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What’s sdelete64.exe (Secure file delete)? Is it safe or a virus?

Sdelete64.exe, developed by Microsoft Corporation, is a command-line utility for securely deleting files and erasing free space on storage devices. It ensures that deleted data cannot be recovered by overwriting it with random data, following secure deletion standards. This tool is particularly useful for maintaining data privacy and protecting sensitive information, as normal file deletion methods often leave recoverable traces. Sdelete64.exe operates on 64-bit systems and is part of Microsoft's Sysinternals suite, widely used by IT professionals for advanced file and disk management. It can permanently delete individual files or sanitize free disk space to prevent data recovery.

Researched by Carl @ SpyShelter Labs

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More about sdelete64.exe on WINDOWS

Who makes sdelete64.exe (Secure file delete)?

We’ve found Microsoft Corporation should be the publisher of sdelete64.exe.

How do we know? Our SpyShelter cybersecurity labs focuses on monitoring different types of Windows PC executables and their behaviors for our popular SpyShelter Antispyware software. Learn more about us, and how our cybersecurity team studies Windows PC executables/processes.

What does it mean if someone is the publisher of a PC .exe (executable or process)?

The publisher of an executable is the entity responsible for its distribution and authenticity. Most processes/executables on your PC should be signed. The signature on the executable should have been verified through a third party whose job it is to make sure the entity is who it says it is. Find an unsigned executable? You should consider scanning any completely unsigned .exe on your PC.

Last updated: March 12, 2025

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Why should you trust us?

Our team at SpyShelter has been studying Windows PC executables for over 15 years, to help fight against spyware, malware, and other threats. SpyShelter has been featured in publications like The Register, PC Magazine, and many others. Now we’re working to share free, actionable, and easy to understand information about Windows executables (processes) with the world, to help as many people as possible keep their devices safe. Learn more about us on our "About SpyShelter” page.

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