Active@ KillDisk for Windows

Active@ KillDisk gives you a fast, easy way to delete your files and folders for good if you're getting rid of your hard drive. While it's not as advanced as some other permanent deletion programs, it offers enough bonus features to keep you interested. The professional, welcoming look earns it a few extra points.

Active@ KillDisk lets you take another pass at your deleted files and unallocated disk space to make sure your deleted files stay deleted if someone tries to recover them. The program scans your disk automatically and gives you a hierarchical view of what's on your drive so you know exactly what you're deleting. 

The free version of the program we tested only gives you one pass, which is nowhere near as secure as the military-grade standards that other permanent erasers give you. The program will push up to those standards if you're willing to pay for it, though. It does let you create a brand new boot disk, which can be handy to have if you're using an unstable machine. 

It even works in DOS and lets you visualize your disk in its true binary code. Those aren't cosmetic add-ons by any means, but it's up to you if these features make up for the lackluster data security.

For users who prioritize multiple overwrite passes and advanced encryption in their file-deletion software, Active@ KillDisk may feel somewhat basic. Tools like DBAN (Darik's Boot and Nuke), a popular alternative, offer DoD (Department of Defense) 5220.22-M wiping standards even in their free versions, making them a good choice for users who require higher security. While DBAN can deliver a highly secure wipe by offering several overwrite passes for data sanitation, it lacks some of the additional utilities that make Active@ KillDisk versatile and user-friendly, like the ability to create a new boot disk directly through the program. 

DBAN operates primarily in DOS mode with a straightforward, no-frills approach, which some may find restrictive or technically challenging. In contrast, Active@ KillDisk has a more user-friendly GUI and extra visualization features, making it accessible to those who aren’t as familiar with DOS-based tools.

One advantage of Active@ KillDisk is that it offers options for both Windows and DOS environments, while DBAN is limited to DOS and doesn’t provide much of a visual interface or support beyond file deletion. 

For users who value functionality, Active@ KillDisk’s disk visualization in binary code is a notable plus, giving insight into disk data at a granular level—a feature missing in many competitive tools. However, for top-tier security, DBAN’s free software may be a better choice if your goal is to ensure data cannot be retrieved even by forensic software.

Despite limited deletion power in the free version, Active@ KillDisk still stands out for its approachable design, hierarchical disk view, and boot-disk creation option. Users seeking a secure, multipurpose data eraser that’s affordable or even free for basic use will find it helpful, while those with high-security demands may prefer another solution.

For a comprehensive suite that combines security with intuitive usability and high-grade deletion standards, consider trying Active@ KillDisk. It brings together powerful encryption, easy-to-navigate design, and the latest in data protection features—ensuring your data is truly gone, even under the most advanced recovery methods.

• Boot Disk Creator allows to configure default display scaling
• Site/Enterprise license type displayed in window title
• Improved navigation in Hex Viewer for large clusters
• Physical sector size displayed in disk properties
• Fixed mapping a network drive under Boot Disk
• Other fixes and improvements