These apps are just one of several ways tocompletely erase a hard drive.
CBL Data Shredder
Can work inside or outside Windows.
Wipes data off any OS.
Viacheslav Besputin / iStock / Getty Images Plus
Easy to understand and use.
Requires your email address for the download.
Lacks safety measures in the Windows edition.
Windows edition doesn’t work on Windows 11.
The Windows version of CBL Data Shredder is said to work with Windows XP through Windows 10.
I tried it in Windows 11, but it didn’t work like it should.
KillDisk
Multi-OS support.
Supports free space wiping.
Not everything you see is free for non-pro users.
There’s just one wipe method.
Active KillDisk is afreeware, scaled-down version of the KillDisk Pro data destruction tool.
This unfortunately means some of the program’s tweaks work only in the professional version.
you’re able to also install a regular tool to run KillDisk from within the OS.
This program works with both regular hard drives and solid state drives.
It runs on Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP.
There’s also a Linux and Mac version available.
DBAN (Darik’s Boot and Nuke)
Can erase the whole OS.
Works with all operating systems.
Can’t choose specific partitions only (must erase the whole drive).
However, you should know that it doesn’t supportSSDs.
The program’s menu interface is also very easy to use.
See ourHow to Erase a Hard Drive Using DBANfor help.
MHDD
Several installation methods.
Only one erase method.
Not as user-friendly as programs with a GUI.
MHDD is another data destruction tool that utilizes Secure Erase to erase both mechanical and solid-state hard drives.
The thing I like best about MHDD is the variety of easy-to-use forms that it’s downloadable in.
MHDD only utilizes the Secure Erase method for data destruction if you use theFASTERASEoption available in the program.
Format Command With Write Zero Option
Microsoft-provided.
Works inside and outside the OS.
Can’t choose a different wipe method.
Bootable method isn’t as easy to use as other tools.
The format command included with Windows XP and prior operating systems does not support this option.
Secure Eraser
Useful automation options after deletion.
Includes a registry cleaner.
It won’t erase the operating system drive.
Secure Eraser is a software suite that serves not only as aregistry cleanerbut also as a data destruction tool.
I like the post-delete options.
However, it does work with both traditional HDDs and SSDs, as well as USB-connected storage devices.
Secure Eraser attempts to install another program during setup that you must deselect if you don’t want it.
Macrorit Data Wiper
Simple to use; runs like any other app.
Works only for non-primary drives, like USB drives and other internal SSDs/HDDs.
Macrorit Data Wiper is different than the above programs in that it doesn’t run from a bootable disc.
Just select a hard drive (regular or SSD) that should be erased and choose a wiping method.
A few clicks later and the whole process will begin.
Remo Drive Wipe
The wizard walkthrough is easy for anyone to use.
Supports nine wipe methods, but the free version only supports three.
Remo Drive Wipe is a nice-looking data destruction program that runs inside Windows.
you’re able to wipe an entire disk with one of three different sanitization methods.
I tested it on Windows 11 and Windows 8 without any issues.
Freeraser
Works a lot like the built-in Recycle Bin.
Install it or run it as a portable app.
Only supports external drives.
Freeraser can only delete files from a whole hard drive if it’s connected over USB.
Internal hard drives are not supported.
you’re free to install Freeraser on Windows 11 through Windows XP.
It can also be used as a portable program by choosing that option during setup.
Eraser
Scheduling options.
Updates more often than similar programs.
It can’t erase Windows.
Eraser is pretty easy to use and serves as a well-designed data destruction program with some unique features.
you might schedule deletions with all the precision you’d expect with any scheduling tool.
This program should work with both traditional drives and SSDs.
Eraser works in Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP.
It also runs on Windows Server 2016 through 2003.
Disk Wipe
More wipe methods than most of these apps.
No longer receives updates.
Non-bootable means it can’t wipe the Windows drive.
This is another portable data destruction tool that you run from within Windows.
CCleaner
Good variety of wipe methods.
Can run from a portable location like a flash drive.
Contains other useful tools.
The other features might be too much if you’re not interested in them.
Can only wipe the free space of the Windows drive.
However, itcanwipe thefree spaceof that drive.
you’ve got the option to choose more than one drive at once to wipe them all consecutively.
It supports both SSDs and mechanical drives.
Once CCleaner is opened, go to theToolssection and then selectDrive Wiperto access this data-wiping feature.
Be sure to chooseEntire Drivefrom the dropdown menu.
A portable option is available, too.
Hardwipe
Lots of data sanitization methods to pick from.
Wipes HDDs and SSDs.
Won’t wipe the primary drive.
No longer gets updated.
Hardwipe runs from inside Windows.
Just load the drive that should be cleaned and choose a data wipe method.
Hardwipe works with all the most recent versions of Windows, from Windows XP to Windows 11.
AOMEI Partition Assistant Standard Edition
Protections in place to prevent accidental deletion.
Good to have on hand for partitioning purposes.
File wiping isn’t its main focus.
Not everything in the program is free to use.
AOMEI’s tool works with Windows 11 through Windows XP.
PrivaZer
Unique data sanitization methods.
Easy to use from the right-click menu.
Extra features not related to data wiping.
PrivaZer is a PC cleaner that can also securely delete all the files/folders from a hard drive.
PrivaZer works in32-bit and 64-bitversions of Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP.
A portable version is also available from the download page.
PC Shredder
Few, but still good wipe methods.
No need to install it since it’s portable.
Stopped updating with new features in 2008.
Can only eraseotherdrives, not the one Windows is installed on.
PC Shredder is a small, portable data wipe tool that runs like any other software in Windows.
I like that this app is portable and has a simple UI.
TweakNow SecureDelete
Supports three popular wipe methods.
Supports drag and drop for easy deletion.
No new updates since 2010.
Won’t erase the Windows drive.
TweakNow SecureDelete has a nice, clean interface with simple buttons.
Its really easy to wipe clean entire hard drives with this program.
If you’re erasing an entire hard drive, drag everything over, subfolders and all.
It’s said to work only with Windows 7, Vista, and XP.
However, I tested it on Windows 10 and Windows 8 without any issues.
Hard Drive Eraser
Supports a relatively unique wipe method.
Old software with no recent updates.
Hard Drive Eraser is a portable program that can wipe all the data off of a secondary hard drive.
It works with both SSDs and mechanical HDDs.
HDShredder Free Edition
Supports erasing the Windows drive.
Supports erasing secondary and external drives.
No choice for sanitization method; just one option.
Some features seem free until you have a go at use them.
HDShredder is available in two forms, both of which work with one data wipe method.
MiniTool Drive Wipe
Super easy to use.
Choose to erase a partition or the whole drive.
Only a few wipe methods to pick from.
Must run within Windows.
MiniTool’s app runs from inside Windows like a regular program.
There aren’t any unnecessary tools or prefs that can be confusing.
you could use this program on both traditional and solid state drives.
Windows 2000 is also supported.
Super File Shredder
Drag and drop support.
Straightforward, easy-to-grasp UI.
Really old software that might not work in future versions of Windows.
Only works on other hard drives (not the Windows drive).
I like to use Super File Shredder because it’s another simple program that’s easy to understand.
It also supports drag and drop to quickly delete entire hard drives, both SSDs and traditional drives.
It works with Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP.
BitKiller
Erase files, folders, and drives.
Pick from several wipe methods.
Abandoned by its developer.
Can’t stop deletions in progress.
Unhelpful if you oughta erase the Windows partition.
Plus, it’s completely portable.
Thereisa cancel button, but it’s not clickable once deleting has begun.
I tested BitKiller on Windows 10 and Windows 8.
WipeDisk
More options than most of these apps.
Makes you verify that youreallywant to erase the drive.
Starts in German (but you’re able to change it).
No update since 2018.
WipeDisk is a portable hard drive wiper that’s pretty easy to use and supports several data wipe methods.
I tested WipeDisk on Windows 10 and Windows 8, but it also runs on previous versions of Windows.
WipeDisk defaults to German when it’s first opened, but it can be easily changed from theExtrasmenu.
XT File Shredder Lizard
Clear buttons make it simple to understand for inexperienced users.
Erasing a whole drive isn’t as intuitive as other programs make it.
Basic, unattractive interface.
Unable to wipe the main drive.
If that doesn’t work, add all the root folders, but just not the actual drive letter.
it’s possible for you to erase files on both SSDs and traditional hard drives.
The program is a bit outdated and therefore is a little different to move around in.
Ashampoo WinOptimizer Free
Good spread of wipe methods, although there are only three.
You might find it cluttered due to its extensive list of tools.
Runs within Windows, so it won’t erase the OS partition.
This one works with Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, and Windows 7.
Puran Wipe Disk
Erase the drive or just the free space.
Quite outdated; no changes since 2013.
Only available in non-bootable form (can’t delete the OS partition ).
Puran Wipe Disk is a super simple program that can wipe data from internal and external drives.
You have the option to wipe just the free space or the entire disk.
Wise Care 365
Easy to trigger from the right-click menu.
Ideal if you’re also looking for other system tools.
Includes a portable option.
Just one wipe method available.
Cluttered with other unrelated functions.
Doesn’t wipe the C drive.
You’ll like this app if you want more than just a file wiper.
To use it, load a hard drive using theAdd Foldersbutton and clickShredto immediately start the process.
you’re able to also shred files from File Explorer by right-clicking and choosingShred file/folder.
This tool is calledDisk Eraser,located in thePrivacy Protectorsection of the program.
This option works with Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP.
There’s also a portable version available from within the installable version.
Simple File Shredder
Unique features like password protection.
Might not work on modern versions of Windows.
Can’t expect new features anymore (it’s really outdated).
DeleteOnClick
Uncomplicated to use.
Only one wipe method.
My main focus in adding DeleteOnClick to this list is that it’s remarkably simple to use.
It has no buttons, menus, or parameters.
Use the program by right-clicking a hard drive and choosingSecurely Delete.
You’ll be prompted to confirm the removal of all the files.
It can be installed on Windows 11 through Windows 2000.
AbsoluteShield File Shredder
Erases hard drives from the right-click menu.
Few data sanitization methods.
This data destruction program works much like the others in this list.
you’ve got the option to also right-click any hard drive and chooseAbsoluteShield File Shredderfrom the menu.
Data Sanitization Methods:Schneier, Write Zero
The shredding method can be changed from the menu.
CopyWipe
Works from within and outside of Windows.
Several wipe methods to choose from.
It’s text-only; no buttons.
CopyWipe can run from a disc or from inside Windows, though both methods are text-only, non-GUI versions.
It runs on Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP.
SDelete
Deletes files or whole folders/drives.
Trustworthy tool from Microsoft.
Supports just one wipe method.
Might be hard to use if you’re unfamiliar with the command line.
SDelete is part of the Sysinternals Suite of free system utilities available from Microsoft.
It doesnotutilize Secure Erase even though its name might lead you to think otherwise.
ProtectStar Data Shredder
Convenient right-click option within File Explorer.
Additional tools like a temporary files cleaner.
Void of recent updates (and the UI shows it).
Occasionally bugs you to pay for it.
Just chooseErase files and foldersfrom the main screen, thenAdd Foldersto browse for the hard drive to wipe.
hdparm
Can run a few informational tasks if you want them.
No data wipe choice; just one option.
Runs via the command line.
Unusable until you extract it from the archive.
Can’t wipe the C drive.
I don’t recommend that you use hdparm unless you’re very familiar with command line tools.
Misuse could cause your hard drive to become unusable.
hdparm works with Windows 11 through Windows XP.
It downloads as aTAR.GZ file.
This option runs fromwithinWindows, so you could’t use it to erase the drive Windows is installed on.
