshots__image-shadow\">\r\n    <img data-src=\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screenshot-7.png\" alt=\"Powershell\" class=\"lazyload screenshots__image\">\r\n  <\/div>\r\n  <div class=\"screenshots__description\"><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">The command line requires a file path to work. To get it, go to the file you want to delete, right-click on it, and select <i>Copy path <\/i>.<\/li>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Next, type <i>\u201cRemove-item [file path] -recurse\u201d <\/i> and hit Enter. Remember to replace <i>[file path] <\/i> with the actual path. So, the command becomes:<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<pre>Remove-item C:\\Users\\Work Mode\\Downloads\\Important_file\\Screenshot 9.png -recurse<\/pre>\n<div class=\"screenshots\">\r\n  <div class=\"screenshots__image-shadow\">\r\n    <img data-src=\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screenshot-8.png\" alt=\"Remove-item C:UsersWork ModeDownloadsImportant_fileScreenshot 9.png -recurse\" class=\"lazyload screenshots__image\">\r\n  <\/div>\r\n  <div class=\"screenshots__description\"><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"notebox\">\r\n\t<div class=\"notebox__text\">Even though this method is efficient, it can feel a bit complex, especially if you\u2019re not familiar <a href=\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/most-useful-powershell-commands-cheat-sheet-with-examples\/\">with command line tools<\/a>. Each file requires a specific path, and you risk deleting something accidentally.<\/p>\n<p>So, if you\u2019re considering deleting files permanently, consider <a href=\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/software\/boost-speed\/after-download\/\">Auslogics BoostSpeed\u2019s<\/a> File Shredder. It\u2019s the easiest and quickest way to protect your data from prying eyes.<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n<h3>Method 5: Use the cipher command to overwrite the deleted data<\/h3>\n<p>Cipher is a versatile command that can help you encrypt or decrypt files. So, you can use it to overwrite specific deleted data, which makes it just like a built-in file shredder on Windows.<\/p>\n<p>Follow the steps below on how it works:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\">Open the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/windows-command-prompt-28-most-useful-cmd-commands-with-examples\/\">Command Prompt <\/a>with administrative privileges.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div class=\"screenshots\">\r\n  <div class=\"screenshots__image-shadow\">\r\n    <img data-src=\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screenshot-9.png\" alt=\"Command Prompt admin\" class=\"lazyload screenshots__image\">\r\n  <\/div>\r\n  <div class=\"screenshots__description\"><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n<p>Type <i><code>cipher \/w:FolderName<\/code> <\/i> and press Enter to execute the command.<\/p>\n<p>Replace <i>FolderName <\/i> with the name of the folder you want to delete. For example, if your folder name is <i>Important <\/i> and it\u2019s in the C drive, the command becomes:<\/p>\n<pre>cipher \/w:C:\\Important<\/pre>\n<div class=\"screenshots\">\r\n  <div class=\"screenshots__image-shadow\">\r\n    <img data-src=\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/03\/Screenshot-10.png\" alt=\"cipher \/w:C:Important\" class=\"lazyload screenshots__image\">\r\n  <\/div>\r\n  <div class=\"screenshots__description\"><\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n<p>The command will overwrite the folder and make it unrecoverable. However, you\u2019ll have to run the command several times to ensure that the folder is completely removed from your hard drive. The more you run it, the more secure it is.<\/p>\n<div class=\"cta-block cta-block_native right\" data-cta-type=\"native\" data-cta-position=\"bottom\">\r\n\t<div class=\"cta-block__top\">PRO TIP<\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"cta-block__text_native\">The cipher command is effective, but as you can see, it can be time-consuming, and it takes a lot of resources to decrypt files.<\/p>\n<p>Plus, if you\u2019re not familiar with command line tools, this may be complex and intimidating to use. It\u2019s best to stick to <a href=\"\/en\/software\/boost-speed\/after-download\/\">Auslogics BoostSpeed's<\/a> File Shredder.<\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"cta-block__btn-group right\">\r\n        <a class=\"cta-block__download-btn\" href=\"\/en\/software\/boost-speed\/after-download\/\">Download for Free<\/a>\r\n        <a class=\"cta-block__learn-more\" href=\"\/en\/software\/boost-speed\/\">Learn More<\/a>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\n<h2>How to Delete Files Permanently: Explained<\/h2>\n<p>Here we are. All the methods listed above are easy steps to delete your files forever, but not all of them work as file shredders on your Windows PC. Consider your goal\u2014if you\u2019re planning to sell or <a href=\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/sell-donate-recycle-what-to-do-with-old-computers\/\">donate your computer <\/a>, it\u2019s better to use a more thorough file shredding method like <a href=\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/software\/boost-speed\/\">Auslogics BoostSpeed<\/a>\u2019s File Shredder or Windows PowerShell. Now, would you do me a favor and share the article with your friends and colleagues? Also, let us know in the comments how the methods I\u2019ve shared with you worked out. Did the tools help? Are there any tips you want to share? Share them with the community!<\/p>\n<h2>FAQ<\/h2>\n<div class=\"best-faq\">\r\n\t<div class=\"best-faq__header\">Are file shredders safe?<\/div>\r\n\t<div class=\"best-faq__content\">\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\tYes, however, you need to choose a reputable and reliable tool, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/software\/boost-speed\/\">Auslogics BoostSpeed <\/a>\u2019s File Shredder, Eraser, or Alternate File Shredder. This will help you to avoid potential risks, like embedded malware in untrustworthy software. \r\n\t<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"best-faq\">\r\n\t<div class=\"best-faq__header\">What is the difference between deleting and shredding a file?<\/div>\r\n\t<div class=\"best-faq__content\">\r\n\t\tWhen you delete a file, it goes into the Recycle Bin or your hard drive marks it as \u201cfree space.\u201d That means it\u2019s ready to accept new files. However, when you shred a file, you render the data irretrievable.\r\n\t\t\r\n\t<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"best-faq\">\r\n\t<div class=\"best-faq__header\">Are there any risks associated with using a file shredder?<\/div>\r\n\t<div class=\"best-faq__content\">\r\n\t\t\r\n\t\tThere are no particular risks, only that when you delete your files, you won\u2019t get them back. That\u2019s why you need to be absolutely sure you want to delete the file. You also need to be extra vigilant to not mistakenly remove files.<\/p>\n<p>You also need to make sure you download the software from official sources to prevent <a href=\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/know-windows-10-computer-infected\/\">malicious programs <\/a> from infecting your computer. \r\n\t<\/div>\r\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The saying \u201cbetter safe than sorry\u201d really rings true when it comes to protecting your personal information. It\u2019s not enough to delete files from your PC because there is a way to retrieve them. In this guide, I\u2019ll show you how to permanently delete files. Keep reading!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":87,"featured_media":82725,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[815,853],"tags":[989,1095,1047,301],"class_list":["post-181","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-maintenance","category-system-cleanup","tag-data-security","tag-powershell","tag-storage","tag-windows-optimization"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.3 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>File Shredding: How to Permanently Delete Files on Your Windows 10\/11 PC &#8212; Auslogics Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn how to permanently delete files on your Windows 10\/11 PC with a file shredder to ensure your sensitive data is unrecoverable.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/181\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"File Shredder - How to Delete Files Permanently\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn how to permanently delete files on your Windows 10\/11 PC with a file shredder to ensure your sensitive data is unrecoverable.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.auslogics.com\/en\/articles\/file-shredder\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Auslogics Blog | Tips to Diagnose &amp; 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