Eraser

6.2.0.2994 Data shredder for Windows

Felix Cheng

Securely erases files and folders from your PC's hard drive, making them unrecoverable by data recovery software.

Free and open source data erasing software download, reviewed by Felix Cheng
Make sure important documents or various files are permanently deleted and cannot be brought back - Screenshot of Eraser
Schedule multiple removal tasks - Screenshot of Eraser
Various algorithms at your disposal - Screenshot of Eraser
Delete files or folders forever - Screenshot of Eraser
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Powerful deletion tool that deletes sensitive files and folders permanently, making recover impossible.

Eraser is a software application that can be used to securely delete files and folders from a computer, as well as wipe free space on a hard drive to prevent deleted files from being recovered. It is available for Windows, and it is particularly useful for those who want to ensure that sensitive or confidential data is securely erased from their computer.

Eraser uses advanced algorithms to overwrite the data of the files and folders being deleted, making it extremely difficult or impossible to recover the data. It can also wipe the free space on a hard drive, overwriting any data that may still be present from previously deleted files.

User interface to delete files

The user interface of Eraser is designed to be simple and easy to use. It consists of a main window with a menu bar at the top and a series of buttons and options for accessing different features.

In the main window, you can see a list of the files and folders that are currently scheduled to be deleted, as well as the options for each item, such as the overwrite pattern and the number of times the data will be overwritten.

The menu bar at the top of the window allows you to access various features of Eraser, such as the option to create a new task or to customize the settings of the application.

The buttons and options in the main window allow you to access different features of Eraser. For example, you can use the "Add Data" button to add files or folders to the list of items to be deleted, or the "Options" button to customize the settings of the application. You can also use the "Start" button to begin the process of deleting the selected items.

In conclusion

Overall, Eraser is a useful tool for securely deleting files and wiping free space on a hard drive to prevent deleted data from being recovered. It is particularly useful for those who need to ensure the security and confidentiality of their data.

How to permanently delete data with Eraser

1. Download and install Eraser on your computer.
2. Open Eraser and click on the "Add Data" button in the main window.
3. Select the files or folders that you want to delete and click "Open". The selected items will be added to the list in the main window.
4. In the "Erase" column of the main window, select the overwrite pattern that you want to use. This determines how many times the data will be overwritten, which affects the security of the deletion process.
5. Click on the "Start" button to begin the process of deleting the selected items. Eraser will overwrite the data of the files and folders multiple times, making it extremely difficult or impossible to recover the data.
6. If you want to delete the free space on your hard drive as well, click on the "Erase Free Space" button in the main window. This will overwrite any data that may still be present from previously deleted files.
7. When the process is complete, the selected files and folders will be permanently deleted and the free space on the hard drive will be wiped.

Features of Eraser

  • Advanced Settings: Configure erasing algorithms and other details.
  • Cluster Tip Erasing: Wipe fragmented data and metadata.
  • Command Line Interface: Script erasing tasks from the command line.
  • Context Menu Integration: Easily access Eraser from Windows Explorer.
  • Data Sanitization Reports: Generate detailed reports after erasing data.
  • Drive Wipe: Completely erase entire drives.
  • File Recovery Prevention: Ensure deleted files cannot be recovered.
  • File Shredding: Securely erase individual files and folders.
  • Free Space Erasing: Wipe free space on drives to prevent data recovery.
  • Portable Mode: Run Eraser without installation.
  • Scheduling: Automatically erase data at regular intervals.
  • Secure Erasing with DoD & Gutmann: Use Department of Defense or Gutmann wiping standards.
  • Stealth Mode: Erase files without leaving a trace.
  • System Restore Point Removal: Securely erase Windows System Restore Points.

Compatibility and License

Eraser is a free application released under the GPLv3 license on Windows from secure cleaning software. With software released under the open source GPLv3 license, anybody can download, install, run and distribute the software with little in terms of restrictions. The latest version we have is 6.2.0.2994 and is available to download here.

What version of Windows can Eraser run on?

Eraser can be used on a computer running Windows 11 or Windows 10. Previous versions of the OS shouldn't be a problem with Windows 8 and Windows 7 having been tested. It runs on both 32-bit and 64-bit systems with no dedicated 64-bit download provided.

Filed under:
  1. Eraser Download
  2. Free Secure Cleaning Software
  3. Open source and GPL software
  4. Data Erasing Software
Eraser has been picked by our editors as very good.
Eraser has been tested for viruses and malware.
We have tested Eraser 6.2.0.2994 against malware with several different programs. We certify that this program is clean of viruses, malware and trojans.