When you delete files or folders on your Windows 11 computer, the data is not completely removed right away. Instead, Windows just marks the space as available for new data. This means someone could still recover your deleted files if they use special software.

To make sure your deleted files cannot be recovered, Windows has a tool called Cipher that can overwrite the deleted data with random information. This helps keep your data safe and private.

What is Cipher?

Cipher is a built-in Windows tool that can:

• Encrypt and decrypt files on NTFS drives.
• Overwrite deleted files so they can’t be recovered.

Today, we will focus on using Cipher to erase deleted data for good.

Why Overwrite Deleted Data?

When you delete a file, Windows doesn’t remove the actual data immediately. It only marks the space as free. Until new data replaces it, your deleted files could be recovered with data recovery tools.

Using Cipher to overwrite this space makes sure your deleted files are gone for good.

How to Overwrite Deleted Data with Cipher

Follow these simple steps to run Cipher and securely erase deleted files on your drive:

1. Open Windows Terminal as an Administrator.
   To do this:
   • Click the Start button or press the Windows key.
   
   
   • Type Windows Terminal.
   
   
   • Right-click Windows Terminal and choose Run as administrator.
   
   
   
   

   

   
   

   If you want a detailed guide, see: How to Open Windows Terminal as Admin.

2. Choose PowerShell or Command Prompt inside Windows Terminal.
   You can switch between them using the dropdown arrow at the top or by opening a new tab.
   

   More info here: Open PowerShell on Windows 11 | Open Command Prompt on Windows 11

3. Type the Cipher command to overwrite deleted data on your drive.
   Use this command format:
   

   cipher /w:<drive letter>

   
   

   Replace <drive letter> with the letter of the drive where you want to erase deleted data. For example, to clean drive C, type:

   
   

   cipher /w:C

   
   

   Important: Make sure you select the correct drive letter!

4. Press Enter and wait for the process to finish.
   The tool will take some time depending on your drive size and speed. It will fill the free space with random data, making deleted files unrecoverable.
   

After the process completes, your deleted data will be securely erased from that drive.

Summary

• Cipher overwrites deleted data so it cannot be recovered.
• Deleted files stay on disk until overwritten, so this step keeps your data safe.
• Using cipher /w:<drive letter> is easy and effective.
• Always run the command on the right drive to protect your private files.
• Make it a habit to run this tool regularly for better data security.

Following these simple steps helps keep your personal information private and your computer more secure.

Where to Learn More

For official details, visit Microsoft’s guide:

Use Cipher to overwrite deleted data (Microsoft)