As far as advanced options go, Eraser wins the file shredder competition hands down.

It lets you schedule file shredding with all the precision you’d expect with any scheduling tool.

Development has been discontinued, so this is the final version.

Paper shredder

Hup / Getty Images

WipeFile downloads in the7Zformat; you could use7-Zipto open it.

Freeraser

Freeraser is incredibly easy to use.

I’ve used Freeraser in Windows 11 and Windows 10, but it also works with older versions.

Eraser app window with schedule

It also works from the right-click context menu.

The buttons are simple to understand and the options are easily accessible.

Browse for files and folders to add to the program, or simply drag and drop them.

WipeFile queue

The “Remove” button simply clears the file/folder from the app window without deleting the actual data.

This tool should work fine on any Windows version.

I used it in Windows 10 without any issues.

Freeraser on Windows 10

This is a file shredder program that runs in Windows 2000 and newer versions of Windows.

I tested it in Windows 11.

There are two options I love having in this program.

Secure Eraser v5.000 on Windows 8

It probably works for other versions of Windows, too.

The file shredder portion of the program is inAdvanced Tools>Privacy & Security.

All versions of Windows should be able to run Glary Utilities.

TweakNow SecureDelete on Windows

PrivaZer

PrivaZer is a PC cleaner that includes file shredding capabilities to securely delete files and folders.

This program suite includes several system cleaning and optimization programs.

I also like that it includes the option to shred all the files in the Recycle Bin.

Hard Disk Scrubber on Windows

You’ll like this program if you want all those extra tools in a clean, modern program.

Delete Files Permanently should work in Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP.

I tested File Shredder in Windows 10 and Windows 7 without any issues.

Moo0 File Shredder v1.21 on Windows

It should also run on Windows 11, 8, etc.

BitKiller

BitKiller is a super simple portable file shredder program.

This software lets you shred files in all versions of Windows, including Windows 11/10.

Glary Utilities on Windows 10

PC Shredder

I like that PC Shredder is portable and has a simple interface.

It takes up less than 300 KB, which is great for storing on aflash drive.

Super File Shredder

Super File Shredder is intuitive and quite easy to use.

PrivaZer delete without a trace menu

Just drag and drop files or folders into the program and selectStartto shred them.

you’re able to also shred files from the right-click context menu.

Super File Shredder works with Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP.

Screenshot of Hardwipe in Windows 10

ChooseFile Wiperfrom there to get started.

It also lets you empty the Recycle Bin using any of the below sanitization methods.

Also, you’re able to’t create more than one schedule.

WinUtilities File Shredder

I tested this utility in Windows 11, 8 and XP.

I tested the most recent version on Windows 11, 10, and XP without any problems.

Of course, that doesn’t affect the functionality of the shredder.

Advanced SystemCare’s File Shredder on Windows 11

Data Sanitization Methods:Random Data

Unfortunately, as you could see, there’s only one wipe method.

I successfully used ProtectStar Data Shredder in Windows 11, 10, 7, and XP.

you might find theFile Shredderportion under theTools>Basic Toolssection.

Delete Files Permanently program on Windows

ChooseAdd FileorAdd Folder/Driveto load multiple files or a single folder at once.

Data Sanitization Methods:Write Zero

The data wipe method can run up to 16 times for greater privacy.

I used ToolWiz Care in Windows 11, 10, 7, and XP.

File Shredder on Windows

Blank And Secure has a simple interface that lets you shred files and folders and then automatically close.

There are two download versions available for Blank and Secure.

It’s available as a portable program if you’d rather not install it.

BitKiller on Windows 8

The file shredder is located in thePrivacy Protectorsection of the program.

Just load one or more files and folders using theAddbutton and clickShredto immediately start the process.

you’re able to also shred files from File Explorer by right-clicking and choosingShred file/folder.

PC Shredder on Windows

This tool is calledDisk Eraser.

This program works with Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP.

Baidu PC Faster

Baidu PC Faster is another system optimizer with an included file shredder.

Super File Shredder on Windows

Only one data wipe method is supported, but it can be run three times by selecting theTriple Shredoption.

Something unique about this tool is that it keeps a history of the files you’ve shredded.

SDelete is part of the Sysinternals Suite of free system utilities available from Microsoft.

Ashampoo WinOptimizer free file shredder

SDelete doesnotutilize Secure Erase, even though its name might lead you to think otherwise.

I suggest using any of these other file shredder programs before trying this one.

I was only able to get Simple File Shredder to work while using Windows XP.

Remo File Eraser

There’s a portable version and a regular installer available from their download page.

I was able to get CyberShredder to shred files in Windows 8 but not Windows 10.

It should also work with Windows 7, Vista, and XP.

AbsoluteShield File Shredder

It has no buttons, menus, or parameters at all; it doesn’t even have an interface.

To use this program, right-click one or more files or folders and then chooseSecurely Deletefrom the menu.

XT File Shredder Lizard on Windows

ProtectStar Data Shredder

ToolWiz Care file shredder queue

System Mechanic Free v14.6 on Windows 8

Blank and Secure on Windows 7

Care 365 on Windows

Baidu PC Faster on Windows

SDelete on Windows

File Shredder on Windows 7

CyberShredder on Windows 8

DeleteOnClick on Windows 7