You emptied the Recycle Bin, so the tax returns and bank statements are gone, right? They aren't. Windows doesn't physically remove the data from your disk, and recovery software can often bring those files back. Advanced File Shredder overwrites the data first and deletes the file afterwards.
Quick facts
- Version: 1.2.1.6
- Platforms: Windows 10 and 11, 32-bit and 64-bit
- Price: $29.95 per license; a site license for unlimited installations in one organization is $299.95
- Trial: free 30-day evaluation version
Key features
Choose how hard the data is overwritten
You can pick cryptographically strong random data with your own number of passes, the 7-pass US DoD 5220.22-M standard, or Gutmann's 35-pass method. One random pass is enough on a modern hard disk. The longer methods are there for when a policy asks for them, and they take much longer.
Check that the shred worked
With Verify erasure turned on, the program reads the last pass back from the disk and compares it with what it wrote. A file that fails the check isn't deleted, and you're told about it.
Erase files you deleted long ago
Wipe Free Space overwrites the unused space on a drive, including small files stored inside the NTFS MFT. Your existing files aren't touched. There is an optional SSD retrim afterwards, and a single zero pass is available if you want to compact a virtual disk (VHD/VHDX or VMDK).
Shred from Explorer or the Recycle Bin
Setup can add a right-click entry for files, folders and the Recycle Bin. You can also drag files onto the list in the main window. Shredding the Recycle Bin includes the file metadata.
Get an HTML report of the job
Reports > Generate saves a detailed erasure report of the last job. It's kept only in memory unless you save it, which helps when you have to show that business or customer data was destroyed.
Extra cleanup details
The program overwrites cluster tails and NTFS file streams. It mangles file names and time stamps before deleting. It also protects Windows and program folders from accidental shredding.
Who it's for
- You're selling or giving away a computer or external disk and want your personal folders gone for good.
- You keep old financial papers, contracts or ID scans and want them destroyed properly.
- You handle business or customer data and need a record of the erasure.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Several wipe methods, including DoD 7-pass and Gutmann 35-pass.
- Read-back verification, so you know the overwrite happened.
- Free-space wiping and Recycle Bin shredding in the same tool.
- 30-day trial before you pay.
Cons
- On an SSD, wear leveling can leave copies of old data in flash cells that no program can reach. To erase a whole SSD before disposal, use the drive's own secure erase command.
- A file that another program has open is left intact and reported as in use, so you have to close that program and try again.
- Free-space wiping fills the drive while it runs, so you need to close programs that write to it.
- The multi-pass methods take much longer.
- It runs on Windows 10 and 11 only.
FAQs
Does shredding work on an SSD?
Partly. The program detects SSDs and recommends a single random pass, because extra passes only add time and wear. Overwriting is less complete than on a hard disk, so use the drive's secure erase for full disposal.
Which method should I use?
One pass of random data is enough on any modern hard disk. Choose DoD or Gutmann only if a policy requires it.
Can I shred files I already deleted?
Yes. Wipe Free Space overwrites the space those files still occupy.
What if a file is in use?
It's left untouched and reported as access denied or in use. Close the program holding it and shred it again.
How do I get the license after ordering?
After a completed online order, an unlocking key file is emailed to you within two business days.
System requirements
Windows 10 and Windows 11, 32-bit and 64-bit.