XL Delete for Windows

Used XL Delete for Windows?

Editors’ Review

Download.com staffOctober 2, 2025

File deletion ought to be painless, and with XL Delete it mostly is. The drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to select files and folders for elimination. From there, you get 12 preset deletion options, including the simple, fast, and fairly insecure Random method and the powerful 35-pass Gutmann. If you know what you're doing, you even can create your own custom deletion algorithm. In our tests, using the Gutmann method XL Delete erased a 1GB file in about 20 minutes. Additional features include a task scheduler, a Free Space Wipe option, and the ability to clean IE and Firefox traces. The program also comes with a well-written help file and a step-by-step wizard for neophytes. Overall, XL Delete ought to satisfy home- or small-office users who just need the digital equivalent of a file shredder.

What’s new in version 2.7.1

Version 2.7.1 includes better support for cleaning journal files in Chrome 23.0.1271.64 m.

XL Delete for Windows

Used XL Delete for Windows?

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Full Specifications

GENERAL

Release: December 4, 2012

Latest update: October 2, 2025

Version: 2.7.1

OPERATING SYSTEMS

Platform: Windows

Operating System

Windows 2003
Windows XP
Windows Server
Windows Vista
Windows 10
Windows 8
Windows 7

Additional Requirements: Microsoft. NET Framework 2.0

POPULARITY

Total Downloads: 32,080

Downloads Last Week: 2

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Last Updated

User Reviews

3.6/5

7 User Votes

It didn't do what I needed.
MonklesJanuary 10, 2010
Pros
None that I can think of.
Cons
It didn't do what I needed, which was to delete a locked file. It doesn't seem to do any more than just deleting a file normally.
Summary
Great program, but download from seller's website instead of here
userdmw1998November 8, 2007
Pros
XL Delete is well written software, but I couldn't get the version on download.com to work (version 1.7.2692.29516). It appeared to delete files&didn't give any errors, but afterwards I could undelete them (using "Easy Undelete" available on this website, another good program). Then I uninstalled&then downloaded the trial version on the seller's website (version 1.7.2697.16516)&it worked fine. The deleted files didn't appear on my undelete program's list at all with that version. <p> <p>It concerns me that the program appeared to securely delete the files&completed without error, although it left the deleted version of the files available to be undeleted. I'm not sure if that was a programming error in version 1.7.2692.29516, something unique to my system with that version of the software, or a corrupted install file. Regardless, you may want to always double-check to verify your files can't be recovered regardless of what software you use to permanently delete them. <p> <p>The XL Delete user interface is simple, straightforward&intuitive. XL Delete offers a 1, 3, 5, 7 or 35 pass wipe offering various methodologies. It installs a "Remove with XL Delete" option which is available when you right-click file(s)/folder(s) within Windows Explorer. The XL Delete window is similar to a Windows Explorer window. It has an add file&an add folder option which you use to select the object you want to delete. Then you click on the "Securely Delete the files with XL Delete" icon (a burning piece of paper) to delete the file(s)/folder(s). XL Delete includes an option to wipe the free space on a drive&it includes a built in scheduler for recurring wipes. <p> <p>The software scanned virus free&didn't seem to install any spyware. The free version is a fully functional 14 day trial with an initial nag screen. It opens up a web browser during the install&goes to the seller's website (xldevelopment.net) to ask you if you want to purchase it. <p> <p>XL delete is inexpensive, easy to use&seems to be effective at securely deleting files.
Cons
The software is slow, but I would expect that from software of this type. It needs to pass through each file you're deleting several times to eradicate it. It's more important that this type of software be thorough than It's more important that this type of software be through than that it be quick. It took 4 minutes 30 seconds to delete 300 MB on my desktop PC using the default settings. <p> <p>There is an "X" delete icon in the "XL Delete" window which is somewhat misleading. The delete icon removes items from the selection list of items to be deleted. It does not delete the items from your drive. The icon next to the "X" delete icon, which looks like a piece of paper on fire, performs the "XL Delete" to securely delete the file(s)/folder(s) from your drive. <p> <p>You can select items in Windows Explorer, right click on them, & then choose "Remove with XL Delete". Everything you've selected will be listed into the XL Delete selection window. This makes the software very easy to use. <p> <p>There is little to complain about with this well-written program.
Summary
Changed my windows configuration
jamit1April 24, 2006
Pros
Conceivably the program works for those who put stuff on their hard drive that the police shouldn't know about. I tried it because I couldn't delete a program (Tencent/QQ) because of a shared dll. This program didn't help. I ended up starting Windows in safe mode, and then deleting, which worked.
Cons
In my opinion the reviewer s.a8008 below (above?) has written a fair review. This program forced me to download something which seemed totally unnecessary and irrelevant. Not only that, now when I boot my computer I have to select the "Administrator" box, whereas in the past I could boot and it would go straight to Windows. I hope when I gladly uninstall this program at the end of the stupid trial period I can also be rid of this problem. (I happen to be working in China at the moment and am using Chinese Windows, which will make it even more difficult). <p> <p>The whole purpose of my deletion efforts is to save valuable HDD space. XL delete seems to be cross-purposes with this end.
Summary
A fast an easy to use essential tool for every computer user.
rustickyJanuary 8, 2006
Pros
Wow, this program truly securely deletes everything and I could not find any traces using recovery tools. After formatting, I wiped clean the entire hard drive and it was brand new again. I've used it on USB drives and worked great. Now I can sell my old computer without having to worry of any important files left behind.
Cons
Summary
This is gods gift to downloaders, bankers, lawyers... you name it
zepolizJanuary 8, 2006
Pros
Its fast and everything was permanently deleted. Oh hell yeah! I delete everything through xl delete now. I don't use windows recycler no more. I also used it on all my hard drives empty space to ensure stuff like identity theft. I can't recommend this enough. Everyone should and needs to use this program regardless of what they use their computer for.
Cons
Summary
Works great and looks great.
chumba27January 1, 2006
Pros
This program really does its job. I could not recover any file that I deleted with this program. It works pretty fast too compared to other similar tools. It also looks very nice. The best part about it is just how much it lets you customize how it works, I was able to create several custom wipes with the built in editor. Worth every penny.
Cons
Only minor but I found the scheduler a little hard to use at first.
Summary
Problems from the start.
s.a8008September 10, 2005
Pros
It doesnt use any hard disk space, AT ALL. LOL
Cons
Wouldnt install, it displayed an error reading, " This Software requires the MS .NET framework 1.1 " and said were to download it, the address could have atleast been a hypertext link, that I could click on. I aint typin some HUGE long address into my browser, donwload some software I would never usually have, just to run a very insignificant utility, fair enough, I would download 3rd party software if it was like to run my O.S, or my MAIN software packages. but COME ON..... lol. <p> <p>Having said that. I cant rate the actually software because it wouldnt run. Atleast not unless I went to lengths to make it run, naaaa flack that. <p> <p>I was gonna give it two stars, as I dont want to be unfair and miss judge something I havent even evaluated, BUT, its their fault I cant evalutate it. soo.....
Summary

Developer’s Description

By -XL- Development

Remove files securely from your hard drive.