31 Best Free File Shredder Programs (2024) (2024)

Eraser

Eraser is a very well-designed file shredder program. As far as advanced options go, Eraser wins the file shredder competition hands down. It lets you 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

I also like that it includes File Explorer integration, meaning it's way easier to start shredding something directly from the folder it's stored in. Another plus in my book is that this free tool supports not only file shredding, but also folder and drive deletion.

Eraser is currently supported under Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP, as well as Windows Server 2012 through 2022.

WipeFile

I like WipeFile for its portability (no installation necessary), unique options, and support for severaldata 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 havequeued up so you can restore and remove them later. WipeFile can also write to a log fileand be set up to work with the "Send to" context menu in File Explorer.

I tested the latest version of this program in Windows 10, but it should also work in other versions like Windows 11, 8, 7, etc. Development has been discontinued, so this is the final version.

Freeraser

Freeraser is incredibly easy to use. Much like Securely File Shredder from above, it placesa 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.

I've used Freeraser in Windows 11 and Windows 10, but it also works with older versions.

Secure Eraser

Secure Eraser is a software suite that serves not only as a file shredder program but also a registry cleaner. The only thing I don't like about this program is that it will install other software to the computer if you don't deselect the offer during setup.

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

The easiest way I've used Secure Eraser is to just drag and drop files and folders into the program. They'll automatically show up, and then you can just clickStart deletionto choose a method from above and start shredding. It also works from the right-click context menu.

An option is available to exit the program, reboot the computer, or shut down 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.

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.

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

Browse for files and folders to add to the program, or simply drag and drop them. The shredding methodis simple to change and you can choose a custom number of passes before shredding anything.

One thing that can be confusing about this program 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.

This tool should work fine on any Windows version. I used it in Windows 10 without any issues.

Hard Disk Scrubber

Shredding files with Hard Disk Scrubber is simple because all you have to do is select Add FilesorAdd Folder, and then Scrub Files.

Data Sanitization Methods:AFSSI-5020,DoD 5220.22-M,andRandom Data

On top of those methods, Hard Disk Scrubber lets you create your own custom wipe pattern, such as writing specific characters over the files.

This is a file shredder program that runs in Windows 2000 and newer versions of Windows.I tested it in Windows 11.

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 arehard to understand, and there are absolutely zero settings aside from those you can see on the left side of the program. This is a good pick if you're concerned that you'll delete something you don't really want to delete.

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

Something I don't like about BitKiller is that once the process of shredding files has started, while thereisa cancel button, you're unable to click it.

This software lets you 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, aregistry cleaner, a defrag program, and many others. The file shredder portion of the program is inAdvanced 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 chooseWipe with Glary Utilitiesto 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 thefree space of an entirehard drive, which is useful for ensuring files you already deleted aretruly irrecoverable.

You won't like this program if you want something simple that's free from clutter, because there are lots of other included tools. Still, the file shredder function is easy to find and works well if you don't care to have other wipe methods.

All versions of Windows should be able to run Glary Utilities.

Moo0 File Shredder

Similar to a couple of these other programs I've tested and listed above, Moo0 File Shredder is yet another easy to use file shredder program that resembles the Recycle Bin, likeremoving multiple files and folders at once by dragging them into the program window.

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

There are two options I love having in this program. 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.I like that right-click context menu integration is permitted and that, as listed below, there area few unique wiping methods you won't find in many of theother programs I've listed here.

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

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

I 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. It's also really easy to use, as the screenshot shows here — just browse for a single file or a whole folder to gather a list of things to shred.

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

PC Shredder is said to work on only Windows Vista and XP, but I used it in Windows 10, 8, and 7 without any issues.

Hardwipe

Hardwipe isn't as easy to use as the above file shredderprograms, 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 I like is that it can shred multiple folders at one time, but I don't like the small advertisem*nt 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

I list WinUtilities this far down the list because it's way more than just a file shredder, which sounds like a plus, but it's actually an annoyance more than anything, especially if you just want a file shredder.

This program suite includes several system cleaning and optimization programs. The file shredder tool can securely delete multiple files and folders at once and supports drag and drop for easy use. I also like that it includes the option to shred all the files in the Recycle Bin.

Data Sanitization Methods:DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, NCSC-TG-025, Write Zero

The file shredder in WinUtilities can be found in theModules > Privacy & Securitysection.

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 thislist, 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

Unfortunately,Delete Files Permanently only supports shredding individual filesand not entire folders like most of the other programs in this list.

There are some redeeming qualities, though, like the option to protect the program with a password and run it in an invisible mode when shredding files.

Delete Files Permanentlyshould 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

This program supports right-click context menu actions like some of these other programs, but what I like about this implementation is that you can choose to securely delete the files right then, or simply add them to the queue for removal later.

I tested File Shredder in Windows 10 and Windows 7 without any issues. It should also run on Windows 11, 8, etc.

Advanced SystemCare

Advanced SystemCare is a system optimizer program, so it includes loads of other tools in addition to the file shredder. You'll like this program if you want all those extra tools in a clean, modern program.

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

To shred files, locate the program in ASC'stoolbox, accessible from the icon at the upper right-hand side of the program.

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.

Super File Shredder

Super File Shredder is intuitive and quiteeasy to use. Just drag and drop files or folders into the program and select Startto shred them. You can also shred files from the right-click context menu.

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

Unlike some of these other bulky programs in the list, there really isn't much else you can do here except pick a different sanitization method, which is possible through the settings.

Super File Shredder works with Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP.

XT File Shredder Lizard

XT File Shredder Lizard has some of the same features as these other free file shredder. It lets you add multiple files and folders to the queue to be shredded, and 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 I don't like about this option is that the interface is a bit outdated, which makes it a little strange to work with. Of course, that doesn't affect the functionality of the shredder.

You shouldn't have any troubles using this program in newer versions of Windowslike 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 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.

I tested the most recent version in Windows 10, but it also works in Windows 11, 8, and 7.

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. It's available as a portable program if you'd rather not install it.

Data Sanitization Methods:Random Data

The file shredder is located in thePrivacy Protectorsection of the program. Just load one or more files and folders using theAddbutton and clickShredto immediately start the process.

You can also shred files from File Explorer by right-clicking and choosingShred file/folder.

Wise Care 365 can also completely remove deleted files by overwriting them with more secure sanitization methods than the file shredder. This tool is calledDisk Eraser.

This program works with 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. It also lets you empty the Recycle Bin using any of the below sanitization methods.

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

One thing I don't like about this program is that while several wipe methods are shown in the settings, you can only choose the three (the ones listed above) in thisfree version. Also, you can't create more than one schedule.

I tested this application in Windows 11, 8 and XP.

AbsoluteShield File Shredder

AbsoluteShield File Shredder is another very simple choice that 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 theActionmenu, but as you can see, its two choices are fewer than most of these other file shredder programs.

AbsoluteShield File Shredder is said to work inWindows Vista, XP, 2000, NT, ME, and 98. I tested the most recent version on 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.

To use this program, right-click one or more files or folders and then choose SecurelyDeletefrom the menu.

Data Sanitization Methods:DoD 5220.22-M

DeleteOnClick only supports one data wipe method, so it's not nearly as advanced as most of these other file shredders. Also, as much as I like using the program for its simplicity, it's a bit too simple — there's 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. As you can see in the screenshot, there are also options to delete free space and temporary files.

Data Sanitization Methods:Random Data

Unfortunately, as you can see, there's only one wipe method. I also don't like that the software displays prompts to buy the professional version, although these are easily dismissible by simply pressing USE FREEWARE.

I successfullyused ProtectStar Data Shredder in Windows 11, 10, 7, and XP.

ToolWiz Care

The file shredder in ToolWiz Care is part of a whole suite of other programs (it's a trend this far down the list, if you haven't noticed).You can find theFile Shredderportion under theTools > Basic Toolssection.

Choose Add FileorAdd Folder/Driveto load multiple files or a single folder at once. Files and folders will be added to the queue, after which you can clickErase File/Folderto 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.

I used ToolWiz Care in Windows 11, 10, 7, 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.

Data Sanitization Methods:Random Data

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 fromToolbox > Individual Tools > Ensure Personal Privacy > Incinerator > Securely Delete Files > Start.

Something I don't care for in this program, besides all the other tools it has, is that you have to enter your email address during setup to get a free activation key before System Mechanic Free will work.

This tool shreds files and folders inWindows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP.

Blank And Secure

This is a completely portable file shredder that's tiny and supports the most basic wipe method using drag and drop.

Data Sanitization Methods:Write Zero

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 1-5seconds, 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 I want to mention is the ability to write the free space of a folder with zeros, which is great for scrubbing files that were 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.

Baidu PC Faster

Baidu PC Faster is another system optimizer with an included file shredder. To use it,go to ToolBox (top right corner) and then FileShredder, drag and drop one or more files into the window, and click Shred Now.

Data Sanitization Methods:Write Zero

Only one data wipe method is supported, but it can be run three times by selecting theTriple Shredoption.

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.

I was 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.

SDelete

SDelete, short for Secure Delete, is acommand-linebased file shredder that can be run from theCommand Prompt.

Data Sanitization Methods:DoD 5220.22-M

SDelete is part of the Sysinternals Suite of free system utilities available from Microsoft. SDelete doesnotutilize Secure Erase, even though its name might lead you to think otherwise.

There are several drawbacks to using this program, and the information on their download page has a fair discussion of those issues. I suggest using any of these other file shredder programs before trying this one.

SDelete runs on Windows operating systems that are Windows Vista and newer, as well as Windows Server versions that are Server 2008 and newer.

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 toSystem Shredderand then delete those files quickly at any time from the toolbar.

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

If you choose the Random Data to wipe method, you can choose how many times (1-3) you want the data overwritten.

I was 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 to have it 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 confirmationbefore deleting files (smart!).

There's a portable versionand a regular installer available from their download page.

I was able to get CyberShredder to shred files in Windows 8 but not Windows 10. It should also work with Windows 7, Vista, and XP.