Forum Discussion
How do I wipe my hard drive before recycling on Windows 11 computer?
A simple delete or formatting is not enough to protect the data. You need a dedicated disk wiping app to permanently delete all files from the drive. Here is a good example for this case:
https://www.ammdiy.com/how-to-permanently-wipe-a-drive
Wiping hard drive before recycling is not a simple matter. If your hard drive has some issues, it can cause problems during the wipe. I once attempted to wipe a failing drive, and it just froze my computer for hours. If your drive is making weird noises or you see error messages, considering replacing it might be the smarter move.
Windows has some great built-in tools like DiskPart and the Reset This PC feature, which allows for secure erasure of your drives. I frequently use DiskPart for a more thorough wipe, and it’s pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it. Just remember to run Command Prompt as an admin.