Have you ever deleted a file only to realize it can still be recovered? Many people assume that once they empty the Recycle Bin, their files are gone forever—but that's not the case. In the shadowy world of data recovery, those files might still linger, vulnerable to prying eyes. So, how can we permanently delete files so they can't be recovered? Don't worry, we'll show you three secure methods to ensure your files are truly unrecoverable.
Part 1: Can I Permanently Delete Files So They Cannot Be Recovered?
Yes, you can permanently delete files so they cannot be recovered. However, it's important to understand that simply deleting a file or emptying the Recycle Bin does not actually erase the data. Instead, the space occupied by the file is marked as available, and the data remains until it is overwritten by new data.
To permanently delete files, you need to use methods that overwrite the data multiple times, making it unrecoverable. Continue to read, and get three effective ways to permanently remove your files.
Part 2: How to Permanently Delete Files Without Recovery
Here are three methods to permanently delete files with ease.
2.1 Using iReaShare Data Wipe
One of the most effective ways to permanently delete files is by using a professional data-wiping tool like iReaShare Data Wipe. This software overwrites the deleted data with random information, making it impossible to recover. Furthermore, it allows you to select the files and folders you want from your computer before erasing your data. If you want to wipe a whole HDD or SSD, you can use it Drive Wiper feature.
Main features of the this file eraser:
* Shred and erase files completely and no one can recover them.
* Allow you to erase the files stored on your Windows PC, hard drive, and external device.
* Thoroughly erase an entire USB drive, SSD, hard drive disk, and other external storage devices.
* Erase the free space on SSDs, HDDs, and other devices to remove deleted files permanently.
* Support Windows 11/10/8/7.
Download iReaShare Data Wipe.
Here's how to permanently delete files and prevent them from being recovered:
Step 1: Download and install iReaShare Data Wipe on your PC, and then launch it. Then make sure you choose the "File Shredder" option.
Step 2: Click "Add File" to select the files you want to erase.
Step 3: Click "Erase Now" and choose "OK" on the popup. The software will begin to shred and wipe the selected files. Once done, the erased files will be removed from your device permanently.
Tips: If you want to permanently erase deleted files on Android, you can use iReaShare Android Data Eraser. This tool is designed for Android devices, thoroughly wiping existing and deleted photos, contacts, messages, accounts, passwords, and more from Android phones and tablets.
2.2 Using Windows PowerShell
Windows PowerShell is a powerful command-line tool that can be used to securely delete files. The cipher command with the /w switch can overwrite the free space on a drive, effectively erasing any previously deleted files so they cannot be recovered.
Here's how to use Windows PowerShell to permanently delete files:
Step 1: Manually delete your files on your PC or connected USB drive. Then go to "Recycle Bin" and delete them again. Now, you cannot directly access these files on your device.
Step 2: Click "Windows" and "X", and choose "Windows PowerShell (Admin)".
Step 3: Type "cipher /w:X:", replace "X" with the drive letter you want to wipe, and click "Enter" to start the process. This command will erase all your deleted files from the selected drive.
2.3 Using Reset This PC
The "Reset this PC" feature in Windows 10 and 11 offers an option to securely wipe the drive during the reset process. As long as you choose to remove everything on your PC, all your data will be wiped and they can't be retrieved. However, you will lose all your files on your computer. If you want to use this method, please back up your important files first.
Here are the steps:
Step 1: Go to "Settings" > "Update & Security" > "Recovery".
Step 2: Click "Get started" under "Reset this PC". Then choose "Remove everything".
Step 3: Select "Change settings" and turn on "Clean data".
Step 4: Click "Confirm" and "Reset" to start the process.
Part 3: FAQs About Permanent File Deletion on PC
Q1: Can I permanently delete files on an SSD (Solid-State Drive)?
Yes, but it is more complicated than on traditional hard drives. SSDs have a wear-leveling feature that may prevent traditional deletion methods from being completely effective. You should use tools designed for SSDs, like the built-in "Secure Erase" function or expert software that supports SSDs like iReaShare Data Wipe.
Q2: What happens if I delete files without securely wiping them?
If you don't securely wipe deleted files, they might be recoverable using data recovery software until the space they occupy is overwritten by new data. This poses a security risk if the files contain sensitive information.
Q3: Does formatting a drive permanently delete all files?
Not necessarily. Formatting a drive removes the file system structure, but the data might still be recoverable unless you use a full format, which overwrites the drive's data. For more secure deletion, consider using disk-wiping tools, such as iReaShare Data Wipe.
Conclusion
Simply deleting files or emptying the Recycle Bin does not permanently erase data. If you want to ensure files cannot be recovered, you should use secure deletion methods such as iReaShare Data Wipe, PowerShell commands, or a full system reset. We hope this guide can meet your specific needs and security requirements.
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