This how-to tutorial explains how to download, install, and use Microsoft’s SDelete utility, which allows users to securely and completely delete files in Windows 10. Third-party tools are available for this process, or you could opt for a free Microsoft-provided tool. To securely and completely delete a file, you have to overwrite the specific memory sectors on your storage device with new data.

However, because of how file storage works in Windows 10, with some simple tools, a person with malicious intent could still retrieve a deleted file, which could be a serious problem if that file contains sensitive data. To permanently delete a file in Windows 10, you have to empty the Recycle Bin-this is common knowledge for most users. If you want, you can retrieve a file from the Recycle Bin and restore it to its previous status. In general, when you delete a file or directory in Microsoft Windows 10 it is moved to a special location known as the Recycle Bin. Image: vbacarin, Getty Images/iStockphoto Must-read Windows coverageĭefend your network with Microsoft outside-in security services For more info, visit our Terms of Use page. This may influence how and where their products appear on our site, but vendors cannot pay to influence the content of our reviews. We may be compensated by vendors who appear on this page through methods such as affiliate links or sponsored partnerships. Security best practice requires deleted files to be completely overwritten more than once. How to securely and completely delete files in Windows 10 without third-party softwareĭeleting files in Windows 10 does not really delete the file.

Secure wipe