How to Permanently Delete Files on PC without Recovery

Usually, we use Shift+Delete to delete files, but the data is just moved to some sectors of the hard disk. The data is still on your hard disk and you can easily recover it with the help of professional recovery software. When you decide to resell your old PC, permanently deleting files from PC without recovery is necessary.

To make the files unrecoverable forever and to better protect your privacy, this article provides the most effective ways on how to permanently delete files on PC without recovery.

How to Permanently Delete Files on PC without Recovery

Deleted files are not recovered only if specific sectors of the hard disk are overwritten with new data. For this purpose only take a professional hard disk eraser - AOMEI Partition Assistant.

This file eraser tool securely erases files from the hard disk and writes the space where the files are located to zero to prevent recovery. In addition, it can shred files can't be deleted and remove virus files without regeneration.

Permanently delete software free download:

As a free and secure eraser tool, it is easy to use and suitable for all users. Follow the steps and see how to permanently delete files on pc without recovery:

Step 1. Install and run AOMEI Partition Assistant Standard. Click “Wipe”> “Shred Files”.

Step 2. In the “Shred Files” window, choose “Add Files” or “Add Folders” to add the files or folder that you want to erase without recovery. 

Step 3. After specifying the files, choose “Write Zero” as the shredding method.

Step 4. Click the “Shred” button and you’ll be asked whether you are sure to shred selected files/folder thoroughly. Click “Yes” to continue the operation.

Step 5. After all the added files or folders are deleted, you will see the message “All files/folders have been shredded completely” on the top.

AOMEI Erase Software not only supports shredding files, you can also erase your hard disk multiple times. Usually, after two erasures, your data is permanently deleted and cannot be recovered.

You can upgrade to AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional version for the three advanced shredding way:

• Pseudorandom data (1 pass, Pro): Overwrite with random data.

• DoD 5220.22-M (7 passes, Pro): Overwrite with binary zeros firstly; secondly with binary ones; thirdly with a random bit pattern.

• Gutmann (35 passes, Pro): Overwrite with a random character for the first four and the last four passes and with a complex pattern from pass 5 to pass 31.

Notes:

• It’s not allowed to change shredding way when the operation is running.

• The files that are compressed or encrypted at the file system level and these folders: "C:\Program Files", "C:\Program Files(x86)", "C:\Users", "C:\Windows", "C:\Windows\System32", "C:\Users\Pubilc", "C:\Users\Public\Desktop", "C:\Users\Administrator\Desktop", "C:\Users\*（current login account）\Desktop" cannot be shredded.

• If the program fails to delete some files as they are in use, you can reboot computer and enter WinPE or PreOS mode to shred the files.

Other Solutions to Permanently Delete Files on Windows 11/10/7

With the help of professional file deletion tools, you can shred single or multiple files at the same time, so they can’t be recovered. Apart from using third-party tools, you can use Windows built-in tools to permanently delete files from your computer without restoring Windows 10/11.

Method 1. Permanently Delete Files via Cipher

Cipher is the Windows built-in secure deletion tool. It is a command line tool. For experienced users, you can try this method:

Step 1. Run a command prompt with administrator privileges.

Step 2. Type cipher /w:FolderName, and replace FolderName with the path of the file you want to delete. For example, cipher /w:C.

This method securely overwrites all unallocated files on the target drive, making them unrecoverable.

Method 2. Permanently Deleting Files via the Recycle Bin

When you delete files using the Basic Delete function or the Shit+Delete keys, all files go to the Recycle Bin. You can permanently delete files by configuring and emptying the Recycle Bin.

Step 1. Right-click the Recycle Bin and select Properties.

Step 2. Select the destination drive where you want to permanently delete the data and check the box "Don't move files to the Recycle Bin. Remove files immediately when deleted" option.

After saving the settings, you will be able to permanently delete files from the specific drive.

Conclusion 

This article lists three ways to permanently delete files, so they can't be recovered. Deleted data and overwritten are unrecoverable, and need to be performed with professional wipe tools. AOMEI Partition Assistant provides advanced features like shredding files and wiping partitions.

Of course, you can also choose Windows Command Prompt and Set Recycle Bin to delete files permanently. If you have more questions about deleting files, read on

FAQs about How to Permanently Delete Files on PC without Recovery

This part provides more related questions and answers about how to permanently delete files on PC without recovery. Keep reading if you are interested.

1. What is the free tool to permanently delete files?

AOMEI Partition Assistant is a free disk application that provides a shred files feature for unrecoverable unwanted files. You can delete files from your hard disk without having to worry about them being recovered. And you can also erase the data of an entire partition.

2. How do I delete a file permanently and make it unrecoverable?

Usually, we use Shift+Delete to delete a file. However, the files can be recovered using professional data recovery software. You can use file shredding software - AOMEI Partition Assistant to overwrite the data on the file multiple times and make it unrecoverable. Or you can use command line utility - cipher /w:FolderName.

3. How to permanently delete exe files?

Many people report that they are unable to delete .exe files, or that deleted exe files keep returning on Windows 10/11. For this, you can opt for a professional file cleaner by selecting the exe file, right-clicking on the unwanted file, and choosing to delete it permanently.