programs

Free programs to delete and erase disk safely 2017

  Date Of Publication: June/2025
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There are times when for some administrative, physical or virus reasons we must completely remove the data from a hard drive to restore its properties and its full functionality. In this way we will be leaving the disk completely clean and we will be able to use it again as at first. This is a task that involves care and responsibility since bad management can corrupt records and files on the disk making it unusable.

We frequently delete multiple files or elements from our hard drives using various methods but these files continue to be hosted on the disk until some type of information about them is overwritten, this is the reason why data recovery tools have the ability to recover some elements in full.

So that we can understand what data recovery consists of, taking into account that we believe it is deleted normally. The first thing you will think about is "If in theory I have already deleted it!" Well, what we are used to is to delete files and then go to the trash and think that they have already been permanently deleted, but that is a big mistake, since the systems do not include by default a real and secure erase of the information that "we think we have erased". When we delete from the recycle bin what the system does is simply mark those files (eliminating the reference in the table) leaving it possible to overwrite them.

So it is completely possible to recover them as they continue to occupy that space. There are cases where this information is overwritten in some sectors by half, that information could also be retrieved (even in part).

Attention

Even when you do a normal formatting of your device, you can rest assured that some of that information cannot be recovered, we can tell you from experience that it is possible to recover it.

Therefore, in this article we focus on the safe deletion of data (files, images, documents ...) that in "theory we have deleted" and we want that information to be deleted in a real and complete way.

To do this today we will analyze some of the most powerful tools that exist to erase the data completely from a hard disk and thus enable the disk for a new task. These tools, apart from being free and reliable, are a fundamental piece when managing hard disk data.

This type of software is basically overwriting multiple times over all the space we think is already free, leaving a more real erase of this information. The more passes the more secure, there are more techniques but we will focus on these.

Let's not forget to back up the important before deleting anything.

We start by showing you the different overwriting methods that these free programs of the article will offer you.

Guttman (35 passes)

This type of overwriting of 35 passes, is the Guttman method, very recognized and safe, it may be somewhat slow to be so many passes, but with it you can sleep peacefully. This algorithm was designed by Peter Guttmann and Colin Plumb.

US DoD 5220.22 (7 passes)

The National Industrial Security Program (NISP), nominal authority (United States) for managing the needs of private industry to access classified information, DoD 5220.22-M is a standard to fight against theft of private / confidential data, this algorithm consists of 7 random overwriting passes.

RCMP TSSIT OPS-II (7 passes)

Method defined by the Canadian government dedicated to the deletion and safe cleaning of your files with 7 passes of random overwriting of your algorithm.

German VSITR (7 passes)

The VSITR data disinfection method is a data standard based on official German government software.

Other delete options

British HMG IS5 (3 passes)
US Air force 5020 (3 passes)
US Army AR380-19 (3 ​​passes)
Russian GOST (2 passes)
British HMG IS5 (1 pass)
Pseudorandom data (1 pass)
First / Last 16KB Erasure.

Now let's start with the collection of free programs that will help you in this task of deleting files, folders, disks, partitions in a real and safe way .

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CBL Data Shredder v1.0

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CBL Data Shredder is a free tool that will allow you to permanently delete the data stored on the hard drive without the possibility of it being recovered.

This application is basically found in two versions, the first one is a boot program, for slightly older systems, and the last one is a compatible executable program from Windows 7 to Windows 10.

Within the multiple features of CBL Data Shredder we have

  • High level of security and stability
  • Overwrite the entire disk with a bit pattern
  • It supports the following synchronization methods, DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, RMCP DSX, Schneier and VSITR.
  • Practical and simple use environment
  • It has boot options

We can customize the method of erasing the hard disk drive with bit pattern 00 being the default one. As we can see this tool will be very useful when erasing data from the hard disk. At the time of running the program in Windows 10 we will have the following environment. There we click on the Select Disk button to proceed to choose the hard disk to erase:

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Select the disk and click on the Select button . Then we use the Start option to start the deletion process and the following window will be displayed where we must define the type of deletion. Once defined click on OK and start the process.

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CBL Data Shredder v1.0

DBAN (Darik's Boot and Nuke)

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This is one of the best tools available to erase data completely from a hard drive thanks to its effectiveness.

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Among the various features we have with DBAN are the following

  • It supports the following data cleaning methods, DoD 5220.22-M, RCMP, SSIT OPS-II, Gutmann, Random Data and Write Zero.
  • Completely clean all data on the hard drive regardless of the type of files stored there.
  • Supports multiple operating systems
  • Light discharge
  • It is run from a CD or USB memory

As we have mentioned DBAN can be recorded on a CD and enable the boot of the equipment where we have to edit the disk from the CD drive and this will be the DBAN environment:

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There we select the most appropriate option, in this case we press Enter and we can see that the tool starts its analysis. Once complete we will have the environment to proceed with the deletion of data on the hard disk:

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In this way we can use DBAN to delete data from hard drives.

DBAN

HDShredder Free Edition

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HDShredder is another of the great tools that will give us the ability to safely manage and delete data from hard drives when necessary.

Within the multiple features that we find in HDShredder we have

  • Security and speed in the data erase process
  • Supports IDE / ATA / SATA, USB 3.0 and SCSI hard drives
  • It is possible to erase the entire disk or only a partition of it
  • We can run the tool from the command line
  • We can obtain a report on the task executed
  • It has SmartDefectSkip technology which omits damaged sectors allowing process optimization
  • We can erase external hard drives
  • Supports multiple operating systems in their latest versions
  • Simplicity of use

The interface of HDShredder is very simple, at the time of running the tool we will see the following. There we select the type of erasure if it is in the complete disk or in a partition, press Next and then we will select the disk to be erased. We can see on the right side a complete summary of the characteristics of the disk, once selected click on Next and define the method of deleting the data:

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Once defined press Next and we will set the options for the respective task. Finally, click Next and in the next window we click on Start to start the deletion process:

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HDShredder Free Edition

MHDD

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MHDD is a command line tool through which we will have the possibility to erase data from one or more hard drives in a safe and totally practical way.

The outstanding features of MHDD are

  • Supports the ATA / SATA / IDE and SCSI interfaces of hard drives
  • MHDD has the possibility of diagnosing disk sectors in search of anomalies
  • Low level formats can be made
  • Basic system requirements which makes it a lightweight tool
  • Safe and comprehensive

We must burn the ISO image on a CD or booting medium as a USB memory and run the computer from there and we will first have the following window:

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There we define whether the equipment where the data is to be deleted has or has SCSI support.
Once this parameter is defined, press Enter and we will have the MHDD environment:

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There we select the hard drive and start the erase process.

MHDD

HDDErase

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HDDErasees is a simple but versatile tool in the field of erasing hard disk drives in a complete but safe way.

This is a DOS-based tool which was developed in order to completely erase data from hard drives.

Its main features are

  • It is a text program, so there are no menus in the
  • Simple use
  • Supports the only hard disk erase method
  • It can be run on multiple operating systems
  • Lightweight

When starting the device from HDDErase we will have the following window:

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There we select the appropriate option and press Enter:

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We wait to select the disk drive and proceed with the deletion.

HDDErase

KillDisk

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KillDisk is a free tool which is effective and very practical when erasing data on a hard disk.

Its main features are

  • Supports up to 4 TB capacity discs
  • It can be executed in Windows and Linux environments
  • It can detect and display all the information associated with the disk such as partitions, volumes, etc.
  • You can erase the entire disk or only partitions
  • It is possible to use command line for execution
  • The user defines the erase method to implement
  • Once the process is finished, an HTML report is generated with the result
  • Supports hard disk formats and arrays such as IDE / USB / SATA / eSATA / SSD / SCSI, LUN / RAID.
  • Increased security by requiring double confirmation before deleting data
  • You can erase any storage media such as hard drives, external drives, USB sticks, etc.
  • A data verification is performed after the process to confirm that everything is correct.
  • It is possible to execute tasks after the process such as shutting down or restarting the computer.

When executing the tool we will have the following environment:

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There we activate the box of the hard disk that we wish to erase and we will be able to see a complete summary of the task to execute. Press Start to start the process of erasing the disk.

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KillDisk

PCDiskEraser

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This tool is based on an ISO image which has been developed for the effective erasure of data on hard drives.

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Main features of this tool

  • No installation required on the equipment
  • Easily identify hard drives
  • Simplicity of use
  • Delete data permanently
  • It can be executed offline
  • It is possible to erase data from the entire disk or exclusively from a partition
  • It supports multiple file systems such as NTFS, FAT16, FAT32, EXT3, EXT2, Linux swap, Reiser FS.
  • The application is compatible with various types of disk such as IDE, SATA, SCSI, USB, among others.

At the moment of executing the tool we will see that the process of loading the tool begins.

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Once we load the PCDiskEraser environment we will have the following. There we select the hard disk to be erased and click on the Start button .

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The ISO image, which we must burn on a CD, can be downloaded from the following link:

PCDiskEraser

Macrorit Disk Partition Wiper

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Macrorit is a tool designed to erase data in Windows environments effectively.

Its main features are

  • Possibility to erase data from a complete disk or a particular partition
  • Simple and fast erase
  • The data cannot be recovered
  • Supports all editions of Windows including Windows Server
  • It occupies very little disk space and low consumption of system resources
  • Supports DoD 5220.22-M, DoD 5220.28-STD, Random Data, and Write Zero erase methods
  • It is portable

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Its interface is very simple when we run the tool we will see the following:

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Macrorit automatically detects hard drives and simply select the disk to be edited and press the Wipe Now button to erase the data on that disk.

Macrorit Disk Partition Wiper

Eraser

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Eraser is a free tool that will be vital for erasing data on hard drives when necessary.

Their characteristics are

  • Supports DoD 5220.22-M, AFSSI-5020, AR 380-19, RCMP TSSIT OPS-II, HMG IS5, VSITR, GOST R
  • 50739-95, Gutmann, Schneier and Random Data
  • Easy to use
  • Can be integrated into Windows Explorer
  • Supports copy - paste files
  • The deletion task can be scheduled
  • The removed files can be replaced by own files

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At the time of running the tool we will have the following environment. As we can see, it will be necessary to establish the task for data deletion:

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We can choose between different tasks, in this case we select Drive / Partition. Click OK and we can see our added task where we simply have to right click on the task and select the Run Now option and in this way the deletion task will start its process:

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Eraser

Freeraser

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Freeraser is another program designed for Windows environments that will allow us to erase data from hard drives in a complete and complete way.
It can be downloaded from the following link:

Within the features of Freeraser we have

  • Thorough destruction of data without the possibility of recovering it
  • Portable which makes it lightweight
  • Supports DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann and Random Data erase systems
  • Simplicity of use
  • We can erase data from external hard drives and USB sticks
  • Supports all editions of Windows
  • Gratuitous

When starting the application we must right click on it to select the task to be performed:

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Once the files or drive to be defined are defined, we will see the following message. Click on Continue to proceed with the deletion.

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Freeraser

DiskWipe

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DIskWipe is a portable tool that will allow us to erase data from the hard disk thanks to its different erase options.

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Features that make DiskWipe a valuable and practical tool for data management

  • It supports file systems such as NTFS, Fat and Fat32.
  • It is portable therefore does not require installation
  • Supports Dod 5220-22.M, US Army and Peter Guttman erase algorithms.
  • We can use it to erase data from USB sticks, SD cards, among others.
  • Deeply clean data on disks and active partitions in the system
  • Issues various notifications before deleting data to prevent accidental deletion

The DiskWipe environment is simple. First we select the disk to be erased and click on the Wipe Disk option and a wizard will be displayed:

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There we select the type of disk file system and click Next. In the next window we will see the erase method to use. Once defined click on Next and see that for security we must enter the term described to start the process:

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Click on Finish and again confirmation will be requested to start the deletion. This is how DiskWipe helps us erase hard drives in a simple way.

DiskWipe

Hardwipe

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HardWipe is a small tool designed for the destruction of data on a hard disk completely, safely and above all effectively.

His main novelties are

  • It is portable which prevents installation in the system
  • Supports multiple languages
  • It can be added to the context menu (Right click) of Windows 10
  • We can erase entire volumes or only partitions
  • Generate reports with the processed task
  • It supports the DoD 5220.22-M, GOST R 50739-95, Gutmann, Random Data, Schneier, VSITR and Write Zero algorithms.
  • Help free disk space
  • Easy to use

The HardWipe interface is as follows. There we have the option to choose between multiple options on the left side, once the disk to be deleted has been selected, we will see the following:

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Click on the Start button to start the deletion process and we will see a warning message. If we are sure click on Yes and start the deletion task:

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Hardwipe

CCleaner

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It is perhaps one of the best known tools thanks to its multiple functionalities both at the level of cleanliness and at the level of system performance.

Within its many features we have

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  • We can opt for the portable installation which is much lighter
  • Compatible with multiple operating systems
  • We can perform various tasks on the system such as cleaning temporary files, trash, records, etc.
  • Supports large number of browsers
  • Supports DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, Schneier and Write Zero deletion algorithms
  • Possibility of removing data from system units

When executing CCleaner we go to the Tools tab and there we select the option Delete unit

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There we will select the unit to be deleted and click on the Delete button before defining, if we wish, the levels of deletion and security.

CCleaner

Securely File Shredder

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It is an application designed for the total destruction of the files on our hard drives using different methods for this. Thanks to this application we will delete selected files, items in the recycle bin or objects that the operating system does not delete.

Its main features are:

  • Compatibility with all editions of Windows
  • We can drag and paste the elements as files or folders
  • We will have the possibility to destroy all the elements of the recycle bin with a single click
  • All confidential information can be completely removed from the system
  • Use the DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, and Schneier algorithms for information destruction

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There we simply drag the files or click on the Delete Folder or Delete File buttons to search them locally and they will automatically be deleted.

Securely File Shredder

WipeFile

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WipeFile is another of the free tools that allow us to safely destroy the selected files or folders, guaranteeing their complete removal from the system. This is possible because WipeFile has 14 methods of cleaning files, some of which are used by the government, military forces or other entities.

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Its outstanding features are:

  • Supports more than 10 languages
  • We can drag and paste the files or folders
  • It has 14 cleaning methods among which DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, NATO Standard, NAVSO P-5239-26, MS Cipher, Random Data, etc. stand out.
  • We can integrate the application to the Windows explorer
  • It is portable so it does not require installation in the equipment
  • Create logs or records with the tasks executed

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WipeFile

Secure Eraser

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Secure Eraser is another of the great options available for the complete destruction of files on the hard disk thanks to the multiple cleaning methods included in it. With Secure Eraser we can be sure that even the cross references that can leave any record of the files will be completely deleted.

Its main advantages are:

  • Simplicity of use
  • Supports cleaning methods US Dod 5220.22-ME, US DoD 5220.22-MECE, Gutmann and Random Data
  • Overwrite sensitive data up to 35 times to ensure its deletion
  • Supports all editions of Windows
  • We can remove from simple files to complete hard drives
  • Lightweight
  • Allows the drag-and-paste method

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Secure Eraser offers us additional alternatives in its execution such as space freeing, record cleaner, partitioning disks, etc. In this case we will select the File & folder deletion option to execute the file destruction process. There we press Start deletion and the respective process will begin.

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Secure Eraser

Bitkiller

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BitKiller is an application that fulfills two fundamental roles at the file level, the first is its destruction completely and the second, in case of not destroying them, modifies its name so that finding them is almost impossible. BitKiller uses various cleaning methods with which we will have the possibility to delete everything from files or folders to all data on a hard disk.

With BitKiller we have advantages such as:

  • Simplicity of use
  • Multiple options to overwrite files such as DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, Random Data or Write Zero
  • Portable so it does not require installation
  • Supports drag-and-paste system
  • Supports all editions of Windows

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There, simply select the desired overwrite method and click on the Shred Files button.

Bitkiller

PC Shredder

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PC Shredder is a lightweight application that offers multiple options for the process of destroying files on our hard drives safely. With PC Shredder we can completely delete files or folders preventing them from being recovered thanks to the cleaning methods developed in it.

Its most outstanding features are:

  • It is portable avoiding installation in the equipment
  • Gratuitous
  • Supports all editions of Windows
  • User friendly interface
  • Free hard disk space
  • It has the Fast (1 phase), DoD 5220.22-M (3 phases), DoD 5220.22-M (ECE) (7 phases) or Gutmann method (35 phases) cleaning methods

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In the Algorithm tab we will define the desired cleaning method and click on Remove (Selected file) or Remove All to proceed with the deletion.

PC Shredder

Blank And Secure

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This portable application allows us to destroy files or folders in a safe and total way using some of its known cleaning methods. This tool overwrites the data of the files with zeros before proceeding to its elimination thus guaranteeing its total destruction and useless recovery.

Its fundamental characteristics are:

  • It is multilanguage
  • Supports drag-and-paste system
  • We can add additional tasks such as shutting down or restarting the computer after a process
  • Fill the free disk space with null values
  • You can overwrite the file up to 32 times guaranteeing its total destruction
  • You can erase the standard erase tracks on the hard disk
  • Use the Write Zero cleaning method

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Blank And Secure

As we can see we have multiple utilities on hand that will be of great use to completely remove files from the hard drive without being able to recover them.

Erase Mac Disk Safely

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