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Microsoft SDelete: Don’t Just Delete — Erase Completely!

BY hi6fp
July 10, 2025
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Overview of SDelete Tool

Introduction

  • Tool Name: SDelete (Secure Delete)
  • Functionality: Securely delete files from your system making them unrecoverable.
  • Origin: Microsoft
  • Interface: Available as a command line utility and a GUI version.

Key Features

  • Secure Deletion: Removes files completely, preventing recovery with standard recovery tools.
  • GUI Availability: A graphical user interface (GUI) is available for ease of use for those not comfortable with terminal commands.

Using SDelete

  • Download: Accessible from GitHub. Look for 'SDE GUI' on the releases page.
  • Installation: Download the .exe file, run it from the downloads folder.
  • Operation: Choose the number of passes for the secure deletion process (default is 10, can be adjusted).

Functionality

  • File and Folder Deletion: Select a file/folder and use 'secure delete' to make it unrecoverable.
  • Hard Disk Cleanup: Securely cleans the free space by filling it with zeros, making old data unrecoverable without affecting existing files.

Important Notes

  • Not for SSDs: While secure deletion supports SSDs, using this tool to free up space on an SSD might damage it.
  • HDD and USB Compatibility: Safer to use on HDDs and other storage devices like USB drives.

Usage Tips

  • Demo Run: Example of using SDelete with one pass to clean up a USB drive. Less passes result in faster operation.
  • Handling Files: Temporary files created during the process will disappear once the operation completes.

Conclusion

  • Purpose: Useful for permanently deleting data from HDDs and other compatible devices.
  • Interaction: For questions or suggestions, engage in comments for further discussion.

Call to Action

  • Explore More: Visit the official website for complete instructions on use through command prompt.
  • Interact: Leave comments for further inquiries or suggestions on future usage or features.

Enjoy the peace of mind with unrecoverable secure deletions using SDelete!

    Microsoft SDelete: Don’t Just Delete — Erase Completely!