Forum Discussion
How do I permanently wipe my hard drive in Windows 10 computer?
I want to ensure that all my personal data is completely unrecoverable before I sell or dispose of my computer. So now, I'm looking for guidance on how to permanently wipe hard drive in Windows 10 computer. I've heard of various methods, but I'm unsure which one is the most effective and reliable for securely erasing all files, including those that might be hidden or deleted.
Additionally, I'm concerned about the potential risks involved in the process, such as accidentally wiping the wrong drive or not achieving complete data destruction. I am looking forward to your suggestions.
Even if you think you’ve deleted your files normally (e.g., moving them to the Recycle Bin), that doesn’t mean they’re gone for good. Deleting files simply marks the space as available for new data, while the original data can often be recovered using simple data recovery tools. A permanent wipe hard drive on Windows 10 ensures that the data cannot be restored.
I followed this tutorial to completely erase my data:
https://www.gicmodo.com/securely-wipe-hard-drive
Even if you think you’ve deleted your files normally (e.g., moving them to the Recycle Bin), that doesn’t mean they’re gone for good. Deleting files simply marks the space as available for new data, while the original data can often be recovered using simple data recovery tools. A permanent wipe hard drive on Windows 10 ensures that the data cannot be restored.
I followed this tutorial to completely erase my data:
https://www.gicmodo.com/securely-wipe-hard-drive
Before permanently wipe hard drive in Windows 10, make sure you’ve backed up everything important. We’re talking documents, photos, music—if it matters to you, save it! Use an external hard drive, cloud storage (OneDrive is great for Windows users), or even a USB stick if you’re in a pinch. Once it’s gone, it’s gone!
- How to permanently wipe a hard drive in Windows 10? Just deleting files isn’t enough if you want to wipe it clean. You need to use a secure erase tool. The built-in Reset This PC feature in Windows 10 lets you choose to remove files or wipe everything securely. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery, then hit Get started under Reset this PC. Make sure to select “Remove everything” and check for “Remove files and clean the drive” for a thorough job.
If you’ve been using BitLocker (Windows’ own encryption tool), make sure to disable it first. Otherwise, even after wiping, some data might still be recoverable. You’ll find BitLocker settings in the Control Panel under System and Security. Just select your drive and turn it off. Permanently wiping hard drive on Windows 10 PC to ensure that all personal data is irretrievable is an important step before disposing of or selling your computer. If you’re wiping an SSD, the built-in method using Windows settings is designed for this purpose.
1. Backup Important Files: Ensure that you back up any important data to another device or cloud storage.
2. Open Settings:- Click on the Start menu.
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
3. Reset This PC:
- Click on Get started under the “Reset this PC” section.
- Choose Remove everything.
4. Remove Files and Clean the Drive:
- Select Remove files and clean the drive for more secure erasure (this option takes longer but is more thorough).
5. Follow Prompts: Complete the prompts and wait for the process to finish.
Note: This method works well for SSDs, but be aware that simply resetting may not fully secure traditional HDDs.Diskpart is a command-line utility that allows you to wipe a hard drive on Windows, but it will not wipe an SSD effectively. Use it for HDDs.
1. Backup Important Files: Ensure that all important data is backed up.
2. Create a Windows Recovery Drive (if you are wiping the system drive):
You can create one using a USB drive and a Windows 10 installation media.
3.Access Command Prompt:- Boot from the Windows installation media or recovery drive.
- Choose your language preferences and click Next.
- Select Repair your computer > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > Command Prompt.
4. Type Diskpart:
- Enter diskpart and press Enter.
5. List Disks:
- Type list disk and press Enter.
- Identify the disk you want to wipe.
6. Select Disk:
- Type select disk X (replace X with the disk number you want to wipe).
7. Clean the Disk:
- Type clean all and press Enter.
- This command will write zeros to the entire drive, effectively wiping it.
8. Exit Diskpart:
- Type exit to close the Diskpart.
