Delete files with File Shredder on Windows devices

File Shredder in the Desktop Security app provides a secure way to permanently remove files and folders from your Windows device. Whether you're clearing out confidential documents or tidying up old data, File Shredder lets you quickly choose files to shred and safely erase them from your device. This article explains how to permanently delete files, manage ongoing file shredding, and clear your File Shredder list.

To learn more about File Shredder modes, see File Shredder modes in Windows Tools.

Delete files or folders with File Shredder

To delete files or folders with File Shredder:

1. Open the Desktop Security app.
2. Click the Toolsicon in the left side bar.
3. Click File Shredder.
4. Click Add file or Add folder.
5. Use your File Explorer to find the file or folder you want to permanently delete. Click Open.
6. Once you've finished adding your files or folders, click Delete permanently.
7. Select the shredding mode, then click Yes, delete items.
8. Desktop Security will automatically begin deleting your selected files and folders. A notification appears once deletion has completed.

Pause, cancel, or resume file shredding

Once you've started shredding your files or folders, you can pause, cancel, or resume shredding at any time:

1. Open the app.
2. Click the Toolsicon in the left side bar.
3. Click File Shredder.
4. At the bottom of the File Shredder page, click Pause Shredding or Resume Shredding. 
   • If you want to stop shredding completely, first click Pause Shredding, then click Cancel.
5. Click Done.

Clear list of files or folders in File Shredder

If you decide not to shred your files or folders or want to add a new list of items, start by clearing your current list.

1. Open the app.
2. Click the Toolsicon in the left side bar.
3. Click File Shredder.
4. At the bottom of the File Shredder page, click Clear list.
5. Your list is now cleared.