How to permanently delete files from Windows and Mac

Why and when should we delete files permanently from our Computer?

There are various instances that lead you to intentionally delete some files from your computer. In a case you intent to sell your PC, you may consider deleting your sensitive files for privacy and security reasons. At times you can delete files to avoid falling into the hands of malicious people, your partner or even other users. You can delete less important files to create more space or to increase the speed of your computer.

Is it possible to delete files permanently from computer?

Yes, your deleted files can still be recovered. Permanently deleting files does not actually end by emptying the recycle bin. There is more to that. Whenever you empty your recycle bin, you simply move your data into a new directory. This means that your data will be missing from the recycle bin but it will be stored in the hard disk such that it can be recovered once again.

There are various data recovery tools that can be used to recover lost or deleted files from the recycle bin including Wondershare Data Recovery, card recovery, Recuva Recovery software, Panda Recovery and the like. However your deleted files cannot be recovered by these data recovery software if you overwrite the files.

Ways to delete files completely and permanently on Windows

There are a number of ways that you can use to permanently delete files on Windows. Here I am ruling out emptying the recycle bin since the files can still be recovered. Moreover you can use SHIFT+Delete. Below are different ways to permanently files with their step-by-step guide

Completely and permanently deleting files using Eraser

Setp 1. Download Eraser

First, download Eraser for permanent deletion of your files from your hard drives. There are free versions for this program. Once you have downloaded the program, install and run it.

Setp 2. Choose the file you want to delete and right click

Choose the file or file you wish to permanently delete and right click on it to open a new window. Your computer will recognize the new installed software by including Eraser sub-menu on the open with option.

Setp 3. Select erase

From the Eraser sub-menu, choose Erase to completely delete the selected file or folder. The process that is fast and a new pop up window will appear after the process is complete notifying you that your file or folder has been securely and permanently deleted from the hard drive.

On selecting Erase on restart option, the file will not be deleted immediately but will be erased when you restart your computer.

Using SDelete to permanently erase files

Setp 1. Download and install SDelete

Download and install SDelete software to your computer. Once installed, run the program to enable it to carry out its functions.

Setp 2. Open command prompt

While on the Start menu, open the Run option. Type cmd on the displayed Open type field and click OK.

Setp 3. Navigate to SDelete tool

While still on the Command prompt, shift to the location where you saved the SDelete using cd command. For instance, if you saved the program in C:downloads, then type cd C:downloads in the Open type file. After typing the command to the location, hit on Enter key to proceed.

Setp 4. Show the file or directory to be deleted

To show the file you want to be deleted, type sdelete . On the path to file or directory context, type the exact location of the file you want to be deleted.

Setp 5. Delete the files

The commands showing the location of the files you have chosen will be displayed on the screen. Preview the command and press Enter to enable SDelete to permanently delete the selected files.

Ways to delete files completely and permanently on Mac

Permanently deletion of files using Eraser

Setp 1. Download Eraser

Download Eraser program for Mac option and install it on your computer. Once you have install, launch the program and move to the next step.

Setp 2. Drag and drop files onto the Eraser

You can either drag and drop the files or cut and paste the files to the Eraser icon you wish to delete. When you release the file, the Eraser program will immediately begin to wipe the files from the hard disk.

Setp 3. Erase your files

Open the Permanent Eraser to activate the program. A warning will be displayed, asking you to confirm whether you want to delete the files permanently. Click OK to confirm you actions. All the files dropped onto the Eraser icon will be permanently deleted.

The Bottom line

The bottom line in, most users are ignorant of the fact that emptying the recycle bin on your computer does not permanently delete files. It is not until their sensitive files runs into the hands of malicious individuals that they start panicking. There are better ways to delete your files completely and permanently (regardless of the type of computer you use) other than just emptying the recycle bin.

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