People who know how can recover files, even if they’re deleted through the Recycle Bin. you may use Microsoft’s SDelete utility to delete files beyond recovery. However, SDelete isn’t a great alternative if you have to repeatedly use it or are not comfortable using such a somewhat complex-to-use utility.
Instead, you can use SDeleteGUI, a simple application to add a Secure Delete option to the Windows Context Menu. Let’s explore how.
What Is Microsoft Sysinternals' SDelete?
Microsoft Sysinternalsis a suite of free Windows utilities that can help you help you manage, troubleshoot, and diagnose your system and applications.
SDelete is one of the Systernals utilities and is a Department of Defense-compliant secure delete tool. You canuse SDelete to permanently delete files, and once deleted, they cannot be recovered via any free or paid software.
Unfortunately, SDelete is a command-line utility and can be a little complex to use if you’ve never used Command prompt or CMD in Windows. Or maybe, you wouldn’t want to tinker with internal system files. Using SDelete is also a lengthier process and would not be feasible if you need to delete files permanently a few times.
Instead, you’re able to use the SDelete GUI to easily delete files permanently by adding a Secure Delete option to the Windows Context Menu.
How to Set Up SDelete GUI
SDelete GUI is a simple application that allows you to add, configure, and remove a Secure Delete option in the Windows context menu of a selected file or folder.
SDelete GUI works by first downloading the SDelete utility of Microsoft Sysinternals on your PC. It uses a United States Department of Defense-compliant algorithm to execute the deletion of a file or folder on Windows. Here’s how you can set it up:
How to Add a “Secure Delete” Option to the Context Menu Using SDelete GUI
SDelete GUI does not show a confirmation dialog or prompt when you clickSecure Deletein the context menu. OnceSecure Deleteis clicked, you won’t be able to recover the erased file.
How to Remove the “Secure Delete” Option From the Right-Click Menu Using SDelete GUI
If you will not be using the SDelete GUI app for some time or want to remove theSecure Deleteoption from the right-click menu, simply click theDisablebutton and close the configuration window.
Then right-click any file to check the menu. You will see that theSecure Deleteoption is no longer there.
Make Deleted Files Unrecoverable With Just Two Clicks on Windows
Indeed, the SDelete GUI that acts as a Graphical User Interface for SysInternals’ SDelete is a handy and time-saving tool. No need to learn how to use CMD to securely delete your files. With SDelete GUI installed, right-click any file or folder and delete them permanently with just one more click of the Secure Delete option.
