Forum Discussion
Barbara_1943
Sep 04, 2020Copper Contributor
Resetting my laptop
When the Windows 10 upgrade was free I upgraded one of my laptops from Windows 7 to Windows 10. I am now resetting that laptop back to factory specs. I have gone through the process and now it is at t...
Barbara_1943
Sep 05, 2020Copper Contributor
Thanks for the input. The guide I used to wipe the hard drive was the option to remove everything. It didn't say anything about resetting it to factory condition. I guess the only way to know for sure before I give it away is to go ahead and set it up again and if it goes to Windows 10 then I can wipe it again.
Barbara_1943
Sep 05, 2020Copper Contributor
I booted up the laptop and happened to notice that the logo on the screen was a Windows 10 logo and not a Windows 7 logo. So I assume that it reset it to Windows 10. Do y'all think this is a safe assumption?
- KapilAryaSep 06, 2020MVP
- Barbara_1943Sep 07, 2020Copper ContributorThanks for your help. I appreciate your input.
- FooTekSep 05, 2020Copper Contributor
Hi Barbara, yes it is fine.
Kapil Arya is completely correct. If you use the Windows 10 reset option and choose to remove your files and data, then Windows ten re-installs itself onto the laptop while deleting all your personal data and any applications you had installed. What you have no is, essentially a laptop with a brand new install of Windows 10 on it that has never been logged into.A determined individual may still be able to recover data using data recovery tools, however, this is time consuming, not dependable as far as full data recovery goes and expensive if you pay to have someone else do it.I believe it is totally is safe to give it away, donate it or whatever you like. If you are yet completely sure, you can use a partition tool to remove the partitions an don't install anything on it, or you can use a tool to secure wipe the hard drive before installing an Operating System on it.Glad you got some help.- Barbara_1943Sep 07, 2020Copper ContributorThanks for your help. I really appreciate it.