Forum Discussion
How to completely wipe a pc 100% before selling it?
I heard a factory reset is not safe enough and the data can be recovered. Currently, I plan to sell my Windows 10 PC as well as a Windows 11 laptop. I am preparing to sell a personal computer and hav...
You must completely wipe before selling the old PC! Recovery partitions contain your original Windows installation with possible residual data.
How to completely wipe a PC: During Windows Reset, select "Delete files from all drives" OR use diskpart in Command Prompt (Admin):
text
diskpart
list disk
select disk 0
clean all # The "all" is crucial - overwrites every sector
Final Checklist Before Selling:
All personal files wiped with secure method
SSD: ATA Secure Erase performed
HDD: Multiple pass overwrite completed
Recovery partitions removed
BIOS/UEFI reset to defaults (remove passwords)
Fresh Windows installed (optional but recommended)
Physical cleaning (fingerprints, dust)