~~Title: Erase Empty Space~~
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The Erase Empty Space tool lets you securely overwrite all the empty space on a hard drive. Any data on the drive won't be affected.

{{:media:13:eraseemptyspace.png?nolink|}}

This command isn't exposed in the default toolbars, but you can easily add it yourself:

  * Open the [[:customize|Customize]] dialog (Settings > Customize Toolbars and Keys).
  * Select the **Commands** tab
  * In the **File Operations** category locate the **Secure Erase Empty Space** command
  * Drag that to your toolbar or menu

The underlying raw command is `Delete ERASEEMPTYSPACE`.

==Using the tool==

The tool itself is quite simple to use. A dropdown list lets you choose the drive to erase. You can set the number of passes for secure overwriting - one is usually enough, but you can increase it for greater security. Then click the **Erase** button to proceed.