How to Permanently Delete Files from SSD Effectively?

Rollins Duke
Published: October 16th, 2024 • 7 Min Read

In today’s digital world data is an important asset for anyone. To know how to permanently delete files from SSD is a common query. Today, in this digital column we will explain the best tried and tested 4 methods both using manual technique and with certified approach. To securely erase files from SSD you can use the TRIM command, Cipher command, and free Microsoft Sysinternals SDelete utility. As an advanced SSD file erase approach, you can choose the certified software so that your data can not be recovered.

Common User Query to Securely Delete Files on SSD

Hello, is there any way to permanently delete files from SSD without causing any damage? I am selling an old SSD, but before selling it, I want to permanently erase all my private data. I have tried to format the SSD, but the data still can be found by some data recovery applications. So, I want a solution to permanently erase my data from the SSD. Kindly help me out of this situation. Thanks in advance.

How to Securely Delete Files from SSD? Manual Approach

If you are searching for free manual techniques to securely delete files on an SSD drive. You can use the Cipher command or use the TRIM command. However, the TRIM command will not permanently erase files, but it will command the OS to make the block of SSD available to save new files. One of the most effective methods in freeways is Microsoft Sysinternals SDelete. This utility is dedicated to completely erase SSD files.

How to Permanently Delete Files from SSD Using Cipher Command

First, select the files you need to erase and press the Delete button.
Now, go to the recycle bin and permanently delete the deleted files.
Then, press the “Windows + R” key and open “cmd” using the Run tool.
After that, run the command as ” cipher /w:<drive_letter>: “.
Finally, wait for the overwriting “0x00, 0xFF & random numbers” process to complete.

Securely Erase Files from SSD with SDelete?

Initially, download the SDelete utility from the official website.
Now, right-click on the downloaded .zip file and click “Extract All“.
After that, go to the extracted folder and double-click on the file path.
Then, copy the path and write “cmd” in place of the path & click “Enter“.
Thereafter, type the command as “%userprofile%\<folder_name>\<file_name>“.
Finally, press enter to securely erase files from the SSD drive.

How to Delete Files on SSD with the Help of TRIM Command?

Initially, check whether the TRIM command is enabled or not.
To do so press “Windows+X” Key and open the “cmd” interface on your PC.
Then, run the command as “fsutil behavior query DisableDeleteNotify“.
If it the output is “0” then TRIM is enabled, if it is “1” then TRIM is disabled.
To enable TRIM run the command as ” fsutil behavior set DisableDeleteNotify 0“.
Thereafter, “Shift+ Delete” the files in SSD you need to permanently delete.
Finally, run the command as “Optimize-Volume -DriveLetter D -ReTrim -Verbose“.

Drawbacks of Using Manual Techniques

The one major drawback of using manual methods to permanently delete files from SSD is time-consuming. Since the manual method includes lots of technical steps included so it may not be suitable for many users.
Another limitation of the manual techniques is that it does not provide any certificate to securely erase files from SSD. It means that the files can still recovered using advanced recovery techniques and tools.
The above-explained free techniques also required lots of technical knowledge for their effective execution. Moreover, as we are directly dealing with OS using CMD. Any of the wrong steps can completely erase important files from the SSD drive.

How to Permanently Delete Files from SSD in a Certified Approach?

This process of permanently deleting files from SSD can be completed by using a technical method. With the use of Data Wipe Software with certificate, the process can be accomplished by the users. Both professional, as well as non-professional users, can use this application without facing any problems. Also, it provides high speed, easy handling, and a smooth user experience without compromising on any sort of security or quality of data. Moreover, this tool can securely delete files from SSD with more than 18 wiping standards.

Working Steps to Permanently Delete Files from SSD

At the start, download and run the utility on your local desktop.
Then, click on the Wipe Files and Folders option & press the Next button.
Now, click on the Select files option to add files for permanent deletion.
After that, choose the wiping method from the 19 standards & press Next.
Thereafter, click on the Wipe button and press Yes on the pop-up message.
Finally, after completing the process the utility will generate a certificate automatically.

What are the Needs to Know How to Permanently Delete Files from SSD?

Protection Against Malware: It seems in various instances when users desktop files get infected due to viruses. Simply deleting the file will not be a suitable solution. In such cases, it is recommended by experts to permanently delete files from solid state drives (SSD). So, the viruses cannot infect more files within the system.

Privacy Concerns: We often get news that someone gets exploited due to a leak of personal files. Whenever SSD are accessed by someone your data may still get accessed with advanced recovery tools. Therefore, as a mitigation step, users can delete files from SSD with the above-mentioned methods.

Performance Optimization: Simply deleting the files leaves a marked place behind in the storage which may degrade the performance of SDD over time. Using a command like TRIM after a specific interval of time helps users to optimize the performance of their SSD.

Which Approach is Best Suitable to Delete SSD Files?

Aspects	Manual Approach	Certified Approach
Risk of Data Loss	Higher, due to accidental deletion of important files.	No risk of data loss, targets specific files.
Methods Used	Cipher, TRIM, SDelete	19 data deletion standards
User Expertise Required	Required	Not Required
Execution Time	Time-Consuming	Quick and efficient
Security Certification	Not Provided	Provided

Conclusion

To conclude the above digital column on the topic of how to permanently delete files from SSD. We have first discussed the importance and quick overview of the methods to do so. Secondly, we have discussed the manual method to securely delete files in SSD with their detailed working steps. Moreover, we have uncovered the expert-recommended risk-free approach to selectively delete files from SSD. Additionally, we have discovered the common user requirements to know how to securely delete files from SSD. Finally, we have seen the differences between the manual and certified methods.