How to Permanently Delete Files from Your Computer | Secure & Unrecoverable

Whatever your reason for wanting to completely del ete files fr om your computer, we believe it is ultimately for data security reasons. However, many people think that clicking "del ete" means that the file is gone forever. This is not the case. Often, simply del eted files can still be recovered. When you del ete a file (for example by right-clicking it or dragging it into the recycle bin), the operating system does not immediately erase the actual data of the file fr om the hard drive. Instead, it simply marks the "Index" of the file in the file system as "del eted" and frees up the storage space occupied by the file so that it can be overwritten by new data.

The original data remains on the hard disk until the file is overwritten with new data. This means that as long as the storage area where the file is located is not occupied by new data, the file can be recovered by professional tools. If you want to del ete files permanently, don't miss this article, we will detail several effective ways for you to completely del ete files and ensure that they are unrecoverable.

PART 1 Common Reasons Why Data Need to Be Permanently del eted

We may want to ensure that the file is permanently del eted and cannot be recovered by any means. The following are common reasons why files need to be permanently del eted:

1. Protect sensitive information. Such as personal privacy (such as ID number, bank account, password, etc.), and internal confidential documents (such as contracts, financial statements, customer data, etc.).

2. Prevent data leaks. del eted files may be obtained by malicious users through the data recovery tool, resulting in data leakage. In addition, many industries (such as finance, healthcare, legal) have strict regulations on data management, requiring the complete deletion of sensitive data to avoid breaches.

3. Release the storage space. Permanently deleting files can ensure that the storage space is fully released to prevent residual data fr om occupying space. Permanently deleting files before selling or giving away a device ensures that new users can't recover old data, while giving the device more free space.

4. Improve system performance. Deleting unnecessary files can reduce the burden on the system and improve operating efficiency.

5. Avoid legal risks. Certain industries or regions have clear legal requirements for data deletion (such as GDPR), and failure to completely del ete files can result in legal disputes or fines.

6. Equipment resale or recycling. Permanently deleting files before selling, donating, or recycling devices ensures that personal or business data cannot be recovered by others. Deleting files completely prevents new users of the device fr om accessing sensitive information and misusing it.

7. Prevent malicious software fr om using del eted files, if recovered by malicious software, may be used to spread viruses or launch attacks. Permanently deleting files ensures that malware cannot exploit the remaining data.

PART 2 How to Permanently del ete A File? The Following Methods Are Simple And Effective!

Permanently deleting files is not only an important means to protect privacy and data security, but also a key step to meet legal compliance, optimize system performance, and prevent data breaches. Whether it is an individual user or a business, it is vital to understand and implement methods for permanently deleting files. By taking appropriate measures, you can ensure that sensitive information disappears completely and avoid potential risks and losses. For both Windows and Mac users, you can ensure that your files disappear completely by following these steps.

Method 1 Use PC Cleanup Tools

Some PC cleaning tools can help you safely del ete files.

-Windows Tools:

Eraser: A free tool that supports multiple overwriting algorithms (e.g. DoD 5220.22-M) to ensure that files are completely del eted.

CCleaner: In addition to cleaning up system garbage, CCleaner also provides file shredding function, which can safely del ete files.

- Mac Tools:

Permanent Eraser: Designed for Mac, it can securely del ete files and overwrite data.

Disk Utility: Use the Safe del ete option to format disks or partitions.

- Cross-platform tools:

BleachBit: Supports Windows and Linux and provides file shredding and privacy cleanup.

Method 2 Right-click The Menu and del ete It

Another easy way is to use the right-click menu. Right click on the file you want to del ete and sel ect the "del ete" option. After confirming the operation, the file will be permanently del eted. This method requires no additional tools and is easy to operate.

Method 3 Use File Explorer

For users who prefer graphical operations, files can be permanently del eted through File Explorer. Open the file Explorer, sel ect the file, and then click the "Permanently del ete" button in the "Home" TAB. Confirm the operation.

Method 4 Use Keyboard Shortcuts

On Windows, the quickest way is to use keyboard shortcuts. sel ect the file you want to del ete and press the Shift + del ete key combination. A confirmation dialog box will pop up asking you if you are sure to del ete the file permanently.

Method 5 Permanently del ete Files on Mac

Mac users can del ete files directly by using the Command + Option + del ete shortcut keys, skipping the recycle bin.

Method 6 Use Encryption Software

You can use encryption software to encrypt the file before deleting it. In this way, even if the file is recovered, its contents cannot be read. Common encryption software includes VeraCrypt and BitLocker.

Method 7 Use The Command Line Tool

For advanced users, you can use the command line tool to permanently del ete files. On Windows, you can use the cipher command to overwrite the space of a del eted file to ensure that it cannot be recovered. On a Mac, you can use the rm -P command to safely del ete files.

Bonus: What If I del ete A File by Mistake? Geekersoft Data Recovery Can Help You!

In daily life and work, mistakenly deleting files is an unexpected situation that everyone may encounter. Whether it is important documents, precious photos, or key videos, once mistakenly del eted, often make people feel anxious and panic. Fortunately, professional tools such as Geekersoft Data Recovery can help you easily retrieve lost files and resolve the crisis.

1. Why choose Geekersoft Data Recovery?

- Efficient recovery:

Geekersoft Data Recovery can quickly scan your computer, hard disk, USB flash drive, SD card and other storage devices to accurately locate del eted files.

Support recovery of various file types, including documents, photos, videos, audio, compressed packages, etc.

- Easy to operate:

Complete file recovery in a few simple steps without technical expertise.

Friendly interface, even beginners can easily get started.

- Safe and reliable:

Geekersoft Data Recovery uses advanced scanning algorithms to ensure that the recovery process does not cause secondary damage to the original data.

Support preview function, you can view the contents of the file before recovery, to ensure that the recovered file is what you need.

- Wide compatibility:

Support Windows and Mac operating systems, compatible with a variety of file systems (such as NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, APFS, etc.).

Applicable to a variety of storage devices, including hard disks, SSDS, USB flash drives, and memory cards.

2. How to Recover del eted Data Using Geekersoft Data Recovery ?

To use Geekersoft Data Recovery to recover del eted documents, photos, videos, audio, compressed packages and other types of data, you can follow the steps below:

Step 1 Install and start Geekersoft Data Recovery on your computer.

Step 2 On the page for sel ecting the file type for Geekersoft Data Recovery, sel ect Document, Photo, video, Audio, and compressed file as required. The software will scan and retrieve the file.

Step 3 After the scan is complete, sel ect the data to be recovered, click Recover, and save the recovered data to a specified location as prompted.

Summary

These are the effective ways we introduce you how to permanently del ete files. Of course, if you need to recover lost data, you can choose Geekersoft Data Recovery for recovery. In the information age, data security is always the first priority.