Every computer is a repository of user data, and often, these data sets contain information that users would prefer to remain confidential. This kind of data is typically termed as ‘sensitive information.’ The importance of safeguarding this information cannot be stressed enough, especially in an era where data breaches and unauthorized data recoveries are not uncommon. Simply hitting the ‘delete‘ button isn’t sufficient. Data, once deleted in conventional ways, can still be retrieved from the hard disk, posing potential threats to one’s privacy. Fortunately, the digital realm offers several free tools designed to permanently erase files, ensuring their irretrievability. Among the most notable of these tools is ‘Eraser.’ In this risewindows article, we’ll dive deep into the functionality and features of the Eraser application, guiding users on how to secure their sensitive information on Windows 10 and 11.
Eraser for Windows 11/10
Eraser is a secure data removal tool for Windows. It can delete all data, rendering them non-recoverable. The tool removes sensitive data from your hard drive by overwriting it multiple times with meticulously chosen patterns. Eraser is among the best software for Windows, ensuring data cannot be retrieved with any recovery tool.
It permits you to erase specific files, contents of a folder, the Recycle Bin, unused disk space, drives, and partitions on a schedule. Once a scheduled task is set up, you can execute it immediately, manually, at every restart, or based on a daily, weekly, or monthly recurrence, depending on your preferences.
The Eraser program uses the following data-sanitization methods to remove data from a drive securely:-
- DoD 5220.22-M
- AFSSI-5020
- AR 380-19
- RCMP TSSIT OPS-II
- HMG IS5
- VISITER
- GOST R 50739-95
- Gutmann
- Schneier
- Random Data
- First/Last 16KB Erasure
Eraser is compatible with all versions of Windows, including Windows 11, 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP, and Windows Server 2003-2012.
With Eraser, you have the capability to eliminate sensitive data or even wipe an entire disk simultaneously. However, since it requires installation on your computer, you cannot erase the primary hard drive or partition where Windows is installed (typically the “C” drive). To erase any hard disk, you’ll need to connect an external drive to your PC.
Upon installing Eraser on your computer, it seamlessly integrates with the right-click menu, enabling swift deletion of files or folders.
Main Features of Eraser
It has the following main features:-
- Easy to use.
- Compatible with all versions of Windows, including Win 11 and 10.
- It supports deleting files, folders, partitions, and whole disks.
- Erase data on a schedule.
- It integrates itself into the right-click menu.
- This app replaces removed files with custom ones.
- Eraser supports the most common sanitization methods.
- Erases SSDs and mechanical drives
This program can also erase files or folders from the Recycle Bin, allowing you to securely empty the Recycle Bin daily.
Eraser boasts more beneficial features and supports a broader range of data sanitization methods compared to many other data destruction programs. If you’re in search of a reliable file shredder, consider giving it a try.
Download Eraser
You can download the Eraser program from Sourceforge.
Conclusion
Eraser stands as a potent tool for Windows users, addressing the growing concern of permanently deleting sensitive data. Beyond just offering a solution to delete data, it provides various methods to ensure the irretrievability of the removed information. Its user-friendly interface, combined with the range of features and compatibility across different Windows versions, makes it an essential software for those who prioritize data privacy. Whether you’re looking to remove specific files, wipe an entire drive, or ensure your Recycle Bin is emptied securely, Eraser promises efficiency and reliability in keeping your data confidential.
