Secure File Erasure for Windows
Permanently erase sensitive files and folders with verifiable results and audit-ready reporting
CertErase ensures that confidential data is securely overwritten and cannot be recovered by recovery tools or forensic methods. Designed for professionals, IT teams, and organizations that require reliable file-level data sanitization.
- Permanent file and folder erasure
- Modern erasure methods (25+)
- State-of-the-art sanitization techniques (6+)
- Windows Explorer integration
- Exportable logs and certified reports
- Aligned with NIST SP 800-88 Rev. 1 & Rev. 2 sanitization guidelines
- Aligned with IEEE 2883-2022 data sanitization guidelines
Secure file erasure — beyond standard deletion
Standard file deletion only removes references to data, leaving the actual content recoverable. CertErase securely overwrites files and folders so that the original data is permanently destroyed.
Whether you are enforcing internal data retention policies, preparing systems for reuse, or reducing exposure to data leakage, CertErase provides a reliable and repeatable method for secure file erasure on Windows systems.
How CertErase works
- Select files and folders (or use Windows Explorer right-click integration)
- Choose a secure erasure method and optional verification
- Run the erasure process with real-time progress
- Export logs or generate a certified erasure report
Once completed, the data cannot be recovered using software-based recovery or forensic techniques.
Key benefits
Permanent Secure Erasure
Ensure that sensitive files are permanently destroyed, not just hidden or removed from view.
Audit-Ready Documentation
Generate TXT or PDF logs and certified data sanitization reports suitable for internal audits and compliance documentation.
Flexible & Easy to Use
Operate CertErase through its intuitive interface or directly from Windows Explorer — no complex workflows required.
Reduced Data Exposure Risk
Minimize the risk of accidental disclosure, insider threats, and residual data exposure on active systems.
Edition Comparison
Choose the right CertErase edition for your needs.
From personal use to enterprise compliance, CertErase scales with your security and reporting requirements.
 |  |  |  | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feature | Standard | Pro | Enterprise | Audit |
| Basic erasure methods (3) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Standard sanitization techniques | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Windows Explorer integration | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| TXT Export | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Wipe free space | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Consumer Windows support (11/10/8/7) | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Advanced secure erasure methods (25+) | — | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Advanced sanitization techniques | — | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| ‣ Verify overwrite after each pass | — | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| ‣ Scrub alternate data streams (for NTFS only) | — | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| ‣ Wipe file system structures | — | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| ‣ Rename before deleting | — | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| ‣ Randomize file extensions | — | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| ‣ Wipe free space after deletion | — | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| ‣ Scrub timestamps and metadata | — | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Wipe free space with custom algorithms | — | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| PDF export | — | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Professional use allowed | — | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Erasure reports | — | — | ✔ | ✔ |
| Windows Server support (2025, 2022, 2019, 2016, 2012 R2) | — | — | ✔ | ✔ |
| Virtual machines support (VMware, Proxmox, VirtualBox) | — | — | ✔ | ✔ |
| Digitally signed reports | — | — | — | ✔ |
| SaaS report validation & management | — | — | — | ✔ |
| Free for personal use | For business use | For enterprise environments | For compliance & audit teams | |
| Download | Buy | Buy | Contact Sales |
Features
Secure Erasure Methods
- Modern sanitization profiles aligned with recognized best practices
- Configurable multi-pass overwrite options
- Optional overwrite verification after each pass
Metadata & Residual Cleanup
- Optional file rename before deletion
- Timestamp and metadata scrubbing (best-effort)
- NTFS Alternate Data Stream (ADS) cleanup
Free Space Wiping
- Reduce recoverable remnants from previously deleted files by wiping free space on selected drives.
Reporting & Evidence
- Session logs (TXT / PDF)
- Certified Data Sanitization Reports including:
- System and environment snapshot
- Selected erasure method
- Execution timestamps
- File and size totals
- Per-item results
Use cases
CertErase is suitable for:
- IT and security teams enforcing data hygiene policies
- Compliance and audit teams requiring proof of erasure
- Businesses and professionals handling sensitive customer or internal data
- Consultants and service providers performing secure data cleanup
Ready to securely erase your data?