Alternate File Shredder vs DeleteOnClick

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.

DeleteOnClick is a Windows utility for securely deleting files, wiping free disk space, and emptying the Recycle Bin. Before wiping a file, it removes dates and attributes and renames the file. Free-space wiping has a faster mode described as less secure and a separate secure mode. The maker warns that files securely deleted with DeleteOnClick cannot be undeleted. DeleteOnClick is one of seven utilities in the free OnClick Utilities suite, available for 32-bit and 64-bit Windows. The listed download is version 2.6.7.0, and 2BrightSparks publishes a SHA2-256 checksum. The suite can be used indefinitely at no cost for personal, educational, charity, government, and commercial purposes. Freeware users receive forum support, with help files, online help, articles, tutorials, and a knowledge base also available. The publisher digitally signs distributed software.