Our verdict: Eraser is a proven free tool for permanently destroying files on hard drives, with Explorer integration and a flexible scheduler. Its methods were designed for magnetic disks; on SSDs, overwriting cannot guarantee that every copy is gone. Development is slow and the interface looks dated.
About Eraser
When Windows deletes a file, it only removes the reference to it; the data stays on the disk until something overwrites it, and undelete tools can often recover it. Eraser overwrites the data itself several times with patterns from published standards, such as the Gutmann method and the US DoD 5220.22-M manual, or with pseudorandom data.
You can erase files and folders, wipe the unused space on a drive to destroy previously deleted files, and set up tasks that run on a schedule or at restart. A File Explorer context-menu entry lets you erase items without opening the main window. The source code is released under the GNU GPL.
What it does well
- Secure file and folder erasing. Overwrites data so undelete tools cannot recover it.
- Free space wiping. Overwrites unused disk space to destroy files deleted earlier.
- Standard erasure methods. Includes Gutmann (35 passes), DoD 5220.22-M and pseudorandom overwrite.
- Task scheduler. Runs erase tasks immediately, on a schedule or at the next restart.
- Explorer integration. Erase files from the right-click menu in File Explorer.
Who it is for
Good fit
People who sell or give away a PC with a hard disk, or who need to destroy sensitive files on HDDs and USB drives.
Look elsewhere
Wiping SSDs, where the drive's own secure erase or full-disk encryption is more reliable.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free and open source
- Erases free space as well as single files
- Flexible scheduler and Explorer menu
- Many standard overwrite methods
Cons
- Overwriting cannot guarantee removal on SSDs because of wear leveling
- Windows 11 is not on the official list of supported systems
- Dated interface and slow development
How to install Eraser
On the download page, pick the latest stable Eraser 6.2 build, not the Alpha or nightly builds. The default method for files is the slow 35-pass Gutmann method; a single pseudorandom pass is enough for modern drives and is much faster, so change it in Settings if you erase large amounts of data.
Questions about Eraser
Is Eraser free?
Yes. Eraser is free software released under the GNU General Public License.
How many passes do I need?
For modern hard drives a single overwrite pass is generally considered enough. The 35-pass Gutmann method is offered but takes far longer.
Does Eraser work on SSDs?
It runs, but SSDs move data around internally, so overwriting a file does not guarantee every copy is gone. Use the drive's secure erase function or full-disk encryption for SSDs.
