Our website provides a free download of File Shredder 1.1 for Mac. The actual developer of this free software for Mac is HALFBIT ltd. The program lies within System Tools, more precisely File Managers. This Mac download was scanned by our built-in antivirus and was rated as clean. AweEraser for Mac file shredder for macOS 10.12 Sierra is a powerful Mac File.
File Shredder is free desktop application for shredding (destroying) unwanted files beyond recovery
With File Shredder you can remove files from your hard drive without fear they could be recovered. There are quite a few software tools today for retrieval of deleted files under Windows OS. Those tools, often referred to as 'file recovery' software, are taking advantage of shortcoming of WIndows 'delete' command that we all use regularly to delete files. Actually, the 'delete' operation in Windows only removes bits of information from files so they appear deleted in OS. It is easy to retrieve those files using aforementioned specialized file recovery software.
Free File Shredder For Mac
In order to remove, or shred files permanently from your system you have to use a program that is capable of rewriting the files with random series of binary data multiple times. This process is often called shredding. That way, the actual content of the file has been overwritten and the possibilities to recover such a shredded file are mostly theoretical.
File Shredder has been developed as fast, safe and reliable tool to shred company files. The author of this program released it free under GNU licence and you are welcome to download File Shredder and use it without any restrictions. File Shredder is simple but powerful program that surpasses manu commercial file shredders out there. The Author believes that such a utility should be available to anyone for free and that permanent and safe removal of confidential documents is a matter of basic right to privacy.
In File Shredder you can choose between 5 different shredding algorithms, each one gradually stronger than the previous one. It also has integrated Disk Wiper which uses shredding algorithm to wipe unused disk space. More on options of File Shredder check Online Help page.
For more comprehensive protection you can download ArchiCrypt Shredder. It is very powerful commercial application suite which doesn't stop on shredding utility and is priced incredibly low for what it offers. If you don't need all the options of ArchiCrypt shredder and prefer separate utilities for important tasks some of best commercial utilities are produced by Blancco. They have really good Data Cleaner for shredding the whole volumes (Hard Disks) and that is something my File Shredder utility is not supposed to do - yet. But the best overall suite of privacy protection tools I've stumbled upon is from CyberScrub, they have a rock solid and full featured set of applications including data destruction, evidence cleaner, password manager and antivirus.
Fileversion: 2.50
Filesize: 2.33 mb
Download File Shredder
Please note that I can not give any kind of support for File Shredder. I did my best to make this software useful and as reliable as possible but I can't an. I you want convenience of support and regular updates you may go with some of aforementioned commercial products or look at the privacy protection software list. If you like this software and use it please help more users reach it by linking to this website.
File Shredder has been developed as fast, safe and reliable tool to shred company files. The author of this program released it free under GNU licence and you are welcome to download File Shredder and use it without any restrictions. File Shredder is simple but powerful program that surpasses manu commercial file shredders out there. Are you looking for free and effective secure file deletion software to delete your files permanently? We have tried and tested several deletion software and based on our experience and reviews, here are the Top 5 Windows Secure file deletion software that you can use to delete your files permanently. FileASSASSIN is free software that can delete locked files deposited by a malware infection. Whatever the reason for the file, FileASSASIN can remove it.
File shredder programs are software tools that permanently delete files on your computer. As you may or may not know, deleting a file just hides it from the operating system. It isn't really gone until that same space is overwritten by something else.
This is exactly what a file shredder does—it overwrites selected files using a specified data sanitization method, ensuring that's it can never be un-deleted with a file recovery program.
See our How to Wipe a Hard Drive tutorial if you're interested in erasing an entirehard drive, a great step before selling or recycling a computer. While some of the tools below can do that, that tutorial and the programs listed in our free data destruction programs list are better suited for that task.
Below is an updated list of the very best completely free file shredder software tools:
Eraser
Eraser is a very well designed file shredder program. As far as advanced options go, Eraser wins the file shredder competition hands down. With Eraser, you can schedule file shredding with all the precision you'd expect with any scheduling tool.
Data Sanitization Methods:DoD 5220.22-M, AFSSI-5020, AR 380-19, RCMP TSSIT OPS-II, HMG IS5, VSITR, GOST R 50739-95, Gutmann, Schneier, Random Data
Eraser works in Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP, as well as Windows Server 2008 and 2003.
Securely File Shredder
Securely File Shredder is another file shredder program that installs really fast and works by drag and drop. You can add one or more files and folders to Securely File Shredder to completely obliterate them using any of the shredding methods listed here.
Data Sanitization Methods:DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, Schneier
In addition to the above, you can use Securely File Shredder to easily shred the contents of the Recycle Bin by clicking the appropriate button in the program.
Securely File Shredder works with Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP.
WipeFile
WipeFile is a portable file shredder program with some unique options and support for several data wipe methods.
Data Sanitization Methods: Bit Toggle, DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, NATO Standard, NAVSO P-5239-26, MS Cipher, Random Data, WipeFile, Write Zero
You can save the files and folders you have queued up so you can restore and remove them later. WipeFile can also write to a log file and be set up to work with the 'Send to' context menu in Windows Explorer.
I tested the most recent version of WipeFile in Windows 10, but it should also work in older versions too like Windows 8, 7, Vista, and XP.
WipeFile downloads in the 7Z format, so you'll need 7-Zip or another free file extractor program to open it.
Freeraser
Freeraser is incredibly easy to use. Much like Securely File Shredder from above, it places a Recycle Bin-like icon on your desktop that you can use for a file shredder. Just drag a file or group of files to the bin and they'll be forever erased from your computer.
/slimcleaner-free-58d282405f9b581d72b9a465.png "Mac")
Data Sanitization Methods:DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, Random Data
When running the Freeraser setup file, you can choose to install it like a standard program or run it like a portable one, which means the files will install to a folder that you can use on a removable drive.
You can use Freeraser in Windows 10 through Windows XP.
Secure Eraser
Secure Eraser is a software suite that serves not only as a file shredder program but also a registry cleaner.
Data Sanitization Methods:DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, Random Data, VSITR
The easiest way to use Secure Eraser is to simply drag and drop files and folders into the program. They'll automatically show up and you can just click Start deletion to choose a method from above and start shredding. You can also add data from the right-click context menu.
An option is available to exit the program, reboot the computer, or shutdown the computer when the file shredding is finished.
Note
Secure Eraser attempts to install another program during setup that you must deselect if you don't want it.
Versions of Windows that can use Secure Eraser includes Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP, as well as Windows Server 2012, 2008, and 2003.
TweakNow SecureDelete
If you're looking for an easy to use and stylish file shredder program, TweakNow SecureDelete has you covered. The buttons are simple to understand and the options are easily accessible.
Data Sanitization Methods:DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, Random Data
Browse for files and folders to add to the program or simply drag and drop them. The shredding method is simple to change and you can choose a custom number of passes before shredding anything.
Important
One thing that can be confusing about TweakNow SecureDelete is that there are two buttons with similar names: 'Remove' and 'Delete.' The 'Remove' button simply clears the file/folder from the application window without deleting the actual data. The 'Delete' button does the actual deleting and should be clicked when you’re ready to shred the data.
TweakNow SecureDelete works with Windows XP up through Windows 10.
Hard Disk Scrubber
Shredding files with Hard Disk Scrubber is as easy as choosing the Add Files or Add Folder button and then clicking Scrub Files.
Data Sanitization Methods: AFSSI-5020, DoD 5220.22-M, and Random Data
In addition to the above, Hard Disk Scrubber lets you create your own custom wipe pattern, such as writing specific characters over files.
Hard Disk Scrubber is a file shredder program that runs in Windows 2000 and newer versions of Windows.
BitKiller
BitKiller is a super simple portable file shredder program. Just add specific files and folders to the queue, or drag and drop them there, and choose any of the supported methods from below to securely erase them from the hard drive.
There aren't any extra buttons that are hard to understand and there are absolutely zero settings aside from those you can see on the left side of the program.
Data Sanitization Methods:DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, Random Data, Write Zer
Something I don't like about BitKiller is that once you've begun the process of shredding files, while there is a cancel button, you're unable to click it.
BitKiller can shred files in all versions of Windows including Windows 10.
Free File Shredder
Another easy to use file shredder program is called Free File Shredder. It supports drag and drop and you can delete one folder at a time or choose to remove multiple files at once.
You can also use Free File Shredder to securely empty the Recycle Bin.
Data Sanitization Methods:DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, Random Data
When using the wizard, you can choose to not delete subfolders, not to remove files in subfolders, as well as to skip removing folders altogether and just delete files.
Unfortunately, Free File Shredder tries to install other software during setup that has nothing to do with the file shredder.
Free File Shredder works in Windows 10 through Windows XP.
Moo0 File Shredder
Similar to a couple programs from above, Moo0 File Shredder is yet another easy to use file shredder program that resembles the Recycle Bin, like removing multiple files and folders at once by dragging them into the program window.
Data Sanitization Methods:DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, Random Data
You can configure Moo0 File Shredder to sit on top of every other window so you can always have instant access to securely delete files. Also, the confirmation prompt can be disabled so you can delete files just that much quicker.
Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, XP, and Windows Server 2003 users can install Moo0 File Shredder.
PrivaZer
PrivaZer is a PC cleaner that includes file shredding capabilities to securely delete files and folders.
Data Sanitization Methods:AFSSI-5020, AR 380-19, DoD 5220.22-M, IREC (IRIG) 106, NAVSO P-5239-26, NISPOMSUP Chapter 8 Section 8-501, NSA Manual 130-2, Write Zero
Right-click context menu integration is permitted and, as you can see above, there are a few unique wiping methods you won't find in many of the other programs listed here.
Because PrivaZer can do many other privacy cleaning tasks like deleting old files and erasing Internet activity traces, it can be a confusing process to use just the file shredding features.
Users of Windows 10 through Windows XP can use PrivaZer.
PC Shredder
PC Shredder is a small, portable file shredder program that's really easy to use. Just browse for a single file or a whole folder to gather a list of things to shred.
Data Sanitization Methods:DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, Random Data
I like that PC Shredder is portable and has a simple interface. It takes up less than 300 KB, which is great for storing on a flash drive.
PC Shredder is said to work on only Windows Vista and XP, but I used it in Windows 10, 8, and 7 without any issues.
Hardwipe
Hardwipe isn't as easy to use as the above file shredder programs, but it supports a variety of data sanitization methods and can power off or logoff when it's finished deleting files.
Data Sanitization Methods:DoD 5220.22-M, GOST R 50739-95, Gutmann, Random Data, Write Zero
A couple things I don't like is that you can only shred one folder at a time and a small advertisement is always displayed in the program, but it’s not too intrusive.
Hardwipe works with all the most recent versions of Windows, from Windows XP to Windows 10.
File Shredder
File Shredder is a really easy to use as it supports drag and drop and also works by right-clicking on files/folders to instantly start the removal process from anywhere without first opening the program.
Data Sanitization Methods:DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, Random Data, Write Zero
If using the right-click context menu, you can choose to securely delete the files or simply to add them to the queue to remove later.
I tested File Shredder in Windows 10 and Windows 7 without any issues. It also works with Windows 8, Vista, XP, 2000, and Windows Server 2008.
Super File Shredder
Super File Shredder is another file shredder program that's intuitive and quite easy to use.
Data Sanitization Methods:DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, Random Data, Write Zero
Just drag and drop files or folders into Super File Shredder and then click Start to shred them. You can also shred files from the right-click context menu.
Choose a different sanitization method from the settings.
Super File Shredder works with Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP.
Delete Files Permanently
Delete Files Permanently is a free file shredder program that supports more methods of sanitization than most of the other programs in this list, and you can even add custom data wiping schemes from the settings.
Data Sanitization Methods:AR 380-19, DoD 5220.22-M, GOST R 50739-95, Gutmann, HMG IS5, NAVSO P-5239-26, RCMP TSSIT OPS-II, Schneier, VSITR, Write Zero
There are options in the settings to protect the program with a password and run it in an invisible mode when shredding files.
Unfortunately, Delete Files Permanently only supports shredding individual files and not entire folders like most of the other programs in this list.
Delete Files Permanently works with Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP.
WinUtilities File Shredder
WinUtilities is a program suite that includes several system cleaning and optimization programs, like DiskDefrag. Another free tool is a file shredder. Dear maria count me in mp3.
You can shred multiple files and folders at once with WinUtilities File Shredder and even drag and drop them into the program to do so.
Dreamweaver crack free. Data Sanitization Methods:DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, NCSC-TG-025, Write Zero
You can also use WinUtilities File Shredder to shred all the files in the Recycle Bin.
The file shredder in WinUtilities can be found in the Modules > Privacy & Security section. Brother control center 10.12.
Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP (32-bit and 64-bit versions) are the supported operating systems.
XT File Shredder Lizard
XT File Shredder Lizard is another free file shredder. You can add multiple files at once to the queue to be shredded as well as entire folders. You can also easily shred the files that are in the Recycle Bin.
Data Sanitization Methods:DoD 5220.22-M, Random Data, Write Zero
The only thing I don't like about XT File Shredder Lizard is that the interface is a bit outdated, which makes it a little strange to work with.
XT File Shredder Lizard works in newer versions of Windows like Windows 10 and 8, but also older ones like Windows 7, Vista, and XP.
Ashampoo WinOptimizer Free
Ashampoo WinOptimizer Free Free is a program with many individual tools you can use to optimize your PC, with one of the tools being a file shredder called File Wiper.
If you're erasing files, you can drag and drop multiples into the program at once and then shred them all. You can import the contents of multiple folders, too, and even securely erase the Recycle Bin's contents.
Data Sanitization Methods:DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, Write Zero
This program's free file shredder tool can be opened from the home screen. Select Main menu from the top-right corner, and then choose File Wiper.
I tested the most recent version of Windows 10 but it also works in Windows 8 and Windows 7.
Advanced SystemCare's File Shredder
Advanced SystemCare (a system optimizer program) includes a file shredder program called IObit File Shredder.
You can either drag and drop multiple files into the program window or select a single folder to shred. You can also erase files from the Recycle Bin.
Data Sanitization Methods:DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, Write Zero
The deletion operations of any of the above wipe methods can optionally be repeated up to 99 times for a more thorough clean.
IObit File Shredder is found in ASC's Toolbox > Security & Repair section.
You can install Advanced SystemCare in Windows 10 through Windows XP.
Remo File Eraser
Remo File Eraser is easy to use file shredder that not only lets you securely remove multiple files and folders at once but also schedule the removal of anything you wish on a one-time, daily, or weekly basis.
Data Sanitization Methods:DoD 5220.22-M, Random Data, Write Zero
Remo File Eraser also lets you empty the Recycle Bin using any of the above sanitization methods.
One thing I don't like about Remo File Eraser is that while several wipe methods are shown in the settings, you can only choose the three from above in this free version. Also, you can't create more than one schedule.
I tested Remo File Eraser in Windows 8 and Windows XP, so it should work in other versions of Windows too, like Windows 10 and Windows 7.
SS Data Eraser
Another free file shredder program is SS Data Eraser. It's extremely easy to use because it has only a few buttons, installs quickly, and lets you erase files and folders via drag and drop as well as from the right-click context menu.
Data Sanitization Methods:DoD 5220.22-M, Random Data
A tiny portable version of SS Data Eraser is also available from the download page.
It hasn't been updated since 2007, but SS Data Eraser still seems to work just fine in Windows 10 and Windows 7, so it should work on other Windows versions as well.
SS Data Eraser, unfortunately, doesn't provide any type of confirmation prompt before shredding data.
Glary Utilities
Glary Utilities is a software suite with lots of tools, such as a file shredder, a registry cleaner, a defrag program (Disk SpeedUp), and many others. The file shredder portion of the program is in Advanced Tools > Privacy & Security.
Just drag and drop files and folders into the program window or use the buttons to browse for them. You can also right-click files or folders in File/Windows Explorer and choose Wipe with Glary Utilities to send them to the file shredder program.
Though probably not necessary, you can repeat the data wipe method up to 10 times for a more thorough clean.
Glary Utilities can also write over the free space of an entire hard drive, which is useful for ensuring files you're already deleted are truly irrecoverable.
All versions of Windows should be able to run Glary Utilities.
AbsoluteShield File Shredder
AbsoluteShield File Shredder is another very simple file shredder tool. You can delete multiple files at once, as well as any number of folders.
Instead of using the program to add files to the queue, you can also quickly send files and folders to AbsoluteShield File Shredder using the right-click context menu in Windows Explorer.
The shredding method can be changed from the Action menu.
AbsoluteShield File Shredder is said to work in Windows Vista, XP, 2000, NT, ME, and 98. I tested the most recent version in both Windows 10 and Windows XP without any problems.
DP Secure WIPER (DPWipe)
DP Secure WIPER (DPWipe) is a small portable file shredder that works by dragging and dropping a single file or folder onto the program and clicking Start wiping to completely erase the files.
Data Sanitization Methods:DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, Write Zero
In addition to the above, you can also set DPWipe to erase files using no special method, which results in a simple, non-secure normal delete.
One thing I don't like about DPWipe is that you can't delete more than one file at once unless they're in a folder.
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I tested DPWipe in Windows 10 and Windows XP without any issues.
DeleteOnClick
There are many easy-to-use file shredders in this list but DeleteOnClick may be the easiest of all. There are no buttons, no menus, and no settings at all because there is no interface to the program.
Use DeleteOnClick by right-clicking one or more files or folders and then choosing Securely Delete from the context menu.
DeleteOnClick only supports one data wipe method, so it's not nearly as advanced as most of these other file shredders. Also, there is no confirmation when you choose to remove files, which means it's possible you could accidentally erase files you meant to keep.
Note
To avoid installing a trial version of DeleteOnClick, be sure to choose the download link from the section on the right called 'DeleteOnClick Freeware Version.'
This program can be used on Windows 2000 up through Windows 10.
ProtectStar Data Shredder
Though no longer being updated by its developers, ProtectStar Data Shredder is a free file shredder that supports erasing both files and folders, even from the right-click context menu in Windows Explorer.
Prompts to buy the professional version are sometimes shown, but you can easily click USE FREEWARE to bypass them.
I successfully used ProtectStar Data Shredder in Windows 10, 7, and XP.
Wise Care 365
Wise Care 365 is a system optimizer program that includes over 10 tools for optimizing a computer, one of which is a file shredder for protecting privacy.
The file shredder is located in the Privacy Protector section of the program. Just load one or more files and folders using the Add button and click Shred to immediately start the process.
You can also shred files from Windows Explorer by right-clicking and choosing Shred file/folder.
A portable version is also available from within the installable version.
Wise Care 365 can also completely remove deleted files by overwriting them with more secure sanitization methods than the file shredder. This tool is called Disk Eraser.
Wise Care 365 works with Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP.
System Mechanic Free
System Mechanic Free is a suite of several programs, such as a registry cleaner, defrag program, and a file shredder.
Just drag and drop any file or folder you wish to remove, walk through the wizard to select how many times to overwrite the data (1-10 times), and then click the Incinerate Now button to start.
You must enter your email address during setup to get a free activation key required to make System Mechanic Free work.
Open the file shredder program from Toolbox > Individual Tools > Ensure Personal Privacy > Incinerator > Securely Delete Files > Start.
System Mechanic shreds files and folders in Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP.
ToolWiz Care
Similar to System Mechanic Free, the file shredder in ToolWiz Care is part of a whole suite of other programs. You can find the File Shredder portion under the Tools > Basic Tools section.
Choose the Add Files or Add Folder/Drive button to load multiple files or a single folder at once. Files and folders will be added to the queue, after which you can click Erase File/Folder to securely delete the data.
The data wipe method can run up to 16 times for greater privacy.
During setup, choose Run without installing instead of Install now to run ToolWiz Care as a portable program.
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I used ToolWiz Care in Windows 10 and Windows XP, so it should work with other versions too.
Baidu PC Faster
Baidu PC Faster is a system optimizer that includes a file shredder. To use it, go to ToolBox (top right corner) and then File Shredder, drag and drop one or more files into the window, and click Shred Now.
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The data wipe method can be ran three times by selecting the Triple Shred option.
Something unique about the Baidu PC Faster file shredder is that it keeps a history of the files you've shredded. You, of course, can't restore these files, so it serves more as an informative list that you can clear at any time.
Baidu Antivirus also includes a file shredder but it works from the right-click context menu in Windows Explorer. This makes it even easier to shred files and folders.
Both Baidu PC Faster and Baidu Antivirus can run on Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP.
Blank And Secure
This is a completely portable file shredder that's really small in size and supports the most basic wipe method using drag and drop.
Free File Delete Tool For Mac
Blank And Secure has a simple interface that lets you shred files and folders and then automatically close. There's also an option to delay deleting files for 1-5 seconds, the ability to shred data from the Windows Explorer context menu, and an option to run the write zero erase method up to 35 times.
Another feature in Blank And Secure is the ability to write the free space of a folder with zeros, great for scrubbing files that you've previously deleted in the normal fashion.
A progress bar helps determine how much time has elapsed as well as how long until the whole process will complete.
There are two download versions available for Blank and Secure. See How To Tell If You Have Windows 64-bit or 32-bit to know if you should select the 'x64' link on the download page.
Black And Secure securely deletes files from Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP computers.
SDelete
SDelete, short for Secure Delete, is a command-line based file shredder that can be run from the Command Prompt.
SDelete is part of the Sysinternals Suite of free system utilities available from Microsoft. SDelete does not utilize Secure Erase even though its name might lead you to think otherwise.
There are several drawbacks to using SDelete and the information on their download page has a fair discussion of those issues. I suggest using any of these other file shredder programs before trying SDelete.
SDelete runs on Windows operating systems that are Windows 2000 and newer, as well as Windows Server versions that are Server 2003 and newer.
Folder Delete Tool
Simple File Shredder
Just as it would seem, Simple File Shredder is a pretty simple file shredder, though it's also a bit unique from some of the others on this list.
You can password protect the whole program, enable Windows context menu integration, and drag and drop files to set them up for deletion. You can also add custom files and folders to System Shredder and then delete those files quickly at any time from the toolbar.
Data Sanitization Methods:DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, Random Data
If you choose the Random Data to wipe method, you can choose how many times (1-3) you want the data overwritten.
I was only able to get Simple File Shredder to work while using Windows XP.
CyberShredder
CyberShredder is a tiny file shredder program that opens quickly and works a bit like the Recycle Bin. You can drag and drop files and folders into the open program so CyberShredder will immediately start shredding them.
Data Sanitization Methods:Random Data, Schneier, Write Zero
You can change the sanitization method from the menu, as well as some other settings like showing a confirmation before deleting files.
There's a portable version and a regular installer available from their download page.
I was able to get CyberShredder to shred files in Windows 8 but not Windows 10. It should also work with Windows 7, Vista, and XP.
A free file search tool is exactly what it sounds like — freeware that searches files on your computer. These free file search tools are robust programs, many with dozens more features than the built-in search function your computer has now.
If you've always been great at naming and organizing the hundreds or thousands (or more) files on your computer, you might need one of the programs. On the other hand, if you have files all over the place, across several hard drives, a free file search tool is a must.
Wise JetSearch
What We Like
Supports wildcard searches.
Can search all connected drives at once.
What We Don't Like
No search history.
Can’t search across networks.
Wise JetSearch is a free file search utility that can search for files on any attached drive in Windows.
It can search for files on NTFS or FAT drives and supports wildcard search terms for a more flexible search. All connected drives can be searched through at once, including external drives.
Wise JetSearch doesn't provide instant searching, so you have to wait a few seconds to see the results. However, initiating a new search with the quick search feature is really easy.
Quick search is a small hidden bar that hovers at the top of your screen. You can search from anywhere by just focusing your mouse on it to reveal the search box. Results open in the full Wise JetSearch program.
Everything
What We Like
Can search across network.
Accessible through right-click menu.
Lightweight; ideal for old, slow computers.
What We Don't Like
No way to shield specific content from search.
Searches restricted to file names.
Everything is another free file search tool for Windows with a super clean program interface that supports tons of awesome features.
You can use Everything to search from the Windows right-click context menu and find files across several NTFS drives at once, both internal and external ones.
As you begin searching for files, the results show up instantly — there's no need to wait or press Enter. Newly added or modified files are added to Everything in real time, so there's no need to manually re-index the database. According to the Everything website, it takes one second to index around a million files.
There's a toggle in Everything's settings you can use to exclude any custom, system, or hidden file and folder from search results to narrow down what you're looking for.
Everything also includes an HTTP and FTP server so you can access the files of networked computers that also have the program installed.
It would seem the features would stop here, but Everything is even free for commercial use, includes a portable download option, and lets you save searches as bookmarks for easy recall.
Duplicate File Finder
What We Like
Easily and quickly weeds out multiple instances of files.
Works with all file types.
Highly customizable searches.
What We Don't Like
Comes bundled with other software (but you can opt out).
No 'move' option for duplicate files (just 'delete').
File Delete Utility
There are lots of programs out there that can search for files, but not all of them are made to find duplicate files. This program from Auslogics, aptly called Duplicate File Finder, does just that.
It's really easy for a hard drive to become overwhelmed with videos and music since those types of files take up lots of space. It's also simple to accidentally download music you already have, and if you suspect you've done that, or that you have old backups you no longer need, a duplicate file finder can clean up the copies.
This file search program can look for duplicates of all file types, or you can pick just images, audio files, videos, archives, and/or application files.
After you pick the file type to look for, the search criteria page lets you specify some settings to make the search really customized. You can ignore files smaller and/or larger than a certain size, ignore file names and file dates, ignore hidden files, and search for files that have certain words in the file name. All of these settings are optional.
You can also specify what should happen to the duplicates that you delete: send them to the Recycle Bin, store them in the built-in Rescue Center in case you want them again later, or delete them permanently.
When it's time to delete the files, you can sort the duplicates by name, path, size, and date modified. The program automatically selects one of the duplicates so that deleting is just a couple buttons away.
Note
Be sure to decline any third-party software offers during installation if you only want the file search tool.
Quick Search
What We Like
Instant search doesn't require you to hit 'Enter.'
Searches across all attached drives. 1804 the hidden history of haiti.
What We Don't Like
May come bundled with other software.
Quick Search is the free search utility provided by the Glarysoft software company.
Files are indexed quickly with Quick Search and can be searched through using instant search so you don't even have to press the Enter key to see them.
When you open Quick Search, a minimized version of the full program is displayed on the bottom of the screen. When you look for files from this search area, the results show in a small popup screen for quick access. You can press the Ctrl key to show/hide the search bar.
Alternatively, open the full program to select a filter option to show just shortcuts, folders, documents, pictures, videos, or music from the results page.
Quick Search indexes files and folders from all attached drives, which means you can traverse all drives to find what you're looking for.
Windows File Delete Tool
SearchMyFiles
What We Like
Doesn’t take up much memory.
Includes duplicate file finder.
Free File Eraser For Mac
What We Don't Like
Search results appear in separate window.
Barebones interface.
Despite its tiny 100 KB file size, SearchMyFiles is a portable file search utility for Windows that hosts tons of detailed features.
Regular searches are obviously supported, but SearchMyFiles also includes a duplicate file finder to make it easy to remove cloned files.
The following are several search functions you can modify when searching for files with SearchMyFiles: exclude folders, use wildcards to find subdirectories and files, exclude files by extension, exclude files if they don't contain certain text, search for files larger and/or smaller than a particular size, include/exclude files identified as read-only, hidden, compressed, encrypted, and archived, as well as search by date created/modified/accessed.
SearchMyFiles can also save the criteria of any search so you can easily open it again in the future, export search results to an HTML file, and integrate itself into the Windows right-click context menu.
FileSeek
What We Like
Enables fairly refined searches.
Offers even more options through context menu.
What We Don't Like
Requires trial of professional version upon installation.
Can’t export results.
FileSeek offers an Exclude paths section in addition to a regular Paths text area so you can really narrow down results before even beginning a search. You can also refine the search parameters with date and file size filters.
In the advanced search area is where you can enable case sensitivity, disable searching in subfolders, and more.
FileSeek can be installed as a regular program or downloaded in a portable form.
Note
During setup, FileSeek requires a trial of the professional version to be enabled. You can revert to the free version from the program settings else it will automatically take over after 30 days.
UltraSearch
What We Like
Allows highly specific searches.
Accesses NTFS drives without first indexing for extremely fast searches.
Offers an exclude filter.
Another free file and folder search tool is called UltraSearch, which features instant search, context menu integration, and an exclude filter.
The exclude filter lets you dismiss files by name, path, and parent folder using wildcards or specific text/phrases.
UltraSearch is really quick and can sort tons of results by details like last modified date or file size in nearly an instant — much quicker than some of the other programs in this list.
You can get UltraSearch as a portable program in a ZIP file or as a regular installer.
Note
You must know the specific type of Windows installation you have before downloading UltraSearch: 32-bit or 64-bit.
LAN Search Pro
What We Like
Searches all devices in network.
Runs smoothly and reliably.
What We Don't Like
Doesn't officially support Windows 10.
As the name suggests, LAN Search Pro is a file search program that searches for files over the network instead of on local hard drives.
Any networked computer that you have login credentials for can be searched with LAN Search Pro. There's a section in the program to store credentials in case you're not a system administrator on the networked computers.
Depending on the download link you choose, LAN Search Pro can be installed like a regular application or downloaded and used as a portable program.