File Shredder
File Shredder overwrites files and folders before deleting them to help reduce recovery risk. Use it before selling, sharing, recycling, or disposing of a device.
Tip: Close any apps using the file first, and double-check what you select. Shredding is intended to be permanent. Results can vary across storage types, especially SSDs because of wear levelling and caching.
Quick facts
- Platform
- Desktop browser
- Typical time
- A few minutes
- Difficulty
- Beginner-friendly
- Input / output
- Follow the on-page instructions
About File Shredder
File Shredder is a security tool for overwriting selected files or folders before deletion. It is intended to reduce the chance of casual file recovery after deletion.
How to use File Shredder
Select the file or folder you want to shred, confirm your choice carefully, then run the shredding process. Make sure no other app is currently using the selected file.
Who File Shredder is for
For people deliberately removing selected files or folders they no longer need. It suits careful, planned cleanup where the user can check the selection and understand the consequences of deletion.
What you can use File Shredder for
File Shredder can be useful before selling, sharing, recycling, or disposing of a device, or when removing files that contain private documents, screenshots, exports, or sensitive working material.
Features
- Selection of files or folders for removal.
- An overwrite-before-deletion workflow.
- A focused process for the selected material rather than ordinary deletion alone.
Tips for using File Shredder
Check the full location and contents of the selection before confirming. Keep anything you still need separately and close applications using the files. Practise the workflow with disposable sample files before selecting important material.
Important warnings and limitations
Treat shredding as permanent. It cannot be assumed to remove backups, synced copies or every recoverable trace on every storage type. SSD wear levelling and caching can affect results; removing selected files is not the same as sanitising a whole device.
Data handling and privacy
Review the instructions before entering, uploading, copying, or storing information. Do not use passwords, private keys, recovery phrases, payment details, or other highly sensitive data unless you understand exactly how the tool handles it.
Related security tools
File Shredder FAQ
Is shredding the same as normal deletion?
No. Shredding is intended to overwrite data before deletion, while normal deletion may only remove the file reference.
Does shredding always prevent recovery?
No method can be promised for every storage type. SSDs, backups, sync folders, and caches can affect recovery risk.