How to securely delete selected files in the Recycle.bin ...

Page 1 of 4 123 ... LastLast

  1. Posts : 868
    Windows 10 x64
       #1

    How to securely delete selected files in the Recycle.bin ...


    ... without 3rd party software?
    (these words didn't fit in the thread title anymore)

    I am not so keen on installing 3rd party software if a Windows native solution is available.

    When files are still 'outside' the Recycle.bin I can securely delete them using an option within my Explorer replacement (Directory Opus).

    Sometimes I have already deleted them in the 'conventional way' and files are in the Recycle.bin.

    The only workaround I know of is to move selected files out of the Recycle.bin to some folder on a different partition and then securely delete the files there.
    @Brink - On Sevenforums there is a tutorial on the use of Sdelete.exe and files being sent to Sdelete using a context menu entry using Permanently Delete.js.
    Would not know if that is a.still working and also b.safe to use.
    See: https://www.sevenforums.com/tutorial...text-menu.html

    So, it is not about drive wiping or wiping free space.
    Just about securely deleting files from the recycle.bin.

    Thanks.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 396
    Windows 10 Pro
       #2

    There is a little-known built-in command line tool in Windows that would likely do what you want.

    More details here:
    cipher | Microsoft Docs

    I only discovered this recently and have never used it so would wait for other opinions on the matter before considering trying.

    Hope it helps though.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 9,765
    Mac OS Catalina
       #3

    Rubi said:
    There is a little-known built-in command line tool in Windows that would likely do what you want.

    More details here:
    cipher | Microsoft Docs

    I only discovered this recently and have never used it so would wait for other opinions on the matter before considering trying.

    Hope it helps though.
    To add. How to securely overwrite deleted files with a built-in Windows tool | PCWorld
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 868
    Windows 10 x64
    Thread Starter
       #4

    Thanks.
    Have meanwhile been looking around a little more, but most probably there
    I am not sure whether it will delete -selected- files from the Recycle.bin.
    The Recycle.bin may mostly contain non important files, but there may be some files/folders that one still wishes to securely delete.

    I think only 3rd party tools (like Eraser) can do this.
    Am not so much in favor of yet again adding software for this occasional task.

    anyway, thanks again.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 19,516
    W11+W11 Developer Insider + Linux
       #5

    I don't get that aversion for 3rd party programs/applications, after all, Windows are leading OS just because of wide base of 3rd party software to do practically anything. Only the types of SW that mess with system itself (like cleaners and optimizers) that I don't like to use if not absolutely necessary or very safe.
      My Computers


  6. Posts : 868
    Windows 10 x64
    Thread Starter
       #6

    CountMike - you are absolutely right on that. No discussion.
    As said though, it is yet again adding software. Just did a short check - some 35 non default apps are installed, small stuff upto Acrobat, Photoshop, video editing and Office. So, there is some 'hesitation' to add more...
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 19,516
    W11+W11 Developer Insider + Linux
       #7

    tfwul said:
    CountMike - you are absolutely right on that. No discussion.
    As said though, it is yet again adding software. Just did a short check - some 35 non default apps are installed, small stuff upto Acrobat, Photoshop, video editing and Office. So, there is some 'hesitation' to add more...
    200+ 3rd party programs/APPs/ games installed here, without most of them I'd be using Linux.
      My Computers


  8. Posts : 68
    10Pro/7Pro
       #8

    Overwrite the deleted file
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 868
    Windows 10 x64
    Thread Starter
       #9

    CountMike said:
    200+ 3rd party programs/APPs/ games installed here, without most of them I'd be using Linux.
    Oops!
    [Off-topic] No conflicts, no reduced performance? Lesson from the old days: keep your system as bare as possible.
    Reason why I always look for portable versions first. However, in some computer magazine, quite a while ago, I read that Windows doesn't load the entire registry (impacting performance), but only the related parts that are required when launching an application. Hence, given the use of a SSD and sufficient SSD space, having many programs installed should not be considered to be an issue, performance-wise that is.
    I read this article years ago and if I remember correctly it was about the use (or misuse) of so-called 'optimizing tools', some of which they tested resulting in close to zero improvement, but often messed up things up instead. This, whereas Windows itself already takes care of optimization where needed.
    Probably that is correct, I don't know.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 868
    Windows 10 x64
    Thread Starter
       #10

    asusG said:
    Overwrite the deleted file
    Files in the Recycle.bin?
    How?
      My Computer


 

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 10 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 10" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 18:52.
Find Us




Windows 10 Forums