Forum Discussion
How do I permanently wipe my hard drive in Windows 10 computer?
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
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.