DeleteOnClick vs ShredIt

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.

ShredIt erases data by overwriting it, covering individual files and folders as well as deleted data, free space, and entire drives. It can also handle external drives, USB flash drives, and CD-RWs. Users can choose an overwrite pattern and set the number of overwrite passes; optional standards include DoD 5220, DoE, NSA, and Gutmann. Windows enables DoD 5220 Clear by default. Safety features include a pre-shred confirmation, Safe Place, and Don’t Panic for free-space erasure or disk wiping. Items can be added by dragging and dropping or choosing them from a menu, with a progress bar showing the operation. The maker offers a free trial, but trial files and folders are deleted rather than shredded. ShredIt is listed for Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows. The Windows and Mac apps each cost $24.95 as a one-time purchase. The maker’s download page lists ShredIt X v7.0.1 and ShredIt for Windows v6.0.0; Mac compatibility includes specified older releases as well as macOS 11 and 12.