How to completely delete files on Mac is a common concern for many users who want to ensure their sensitive data is permanently removed from their computer. Unlike simply deleting files, which can be recovered with the right tools, completely deleting files ensures that they are irretrievable. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to completely delete files on your Mac, providing you with peace of mind that your data is no longer accessible.
Firstly, it is important to understand that when you delete a file on your Mac, it is not immediately removed from your hard drive. Instead, the space occupied by the file is marked as available for new data. This means that until the space is overwritten by new data, the deleted file can be recovered using file recovery software. To completely delete files on your Mac, you need to take additional steps to overwrite the space occupied by the files.
One way to completely delete files on your Mac is by using the “Secure Empty Trash” feature. This feature is available in the Finder application and can be accessed by right-clicking on the Trash icon and selecting “Secure Empty Trash.” This process will overwrite the space occupied by the files in the Trash, making them irrecoverable. However, it is important to note that this method only applies to files that have been deleted and moved to the Trash.
For files that are not in the Trash, you can use the “Disk Utility” application to completely delete them. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Open the “Disk Utility” application from the “Utilities” folder.
2. Select the disk or volume where the file is located from the left sidebar.
3. Click on the “Erase” tab at the top of the window.
4. Choose the format and name for the new volume, if necessary.
5. Click on the “Erase” button to start the process.
6. Once the erasing process is complete, the file will be completely deleted from your Mac.
Another option is to use third-party file shredding tools that offer more advanced features for completely deleting files. These tools can overwrite the space occupied by the files multiple times, making them virtually impossible to recover. Some popular file shredding tools for Mac include “ShredIt,” “Eraser,” and “File Shredder.” These tools are available for purchase and can be found on the respective websites of the developers.
Lastly, if you want to ensure that all deleted files are completely removed from your Mac, you can use the “Secure Erase” feature available on some Mac computers. This feature is designed to overwrite the entire disk with random data, making it impossible to recover any deleted files. However, this process can be time-consuming and may require a restart of your computer.
In conclusion, completely deleting files on your Mac is essential for protecting your sensitive data. By using the “Secure Empty Trash” feature, “Disk Utility,” third-party file shredding tools, or the “Secure Erase” feature, you can ensure that your deleted files are irrecoverable. Remember to regularly clean up your Mac to maintain its performance and protect your privacy.
