How to completely wipe a pc 100% before selling it?

To ensure your PC is completely and securely wiped before selling, it's important to understand that standard factory resets or quick formatting often leave data recoverable with specialized tools. For how to completely wipe a PC, especially to protect your privacy, you should use methods that overwrite all data multiple times or utilize hardware-level secure erase features.

How to completely wipe a PC, covering SSDs and HDDs:

1. Backup Important Data

Before proceeding, ensure you've backed up any data you want to keep, as data destruction is irreversible.

2. Identify Drive Type

• HDD (Hard Disk Drive): Traditional spinning disk
• SSD (Solid-State Drive): Modern storage with different secure erase procedures

3. Use Built-in Utilities or Reliable Software for Secure Erasure

For HDDs:

Windows Built-in Tool: Cipher /W

Command-line utility that overwrites free space, but not the entire drive.

Better options:

DBAN (Darik's Boot and Nuke):

Free, open-source tool that boots independently and performs thorough wiping.

Download from DBAN website, create a bootable USB/DVD, and boot from it to wipe the drive.