Remove files completely - clean your storage medium

You delete some files and yet you find that associated data junk is still on your PC? Don't be surprised, because only if you apply the right strategy for deleting files without leaving any residue, you will also get a safe storage medium.

How to remove files completely

Windows doesn't have the best track record for removing files completely, but that doesn't mean you have to load your SSD, HDD or USB stick with data junk.

1. It's not enough to move files to the Recycle Bin and delete it, because this only removes the file's address. On the hard disk, the file still remains.
2. Download the tool "File Shredder", which is accessible free of charge, and install it.
3. Now mark the files you want to remove and apply a right-click on them.
4. You will now see the context menu, from which you must select the entry "File Shredder". Click on "Secure delete files" and confirm that you want to delete the files irrevocably.

Clean the free space

Since you have simply deleted the files so far, the remains still contaminate your free space. To clean it up, you should download and install the free tool "Freeware CCleaner". Use the "Disk Wiper" function and select the corresponding hard drive to overwrite the free space. But make sure that you overwrite only the free space, because the tool can also clean entire hard drives.