How to Delete Files on SSD Permanently in Windows 10, 8, 7?

Need to permanently delete files on SSD

When it comes to deleting files from SSD or HDD, most users might use the Windows basic “delete” option. However, did you know files never actually get deleted after you hit on the delete button? Usually, when you delete a file via the “delete”option in Windows, it will move into the Recycle Bin folder unless you have customized or tweaked the Recycle Bin properties. That's why they can be recovered by you or someone else.

This simple deletion method is not safe when you need to permanently delete some confidential or private files on the SSD. In such a case, it is necessary to apply a way that can help securely and permanently delete files on the SSD and make them impossible to recover by others, especially when you plan to throw away or donate the drive. 

Simple steps to delete files on SSD drive (Freeware)

Given that the Windows built in “delete” button does not permanently delete files on the SSD, HDD or other storage drive, the third-party file shredder might be required. Among all file deletion software, the AOMEI Partition Assistant Standard can be a better choice. It can permanently delete files from SSD or other storgae hard drives by overwriting it with zeros so that the deleted files can be unrecoverable. Download the freeware and check out the detailed guide.

Step 1. Install and launch AOMEI Partition Assistant Standard. Click “Wipe” on in the top toolbar, and choose “Shred Files”.

Step 2. Click on “Add Files”. If you need to delete folders on SSD, choose “Add Folders” instead.

Step 3. Select the files you need to delete on your SSD drive and click on “Open”.

Step 4.Choose the “Write Zeros” method. Click on “Shred” to start deleting files.

At last, wait for the process to be completed. When it is finished, you can see the message “All files/folders have been shredded completely”on the top.

As you can see, there are 4 different shredding methods for your selection in step 4. They are ranked by the shredding force and security level. If you need the last 3 more advanced shredding methods, please upgrade to Professional edition.

How to delete everything on SSD securely?

When you prepare to delete a file or some files on the SSD drive, the above feature “Shred Files” can help you with that. But when you need to delete everything (all data) on the SSD drive, it is recommended to make use of the “SSD Secure Erase” of the AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional edition. If necessary, refer to the following steps:

Step 1. Connect your SSD to a Windows 7 computer via SATA port. Install and run AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional.

Step 2. Click “Wipe” on in the top toolbar, and choose “SSD Secure Erase”.

Step 3. Select the SSD that you want to securely erase and click "Next".

Step 4. Check the SSD identification information and verify it is the target SSD. If you find the SSD is in a frozen state, you need to perform a hot swap.

Perform a hot swap:
1. Open your computer case. If it is a laptop, open the computer's rear cover or drive shell.
2. Locate the SSD that needs to be securely erased.
3. Unplug the power cable from the SSD.
4. Disconnect the SATA data cable from the SSD.
5. Then reconnect the SATA cable to the SATA port on the SSD.
6. Plug the power cable back into the SSD's power connector to complete the hot-swap.

Step 5.Click "Next" to start the SSD Secure Erase.

Then all files on the SSD will be permenantly deleted. And this method is secure and won’t affect the SSD performance and lifespan.

Summary

So, now you should know how to delete files on SSD in Windows 10, 8, 7 via a secure way. The AOMEI Partition Assistant software can help you a lot no matter you want to delete some files or all files from your SSD drive. Besides, you could manage your disk partitions with most ease, like migrating OS to SSD, aligning SSD partition, cloning SSD/HDD, convert hard disk to MBR or GPT without deleting partitions, and more.