Forum Discussion
How to permanently delete files on external hard drive?
Hello everyone, I need to permanently delete sensitive files from my external hard drive to ensure they can not be recovered by any means. I tried standard deletion (Shift + Delete), but I understan...
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:
- Normal deletion ≠ permanent erasure.
- Recovery depends on whether new data overwrites the old.
- For sensitive files, use secure deletion tools or full-disk wiping. This will permanently delete files from external hard drive.