How to Delete Data from Computer Permanently?
Read this article to find out why it’s imperative to securely remove files from your system and what happens if you don’t. Use both software- and manual-based techniques to securely remove files from your computer.
Before selling or giving our old computers to siblings or friends, we delete all files and folders and format the storage drives. We believe that a simple deletion or format will permanently delete our files and render them inaccessible.
We’ll look at a few efficient methods for securely erasing your sensitive data. We’ll go over some popular methods for permanently encrypting or obscuring your sensitive files in the sections below. When you plan to sell or pass on your computer, ensuring thorough disk cleansing becomes increasingly important.
Manual Methods to Permanently Delete Files from Computer
Technique 1. Utilizing Cipher and Windows PowerShell
This method makes use of a Windows feature that allows for the secure erasure of deleted files.
Search for Windows PowerShell to open it.
In the command prompt, type: cipher /w:filepath>, as shown in the snippet below.
The tool will now make an attempt to overwrite all deallocated data in the filepath.
Please keep in mind that your existing data in the file location will be preserved, and only the deleted files will be overwritten.
Note: It will take some time to replace the deleted files. Thus, exercise patience.
Technique 2. Modifying the Properties of the Recycle Bin
On your computer, a deleted file is deposited in the Recycle Bin, where it can be easily restored to its original location. Should you choose to permanently remove a file from your computer, it will not be placed in the Recycle Bin and will instead be permanently erased. Here’s a thorough explanation of each step:
Right-click on the icon for the recycle bin.
Select Properties from the drop-down menu.
Next, decide which drive you wish to permanently erase the data from. Be careful to check the box for Don’t move files to the recycle bin. Delete files as soon as the option is available. Select Apply > OK.
Note: This method cannot guarantee that all deleted files will be completely removed from your system. You have to overwrite the data in order to permanently remove it from your computer or PC.
How to Delete Data from Computer Permanently with Data Wipe Tool?
If you want to dispose of your confidential data in a more secure manner, you should look for a professional file shredder tool. CubexSoft Data Wipe Software is exactly what you require. The CubexSoft File Shredder is a powerful tool for securely erasing both unwanted and sensitive data from your hard drive. It uses cutting-edge data encryption algorithms such as Zeros (1 pass), DOD 5520 (3 passes), US Army AR 380-19 (3 passes), USAF 5520 (3 passes), German VSITR (7 passes), HMG ISS Baseline (1 pass), HMG ISS Enhanced (3 passes), Russian GOST P50739 95 (2 passes), Canadian OPS-II (7 passes), Peter Gutmann (35 passes), and DOD5520 + Peter Gutmann (35 passes).
This utility permanently deletes files and data from the storage device using a variety of sophisticated data erasure algorithms. Additionally, it makes deleted data irretrievable by erasing all traces of it. This effective tool can delete user-created files as well as cookies, temporary files, cache, browser history, and more.
Steps to Use CubexSoft Data Eraser Tool
CubexSoft File Eraser is an easy-to-use program with a clear user interface that is ideal for anyone needing to erase data. The steps to use it are as follows:
Install the software on your Windows PC.
Open the software and choose the “Select Files” or “Select Folders” option to choose files for the wiping process.
The program will list all the items saved in the Folder in its pane. After that, select the required files to wipe them.
Now, press the Wiping Methods to wipe data from the computer permanently with international standards.
After that, click on Filter Options from the panel’s menu like date range, file mask, overwrite data.
Finally, click on the Wipe button to start the wiping process.
Conclusion
Every day, we delete a large number of unnecessary files from our computers in order to declutter them. While deleting files permanently ensures they are no longer accessible on the system, they can be easily recovered and misused by anyone. As a result, secure data deletion is required to prevent unauthorized access to your sensitive data.
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