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...
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.