Manunally deleting files does not remove them completely. Instead, you can shred file with random data in Windows to overwite them so that no one else can easily retrieve your deleted data for abuse.
When it comes to deleting files from a hard drive partition, most users would adopt the traditional method: manually select them all and delete them in Windows File Explorer. Besides, some experienced users may choose to delete or format the partition when all inside files are no longer required.
However, does manually deleting files or formatting partition remove data permanently? Actually, computer files aren't removed via those methods. If you just delete files to make room for new data, they are enough. But when you remove sensitive information and plan to sell your storage space, it is recommended to shred file with random data, which can overwrite existing data with random characters and prevent data recovery.
To shred files and overwrite them with random patterns, the easiest way is to make use a of professional file shredding tool, such as AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional. This software provides Windows users with 4 methods to shred unnecessary files: Write Zero, Random Data, DoD 5220.22-M and Gutmann.
Now, you can download the demo version and learn how to erase file with random data in Windows PC. If you are using Server OS, please switch to AOMEI Partition Assistant Server.
Step 1. Install and run AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional. Click “Wipe” on the toolbar and then choose “Shred Files”.
Step 2. Click on “Add Files” or “Add Folders” to open the local disk drive and access to all files or folders. Here we choose “Add Files”.
Step 3. Choose the target files you wish to delete completely. To choose multiple files, click the first file, and then press and hold the “Ctrl” key.
Step 4. Back to the main interface, all the selected files will be list. Now choose the “Random Data” shredding method and click “Shred” to start executing the operation.
When the task is done, you can see the “All files/folders have been shredded completely” message on the status bar.
Besides, these four data destruction can also be applied to wipe a partition or hard drive. Namely, you can fill a partition or fill a hard drive with zero, random data, etc. If you need to erase files on a solid-state drive, you can use the “SSD Secure Erase” feature of this software, which can erase all data on the SSD drive without damaging its performance or lifespan.
So, with a reliable tool, you can easily shred file with random data in Windows 10, 8, 7. Apart from the mentioned functions, the AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional also comes with many other features: clone partition, clone hard disk, merge partitions, split partitions, transfer OS to SSD, convert MBR and GPT without deleting partitions, etc.