OW Shredder is a free Windows application for erasing sensitive data from computers. It can remove individual files, folders, free disk space or entire volumes. The maker says it overwrites bytes and clears additional file-system traces; users can create a custom erase algorithm if the defaults do not meet their needs. The software also includes tools to scan and analyze drive information, plus an autostart manager. Convenience features include a desktop widget, Windows context-menu integration and automated recycle-bin cleaning. Its help guide documents command-line use to unlock files and erase files or folders, including a hidden mode. The number of files it can erase depends on available RAM. The maker describes it as a portable application for individuals and companies. The help guide recommends full-drive encryption to reduce the risk of small restored fragments being used. The product page links to a help PDF and license, and users must accept the license to download. The license provides the software as is without warranties.
Who it is for
OW Shredder suits Windows users who need to erase files, free disk space or whole volumes. It also offers command-line operations for users who want to manage erasure that way.
What is good
- Can erase files, free space and entire volumes
- Users can create custom erase algorithms
- Includes drive analysis tools and an autostart manager
- Offers context-menu integration and recycle-bin cleaning
What to know first
- Windows only; macOS and Linux are unsupported
- The number of files erased depends on available RAM
- License provides the software without warranties
Verdict
OW Shredder combines file and volume erasure with drive utilities and Windows integrations. Note the RAM-dependent file limit and the maker’s recommendation to use full-drive encryption.
OW Shredder plans and pricing
All plansCompared on secure file shredding software
- Free plan
- Yes
- Free-space shredding
- Yes
- Folder shredding
- Yes
- Shredding standards
- custom
- Windows support
- Yes
- macOS support
- No
- Linux support
- No
