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Editors’ Review
File Shredder offers a straightforward and effective solution for permanently deleting sensitive files from your hard drive, addressing a critical security gap in the standard Windows delete command. Unlike the typical delete operation, which merely marks files as removable and leaves them vulnerable to recovery software, this app permanently deletes.
Developed as a fast, safe, and reliable tool, File Shredder ensures that your confidential documents are truly gone. It's released under a GNU license, meaning it's completely free to download and use without any restrictions, upholding its promise that privacy is a fundamental right.
In-depth look at this program’s features
At its core, File Shredder works by rewriting the actual content of your files multiple times with random binary data, a process known as shredding. You have the flexibility to choose from five different shredding algorithms, each offering a progressively stronger level of security. Additionally, the program includes an integrated Disk Wiper feature, which extends this powerful shredding capability to wipe unused disk space, further enhancing your data privacy.
While highly effective for individual files and unallocated disk space, it's important to note a key limitation that this does not support the shredding of entire hard drives or volumes. For users needing to securely erase an entire disk, the program itself points toward specialized commercial utilities like Blancco's Data Cleaner, indicating its current scope. This way, users can be oriented to the scope and features of this program.
Another aspect to consider is the features of commercial alternatives other than this program. While perhaps intended as helpful suggestions for broader privacy needs, this emphasis on other paid applications like ArchiCrypt Shredder or CyberScrub could potentially distract users looking for a purely standalone, free solution. It might also inadvertently cast a shadow on its capabilities, despite its stated features.
Pros
- Offers five different, progressively stronger shredding algorithms
- Includes an integrated Disk Wiper for unused space
- Simple, fast, and reliable for targeted file shredding
Cons
- Cannot shred entire volumes or hard drives
Bottom Line
A solid choice for basic file deletion
File Shredder stands out as a robust and free utility for securely deleting individual files and wiping unused disk space. Its array of shredding algorithms and integrated disk wiper provides reliable data destruction for everyday privacy needs. While it acknowledges its limitations in full disk wiping and points to commercial tools for comprehensive suites, it remains an excellent, accessible option for targeted file security.
What’s new in version 2.50
- Improved features
- Bug fixes
Used File Shredder for Windows? Share your experience and help other users.
