SDelete
SDelete is a free, open source secure delete tool for Windows. It allows permanently deleting files and folders by overwriting data multiple times to prevent recovery.
secure-delete
overwrite
windows
SDelete: Free Open Source Secure Delete Tool
A free, open source secure delete tool for Windows, permanently deleting files and folders by overwriting data multiple times to prevent recovery.
What is 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 deletion algorithms like DoD 5220.22-M or Peter Gutmann's 35-pass method
- Open source software published under the GNU General Public License
- Command line interface allows automation via scripts
- Supports deleting individual files, folders, as well as entire drives
- Integration with Windows Explorer context menu for deleting files/folders with a right-click
- Compact size at just 100 KB
SDelete is useful for permanently removing sensitive files like those containing financial information, medical records or company secrets. It helps prevent recovery of deleted data by criminals, competitors or forensics. Government and financial organizations often use SDelete or similar wipe utilities to meet security compliance requirements.
SDelete Features
Features
- Securely overwrite files and folders
- Overwrite free disk space to hide previously deleted files
- Integrates with Windows Explorer context menu
- Command line interface
- Multiple overwrite algorithms
- Random overwrite pattern option
- Wipe unused clusters and slack space
- Supports NTFS and FAT file systems
Pricing
- Free
- Open Source
Pros
Free and open source
Effectively deletes sensitive data
Easy to use graphical and command line interfaces
Customizable overwrite options
Actively maintained project
Cons
Only available for Windows
Overwriting takes time compared to simple delete
Requires some technical knowledge to use advanced features
Not user-friendly for non-technical users
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