File Shredder
File Shredder: A free, open-source Windows shredder with strong file tools but no drive wiping. Ranked #8 of 27 in File Shredder Software by our editors (8.3/10); pricing: Free plan; best for open-source Windows file shredding.
At a glance
- Editor score8.3 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forOpen-source Windows file shredding
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Free-space wipingYes
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Five shredding algorithms for files and folders
- Free-space wiping for unused disk space
- Windows Explorer integration and shredding queue
Where it doesn't
- Does not wipe whole hard-drive volumes
- No scheduled shredding
- Published support list ends with Windows 10
Our verdict on File Shredder
File Shredder is a free, open-source Windows desktop utility for permanently overwriting unwanted files and folders. It suits users who need direct control over file deletion, free-space wiping, and shredding methods without a paid plan. The vendor states that it is released under the GNU/GPL license and is free for personal and commercial use. Its published support list includes Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows 2003 Server, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10.
The Free plan includes five shredding algorithms, file and folder shredding, free-space wiping, and GNU/GPL licensing. Users can select individual files or folders, add items to a shredding queue, and configure confirmation settings for shredding operations. Windows Explorer shell integration adds access from the operating system's file-management workflow. The Disk Wiper is aimed at unused or free disk space, which gives the product scope beyond deleting selected items while keeping its main focus on file and folder shredding.
Its main boundary is important: File Shredder is not intended to wipe whole hard-drive volumes. It also does not provide scheduled shredding, so it is better suited to on-demand cleanup than recurring deletion workflows. The product fits users who want a free, open-source Windows tool for selected files, folders, and unused space. Choose another option if whole-drive wiping or scheduled shredding is central to the workflow, or if support beyond the published Windows 10 list is required.
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File Shredder pricing
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File Shredder fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Free-space wiping | Yes |
| Files and folders | Yes |
| Drive wiping | No |
| Overwrite methods | Advanced |
| Supported platforms | Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows 2003 Server, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10 |
| Scheduled shredding | No |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 1 integrations: Windows Explorer |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | fileshredder.org |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
File Shredder integrations
File Shredder lists 1 integrations on its own site.
- Windows Explorer
Alternatives to File Shredder
- D-Secure File EraserA broad enterprise erasure toolkit with automation, integrations, and signed certificates.9.3
- BitRaser File EraserA mature cross-platform erasure tool for organizations with privacy requirements.9.1
- R-Wipe & CleanA capable Windows and macOS shredder for scheduled file, trace, and free-space wiping.8.9
See all File Shredder alternatives →
File Shredder vs the competition
- File Shredder vs D-Secure File Eraser
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- File Shredder vs R-Wipe & Clean
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- File Shredder vs BleachBit
Compare File Shredder with any tool side by side →
Also Ranked In
File Shredder is ranked in 3 of our directories.
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Featured on iTechGuides
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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