Deleting a file in the conventional way, that is, using the Windows file explorer, does not ensure that it cannot be recovered.
Moreover, there is a high probability that this happens due to the simple fact that they first go through the recycle bin, and even if they are emptied from this space, they are still likely to be recovered using some specialized software.
Why is it possible to recover deleted files in Windows?
The explanation is very simple and is due to the mechanism with which Windows manages the files that it saves on a fixed storage unit.
It preferentially writes them to any free space and assigns an index to it in an address table so that it can be easily located.
But when making a deletion request, it does not eliminate them completely as this would take valuable time and make the system lose dynamism. Instead it deletes the index that references the file, which only prevents it from being found.
All this means that as long as it is not overwritten, it is possible to recover it by performing a thorough exploration of the unit, something that can be done with programs like Recuva and other similar ones.
Secure erase programs
To counteract this situation, there are secure deletion programs whose function is to get rid of a certain file forever, which comes in handy when it comes to personal documents or documents with bank information.
Among this class of tools we will mention the two that we consider most important.
File Shredder
This program features many secure erase options with minimal user configuration. Its operation is very simple. Just add a file or folder to a list and press a button to delete them forever from a storage drive.
It is a free tool available for download from the following link: https://www.fileshredder.org/.
Eraser
Eraser is a tool released under an open source license. It also has different secure erase methods.
It allows permanent deletion of partitions, files in the recycle bin, individual files and folders. In addition, once installed it integrates with Windows Explorer to facilitate secure deletion operations.
Here is your download link: https://eraser.heidi.ie/download/.