Alternate File Shredder vs BitRaser File Eraser

Alternate File Shredder is a free Windows program for permanently deleting files and folders. It can also overwrite a drive’s free space to reduce the chance of recovering files that were previously deleted. For overwrite patterns, users can choose a specific value, random values, or file content. It does not wipe entire drives or schedule shredding tasks. The maker describes the program as freeware and open source. Its listed systems are Windows Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10, 11, and Server;.NET Framework 2.0 is required, and the page says it has been included with Windows since Vista. The maker lists 20 languages, including English, German, Spanish, French, Chinese, and Japanese. The listed version is 3.100, dated 13.02.2026, and the freeware plan costs nothing. The maker warns that users run the program at their own risk and should take care when selecting files to delete. A contact form is available for messages.

BitRaser File Eraser permanently removes files, folders, volumes, browser history, application traces, and other user data from computers and external storage. It runs on Windows, Mac, and Linux and is designed to leave operating system files intact. The software supports 18 erasure standards, including NIST 800-88 and DoD methods, with random and total verification. Tasks can be scheduled daily, weekly, or monthly, and password protection can prevent unauthorized erasure. It creates digitally signed reports in PDF and XML, with automatic syncing to BitRaser Cloud Console. It can erase data on mapped drives, including Google Drive. The Network edition lets administrators search for files and remotely execute and monitor erasures across domain-connected computers. A free license offers full access to the software and Cloud Console, but is available only for business use. The Corporate Windows plan costs $34 a year for one machine and permits unlimited erasures during the active subscription; taxes are extra, and internet access is required to download and activate. Licenses are annual and machine-specific, and Windows and Mac machines require separate licenses.