Secure File Erasure for Windows
CertErase securely erases selected files and folders while leaving Windows, installed applications and unrelated data intact.
CertErase overwrites selected file content before deletion, helping reduce the possibility of recovery using conventional software-based recovery methods. It is designed for professionals, IT teams and organizations that require controlled file-level data sanitization.
- Controlled file and folder erasure
- 25+ configurable overwrite profiles
- State-of-the-art sanitization techniques (6+)
- Windows Explorer integration
- Free-space wiping
- TXT and PDF operation logs
- Enterprise and Audit reporting
- Informed by NIST SP 800-88 Revision 2 data sanitization guidelines
- Informed by IEEE 2883-2022 data sanitization guidelines
Need to sanitize an entire HDD, SSD, NVMe device or removable drive? Use Probativa DriveErase.
Secure file erasure — beyond standard deletion
Standard file deletion generally removes the file-system reference without deliberately overwriting the underlying file content. CertErase overwrites selected file content before deletion, reducing the likelihood of recovery through conventional software-based recovery methods.
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
Controlled Secure Erasure
Overwrite selected files and folders before deletion instead of only removing their file-system references.
Reporting and Evidence
Export TXT or PDF operation logs. Enterprise and Audit editions provide structured data sanitization reports for evidence-driven workflows. Audit adds digitally signed reports and SaaS report validation and management.
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
From personal use to professional, enterprise and audit workflows, CertErase scales with your security, deployment 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 | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| 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 | — | — | ✔ | ✔ |
| Licensed for operation in virtual-machine environments | — | — | ✔ | ✔ |
| Digitally signed reports | — | — | — | ✔ |
| SaaS report validation & management | — | — | — | ✔ |
| For personal use | For business use | For enterprise environments | For compliance & audit teams | |
| Free | €49 Perpetual license 12 months of updates | €149 Perpetual license 12 months of updates | Custom pricing | |
| Download | Buy | Buy | Contact Sales |
Pro and Enterprise licenses are perpetual and licensed per device. Each purchase includes access to software versions released during the 12 months following purchase. Eligible versions remain licensed for continued use after the update period ends. Access to versions released later requires renewal of the update entitlement.
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
Use cases
CertErase is suitable for:
- IT and security teams enforcing data hygiene policies
- Compliance and audit teams requiring documented erasure results
- Businesses and professionals handling sensitive customer or internal data
- Consultants and service providers performing secure data cleanup
- Law Enforcement and military personnel
Ready to securely erase your data?