Shred a Single File

TL;DR

Yes, most file shredder tools can shred individual files. Here’s how to do it with common options on Windows, macOS and Linux.

Windows: Using Eraser

1. Download and Install Eraser: Get it from the official website.
2. Right-Click the File: Find the file you want to shred in File Explorer. Right-click on it.
3. Select “Erase”: You should see an “Erase” option in the context menu (if Eraser is installed correctly). If not, try restarting your computer.
4. Choose Erase Method: A window will pop up asking you to choose an erase method. For secure shredding, select a more thorough method like Gutmann or DoD 5220.22-M (these take longer). For quicker shredding, use a simpler option.
5. Confirm and Erase: Confirm your selection and start the erasing process. Be warned – this is permanent!

macOS: Using Secure Empty Trash

macOS doesn’t have a built-in file shredder like Eraser, but you can use the ‘Secure Empty Trash’ feature (though it’s been deprecated in newer versions). A third party tool is recommended for modern macOS.

Using Terminal (for older macOS)

1. Open Terminal: Find it in Applications > Utilities.
2. Use the shred command: Type the following, replacing /path/to/your/file with the actual path to your file:

   shred -u /path/to/your/file

   The -u option deletes the file after shredding.

3. Enter Password: You’ll be prompted for your administrator password.

Using Third Party Tools (Recommended)

Consider tools like:

• Permanent Deletion: A free option available on the App Store.
• File Shredder X: Another popular choice with a user-friendly interface.

These tools generally provide a right-click context menu option similar to Eraser on Windows.

Linux: Using shred

1. Open Terminal: The method varies depending on your distribution (e.g., Ctrl+Alt+T).
2. Use the shred command: Type the following, replacing /path/to/your/file with the actual path to your file:

   shred -u /path/to/your/file

   The -u option deletes the file after shredding. You can add options like -n 3 for three passes (more secure, slower).

3. Enter Password: You’ll be prompted for your administrator password.

Important Considerations

• SSDs and Flash Drives: File shredding is less effective on SSDs and flash drives due to how they store data (wear leveling). Consider using the drive’s secure erase function instead.
• File Recovery Software: While file shredders make recovery very difficult, it’s not impossible with specialized tools.
• Backup Copies: Ensure you don’t have any backup copies of the file if you want to completely remove it.