Eraser
Eraser is a free, open source data removal tool for Windows. It allows users to completely remove sensitive data from their hard drive by overwriting it multiple times with carefully selected patterns to prevent the data from being recovered.
data-removal
privacy
secure-delete
Eraser: Free, Open Source Data Removal Tool for Windows
Eraser is a free, open source data removal tool for Windows. It allows users to completely remove sensitive data from their hard drive by overwriting it multiple times with carefully selected patterns to prevent the data from being recovered.
What is Eraser?
Eraser is a free, open source data removal tool for Windows operating systems. It allows users to permanently delete files, folders, and sensitive data from their hard drives by overwriting the data multiple times to prevent it from being recovered by data recovery software or forensics.
Eraser utilizes a range of overwrite patterns based on various international standards to replace deleted content with meaningless random data. Users can choose from various overwrite methods like the Gutmann method, DoD 5220.22-M method, Schneier's method and more based on their security needs.
Beyond permanently deleting files and folders, Eraser also includes features to securely erase unused disk space, wipe volumes to make previously deleted files unrecoverable, schedule data erasure tasks, integrate with the Windows context menu for right-click deletions, and more. It even supports verifying erasures to confirm selected data has been removed.
As an open source application, Eraser is community-driven software available completely free of cost to users. It works on most current Windows operating systems. Eraser allows individuals, professionals, and businesses to permanently and securely remove sensitive private information from drives and prevent unwanted data recovery.
Eraser Features
Features
- Secure data erasure using multiple overwriting algorithms
- Erase individual files, folders, drives and partitions
- Schedule tasks to automatically erase files and folders
- Erase unused disk space to remove deleted file fragments
- Portable version available to run from USB drives
- Integrates with Windows Explorer right-click menu
- Supports command line interface for advanced use
Pricing
- Free
- Open Source
Pros
Free and open source
Effective and secure data erasure
Easy to use interface
Lightweight and fast
Customizable overwriting algorithms
Portable version for use on the go
Cons
Only available for Windows
Lacks real-time monitoring of deleted files
Cannot securely erase data from solid state drives
Does not erase application caches and histories
Requires some technical knowledge to use advanced features
Official Links
The Best Eraser Alternatives
Top Security & Privacy and Data Removal and other similar apps like Eraser
Here are some alternatives to Eraser:
Suggest an alternative ❐
DiskGenius
DiskGenius is a full-featured and easy-to-use partition manager software for Windows. It provides a complete set of tools to manage disks and partitions, such as create, format, delete, clone, backup and restore partitions or disks, recover deleted or lost partitions, rebuild MBR, convert partition table between MBR and GPT without...
BleachBit
BleachBit is a popular open source system cleaning and privacy utility for Windows and Linux. It allows users to free up valuable disk space and maintain their privacy by cleaning unnecessary cached files, cookies, Internet history, temporary files, system logs and more from various applications.Some key features of BleachBit include:Safely...
Disk Wipe
Disk Wipe is a free and open source disk sanitization and data wiping utility for Windows. It allows users to securely erase all data from hard drives and external storage devices like USB drives to prevent file and data recovery.Key features include:Erase entire hard drives, partitions, or just free disk...
SDelete
SDelete is a free, open source command line utility for securely deleting files and folders on Windows systems. It works by overwriting data multiple times with randomized bit patterns to prevent recovery using forensic tools.Some key features of SDelete include:Securely overwrites file data using Department of Defense and other secure...
Active@ KillDisk
Active@ KillDisk is an advanced hard drive erasure software that provides permanent data destruction for hard drives and SSDs. It uses U.S. Department of Defense approved sanitization methods to securely wipe all existing data and prevent future data recovery.Key features include:Supports SSDs and HDDs for both SATA, SSD, SCSI, IDE...
BCWipe
BCWipe is a secure data erasure and disk wiping utility for Windows designed to permanently delete sensitive files and clean disk drives by overwriting data to prevent recovery. Features include:Meets and exceeds government standards for the sanitization of magnetic mediaSupports a variety of data destruction algorithms like DoD 5220.22-M, Peter...
File Shredder
File Shredder is software that provides secure deletion of files from your hard drive. Unlike regular file deletion, which only removes file references, File Shredder overwrites the actual file data to prevent recovery using data recovery tools.The software uses military-grade algorithms to overwrite files multiple times with random data. The...
BitRaser File Eraser
BitRaser File Eraser is a leading data erasure software used to permanently and securely delete files, folders, and disk drives. It utilizes advanced algorithms that overwrite data multiple times to prevent any chance of recovery, even with forensic tools.Some key features of BitRaser File Eraser include:Permanently deletes files and folders...
Secure Eraser
Secure Eraser is a free, open source application for permanently and securely deleting files and folders in Windows. It uses multiple overwrite passes to write random data over top of files marked for deletion, preventing the chance of recovery through data forensics.Some key features of Secure Eraser include:Supports 35 different...
ErAce
ErAce is an open-source, cross-platform text editor and source code editor developed by Cheng Zhao. It is available for Linux, macOS, and Windows.Some key features of ErAce include:Syntax highlighting and autocompletion for over 100 languagesExtensibility through plugins and scriptsCustomizable interface with different themesFast and lightweight even when working with large...
HiBit Uninstaller
HiBit Uninstaller is a free utility program designed to thoroughly remove unwanted programs from Windows computers. It goes beyond the basic Windows uninstaller by scanning the system for leftovers that regular uninstallers often leave behind.When you uninstall a program the normal way, via Windows Add/Remove Programs or Programs and Features,...
Hardwipe
Hardwipe is a free, open-source data wiping utility for Windows designed to permanently erase confidential files and clean storage devices before disposal. It uses advanced erasure algorithms to overwrite data multiple times, making it impossible to recover with data recovery tools.Key features include:Securely overwrites entire hard drives, partitions, external USB...
WipeFile
WipeFile is a free, open-source data destruction utility for Windows that can securely and permanently delete files and folders to prevent recovery. It works by overwriting the data multiple times with randomized bit patterns to ensure the original data cannot be reconstructed.Some key features of WipeFile include:Integrates with the Windows...
East-tec Eraser
east-tec Eraser is a secure data removal software for Windows operating systems. It allows users to permanently erase files, folders, and prevent recovery of deleted private data.Key features of east-tec Eraser include:Permanently deletes files and folders beyond recoveryErases unused disk space to remove previously deleted filesSupports all storage devices including...
IShredder
iShredder is a user-friendly secure file deletion and disk cleaning utility for Windows designed to permanently delete files, folders and wipe free disk space. It utilizes multiple data shredding and overwriting methods such as the DoD 5220.22-M (3-pass) and Peter Gutmann's 35-pass algorithms to completely erase sensitive data making it...
Hard Disk Scrubber
Hard Disk Scrubber is powerful disk sanitization and data destruction software designed to permanently erase files, folders and wipe entire disks clean. It utilizes multiple algorithms including the Gutmann method, Random Data method, Fast Zero Overwrite method and Customizable Patterns method to securely overwrite data making it unrecoverable by even...
MobiKin Cleaner for iOS
MobiKin Cleaner for iOS is a powerful iOS cleaning and optimization tool designed specifically for iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch devices. It helps users quickly free up storage space, delete junk files, boost system performance, and protect personal privacy in just a few taps.Key features of MobiKin Cleaner for iOS...
Cybertron Privacy Eraser
Cybertron Privacy Eraser is a powerful data removal tool for permanently erasing sensitive personal information from your Windows computer. It helps prevent identity theft by securely overwriting sensitive files and folders so they are unrecoverable.The software uses military-grade data sanitization algorithms to overwrite files, internet history, registry entries, cache files,...
Alternate File Shredder
An alternate file shredder is a software used to securely and permanently delete files on your computer hard drive or other storage devices. Unlike simply deleting a file which only removes the file's entry from the file table, file shredding overwrites the file's data in order to prevent recovery using...
Permanent Eraser
Permanent Eraser is a file deletion software for Windows that provides secure deletion of files and folders. It uses military-grade deletion algorithms to overwrite deleted data multiple times, preventing recovery by even advanced data forensics.Key features include:Integrates with Windows shell for right-click secure deletionMultiple international security standards for overwrite methodsCan...
Mobi Cleaner
Mobi Cleaner is a free Android app that helps clean and optimize your phone. It removes unnecessary files to free up storage space, clears app cache to speed up performance, and includes other useful tools to monitor and improve your device.Key features of Mobi Cleaner include:Cache Cleaner - Clears app...
UltraShredder
UltraShredder is a powerful, multi-platform file shredder that provides military-grade secure deletion of files and folders. It works by overwriting the selected data multiple times with random data, ensuring the original contents can never be recovered, even using advanced forensic tools.UltraShredder supports all common file types and comes equipped with...
Context-Shredder
Context-Shredder is an open-source, free web browser extension available for Firefox, Chrome, and Chromium-based browsers. Its main purpose is to enhance user privacy and anonymity during web browsing.After installing Context-Shredder, it will automatically clear the browsing history, cookies, cache, and other temporary files after each browsing session. This prevents this...
HDShredder
HDShredder is a free, open-source data destruction and disk wiping utility for Windows operating systems. It is designed to securely and permanently erase files, folders, and drives by overwriting data multiple times to prevent recovery.HDShredder implements a variety of internatioanlly recognized data sanitization standards including the Peter Gutmann 35-pass overwrite...
Permadelete
Permadelete is a secure file deletion utility designed to permanently erase files from your hard drive. Unlike simply deleting files or formatting a drive, Permadelete uses advanced techniques to prevent deleted files from being recovered.When you normally delete a file, the operating system simply marks the space taken up by...
East-tec DisposeSecure
east-tec DisposeSecure is a file shredder application designed for permanently deleting sensitive files, folders, and disks on Windows systems. It provides secure data erasure using techniques that aim to prevent recovery of deleted data.DisposeSecure can shred individual files and folders as well as wipe entire drives or partitions. It utilizes...
EraserDrop
EraserDrop is a free, open source software application designed for securely erasing files from hard drives and external storage devices. It allows users to permanently delete sensitive files to prevent recovery and ensure privacy.Key features of EraserDrop include:Secure overwrite algorithms like Gutmann and DOD 5220.22-M to permanently destroy file dataErase...
IShred Express
iShred Express is a free data shredder software for Windows designed to securely and permanently erase files from your computer to prevent recovery. It utilizes advanced erasure techniques that go beyond simple delete operations to prevent deleted files from being restored by data recovery software.Key features of iShred Express include:Secure...
Lowvel
Lowvel is an open source vector graphics editor designed for the Linux operating system. It can be considered an alternative to commercial software like Adobe Illustrator or CorelDraw.Some key features of Lowvel include:Intuitive user interface with various tools for drawing, shaping, coloring vector graphicsSupport for layers, masks, grouping, and other...
SSuite File Shredder
SSuite File Shredder is a free Windows software used to permanently shred/delete files and folders from your computer or storage devices. It uses various data destruction methods defined by standards like DoD 5220.22-M or Peter Gutmann's 35-pass algorithm to overwrite selected data making it unrecoverable.Some key features of SSuite File...
Zer0
Zer0 is an open-source, self-hosted alternative to proprietary services like Typeform and Google Forms. It allows anyone to easily create beautiful online forms, surveys, quizzes and landing pages without any coding required.Some key features of Zer0 include:Intuitive drag and drop form builder to create forms in minutesMultiple flexible question types...
AppleXsoft File Eraser
AppleXsoft File Eraser is a secure data removal tool designed specifically for macOS. It enables permanent and irrecoverable deletion of files, folders, or entire drives by overwriting the data multiple times to prevent forensic recovery.Key features include:Securely erase individual files and folders as well as entire partitions or storage devicesSupports...
Puran Permanent Delete
Puran Permanent Delete is a freeware utility program developed by Puran Software for permanently deleting files, folders, and partitions in Windows. It utilizes a variety of secure data destruction methods to ensure deleted files cannot be recovered by any means.Key features include:Secure overwrite algorithms like Peter Gutmann and US DoD...
Atom TechSoft File Shredder
Atom TechSoft File Shredder is a file shredding utility for Windows that allows permanent and secure deletion of files and folders. It is designed to completely remove traces of deleted data by overwriting it multiple times to prevent recovery.The software uses a variety of internationally recognized data sanitization standards such...
Easy File Shredder
Easy File Shredder is a free desktop application for Windows that provides secure deletion of files and folders. It uses multiple overwriting algorithms to permanently erase sensitive data, preventing recovery by data recovery software or forensics.Key features include:Secure overwrite up to 35 passes using various international standards like DoD 5220.22-M,...
Robusta File Shredder
Robusta File Shredder is a software application designed specifically for secure and permanent deletion of files and folders in Windows. It uses multiple shredding methods like DoD 5220.22-M and Peter Gutmann to completely overwrite selected data making recovery impossible.Key features include:Securely wipe individual files, folders or entire drivesSupport for all...
DriveScrubber
DriveScrubber is a powerful data cleanup and privacy protection software for Windows. It uses advanced algorithms to securely and permanently delete files, as well as wipe hard drive free space to remove deleted data remnants.Key features include:Securely overwrite files and folders to prevent recovery.Erase hard drive free space to eliminate...
PC Reviver
PC Reviver is a system optimization, maintenance, and security software for Windows PCs. It's designed to clean, optimize, and secure computers to resolve a wide range of issues that can slow down system performance over time.Key features of PC Reviver include:Junk File Cleanup - Cleans browser caches, downloaded program files,...
XShredder
xShredder is a free, open-source file shredder program for Windows operating systems. It allows users to securely and permanently delete files, folders, and drives by overwriting the data multiple times to prevent recovery.Some key features of xShredder include:Secure overwrite algorithms like DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, and more to ensure deleted files...
OSToto PC Speeder
OSToto PC Speeder is a system optimization and tuning utility designed to help boost the speed and performance of Windows PCs. It includes a variety of tools to clean up and optimize different aspects of your system.Key features include:Registry Cleaner - Safely cleans invalid registry entries to fix errors and...
Abylon SHREDDER
abylon SHREDDER is a file shredding software for Windows designed to permanently delete files, folders, and sensitive data to prevent recovery. It integrates seamlessly into Windows Explorer, allowing you to right-click and shred files or folders easily.It utilizes multiple secure overwrite algorithms like the DoD 5220.22-M method along with verifiable,...
Jihosoft Mobile Privacy Eraser
Jihosoft Mobile Privacy Eraser is a feature-rich Android app to help protect personal privacy by deleting private data on your phone. It allows you to erase call logs, text messages, gallery photos and videos, audio files, document files, browser history, and more with one click. The erase operations are unrecoverable,...
