How to permanently delete files on external hard drive?

I suggest using a dedicated disk wiping app to help you permanently delete files from an external hdd or ssd. 

A disk wiping app permanently destroys data by overwriting it with random patterns or zeros, ensuring the original files cannot be recovered. Unlike simple deletion—which only removes the file's index entry—wiping actively replaces the data on the disk, making it unrecoverable even with forensic tools. This process is especially crucial for sensitive files, as standard deletion leaves data intact until new files overwrite it, leaving a window for recovery.

The safety of disk wiping comes from its thorough approach. While a quick format or file deletion merely "hides" data, wiping tools usually follow military-grade standards (e.g., DoD 5220.22-M) to overwrite data multiple times. For HDDs, this eliminates magnetic traces; for SSDs, tools like ATA Secure Erase reset memory cells. In contrast, simple deletion risks residual data being pieced together through file carving or advanced recovery software.

That's why you should use a pro app to permanently delete files on external hard drive on a PC or Mac.

Hello! When permanently deleting files from external hard drive, it's important to do so carefully to avoid accidental data loss or other issues. Here are key points to pay attention to:

1. Backup Important Data First
Before deleting, double-check that you no longer need the files.
Consider backing up critical data to another storage device or cloud service.

2. Use the Correct Deletion Method
Shift + Delete: Bypasses the Recycle Bin and permanently deletes files immediately.
Empty the Recycle Bin: If you delete normally, remember to empty the Recycle Bin to free up space.
File Shredding Tools: For enhanced security, use specialized tools (like Eraser or CCleener) to overwrite deleted files, making recovery difficult.

3. Be Aware of Data Recovery Possibilities
Deleted files can sometimes be recovered with recovery software unless overwritten.
If data privacy is a concern, use secure deletion methods to permanently deleting files from external hard drive.

4. Check the Drive for Errors
Before deleting, run a disk check: Right-click the drive in File Explorer > Properties > Tools > Check.
This helps prevent issues like file corruption or drive errors.

5. Ensure Files Are Not in Use
Close any files or programs accessing the files you intend to delete.
Use Task Manager to identify and close processes if needed.

If you need to ​​permanently destroy an external hard drive (HDD or SSD)​​ to ensure the data can never be recovered, here are the most effective methods.

For Traditional HDDs (Magnetic Platters)​​

​​Tools needed:​​ Screwdriver, hammer, safety goggles, gloves.

​​Steps:​​

1. Open the drive casing (some screws may be hidden under labels).
2. Remove the circular platters (they look like shiny CDs).
   ​​Scratch, bend, or shatter them​​ with a hammer, or use a drill to puncture holes.
3. For extra security, ​​sand or burn the platters​​ to ruin the magnetic data.

For SSDs (Flash Memory)​​

​​Tools:​​ Hammer, drill, or angle grinder.

Steps:​​

1. Open the SSD casing (often held together with Torx screws).
2. Pulverize the NAND flash chips​​ (the small black rectangles)—this is where data is stored。
3. Burn or melt the chips​​ (if legal in your area) to ensure no data survives.

What NOT to Do​​

1. ​​Just formatting or deleting files​​ → Data can still be recovered.
2. Throwing it in water​​ → Doesn’t reliably destroy data (experts can dry and recover).
3. ​​Microwaving​​ → Dangerous (fire/explosion risk) and ineffective.

Final Advice​​

​​For HDDs:​​ Shattering platters + degaussing is best.

​​For SSDs:​​ Crushing NAND chips is essential.
​​For extreme security:​​ Use a professional shredding service.

Physically destroying is a very safe way to delete files permanently from any external hdd no matter it is on a Windows PC or Mac.

So, if you're planning to permanently delete files on external hard drive, there are a few things to keep in mind based on what I’ve come across and some personal tidbits.

First off, the main disadvantage is that once you do a proper permanently delete files on external hard drive, those files are basically gone for good. That means if you accidentally delete something important, recovery becomes super tricky or impossible unless you had backups or used special recovery tools beforehand. It’s kinda like throwing away a paper — once shredded or burned, you can't get it back.

Another thing is, some of these methods (like overwriting or encrypting then deleting) can be time-consuming and require extra tools or tech know-how. For example, securely erasing a whole external drive isn’t just a click — it might take hours, especially if the drive is big.

Plus, if you physically destroy the drive (like shredding or degaussing), it’s obviously irreversible. So, if you think you might need the data later, that’s a big no-go. It’s also a bit of a hassle since you need to have the right equipment or services, which can be costly or messy.

From my experience, the big pitfall is thinking files are gone when they’re really not—unless you do a proper, secure wipe. If you just delete normally, someone with the right tools could still recover your stuff. So, if you’re trying to keep things private or sensitive, permanent deletion is the way to go, but it comes with the downside of no recovery if you mess up.

When you delete a file—whether by moving it to the Recycle Bin or using ​​Shift + Delete​​—it isn't immediately erased from your storage device. Here's what actually happens:

1. The File System Marks the Space as "Available"​​

• The operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux) simply removes the file’s entry from the file system index (e.g., NTFS, FAT32, APFS).
• The actual data remains on the disk until new data overwrites it. ​​
• Recovery is possible​​ until that space is reused.
  ​​

2. Why Deleted Files Can Be Recovered​​

• Data recovery tools can ​​ scan the disk for residual data and rebuild lost file structures.
• Even after emptying the Recycle Bin or formatting, files may remain intact in unallocated space.

​​3. When Is Deletion Permanent?​​

To ​​permanently delete files on external hard drive beyond recovery:

• ​​Overwrite the data​​ (e.g., using ​​Eraser, DBAN, or cipher /w: in Windows​​).
• ​​Encrypt then delete​​ (e.g., BitLocker + format).
• ​​Physical destruction​​ (for HDDs: degaussing; SSDs: shredding).

Key Takeaways:​​

1. ​​Normal deletion ≠ permanent erasure.​​
2. ​​Recovery depends on whether new data overwrites the old.​​
3. For sensitive files, use secure deletion tools or full-disk wiping.​ This will permanently delete files from external hard drive.