Erase files securely

The Shredder module in CleanMy® PC is designed to secure the process of deleting files from your computer and make it impossible to restore them. If you're wondering why you might need it, here's why: When you simply drop a file in the Recycle Bin, its data remains on the disk even after the Bin is emptied. This happens because deleting a file only removes its address on the disk rather than erasing the data itself. Therefore, files removed via the Recycle Bin can be recovered using third-party recovery software.

Shredder, however, lets you choose an appropriate security level for the cleanup operation so that files are completely erased. For example, you can set the highest security level when deleting very sensitive information, such as financial documents or login credentials.

Here's how it works:

1. Open CleanMy® PC and go to Shredder.

2. Click Choose Folder or Choose Files to browse and add folders or files for removal.

   

3. If needed, adjust the security level.

4. Click Erase at the bottom of the app window and wait for the process to finish.

   Note that secure erasure typically takes longer than regular deletion, but you can be sure the files won't be recoverable.

   

CleanMy® PC also provides a quick way to securely delete files and folders using the context menu. For this:

1. Select one or more files and folders and right-click a selected item.

2. In the context menu, choose Secure Erase by CleanMy® PC.

   

3. In the dialog that appears, click Erase Now.

   Note that in this case CleanMy® PC applies the security level you've set beforehand.

   

The security level in CleanMy® PC indicates how securely the app erases data by rewriting it with zeroes. You can choose one of the following options:

• Minimum (Security Level 1)—Deletes and rewrites data with zeroes once.

• Medium (Security Level 2)—Deletes and rewrites data with zeroes twice.

• Maximum (Security Level 3)—Deletes and rewrites data with zeroes three times.

By default, CleanMy® PC applies the medium security level.

You can adjust the security level as follows:

• Before you select items for removal: Open CleanMy® PC, go to Shredder, click "Adjust security level" in the lower-right corner of the app window, then use the slider to adjust the level.

  

• After you select items for removal: Open CleanMy® PC, choose folders or files, click the Info icon in the lower-right corner of the app window, then use the slider to adjust the level.