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RileyMitchell's avatar
RileyMitchell
Iron Contributor
May 12, 2025

How to erase all data on laptop on windows 11?

Hi all,

I just bought a new Surface Pro and it is time to sell my old laptop (ThinkPad T480S) that is currently running Windows 11 23H2. For data security matter, I want to ease all data on laptop with Windows 11 before selling. 

In fact, there are a few import files and photos saved on this laptop. I want to make sure all data will be deleted permanently and no way to recover the data when the laptop was moved to another's hand.

Kindly let me know if it is possible.

6 Replies

  • JosiahTurner's avatar
    JosiahTurner
    Iron Contributor

    Factory reset is not enough as the data is still on the internal drive. They are just marked as deleted and it is still recoverable. To permanently erase all data on Windows 11/10 laptop, you should follow this guide:

    https://www.ammdiy.com/how-to-permanently-wipe-a-drive

    It will wipe the drive clean for multiple times and no way to recover a single piece of the data after wiping!

  • JaggerKnox's avatar
    JaggerKnox
    Iron Contributor

    If you’re doing a deep erase all data on laptop Windows 11 or using specialized software to overwrite data, it can take a while — especially if you’ve got a big hard drive or lots of files. Patience is key, and sometimes you’ll be waiting hours before it’s done. If you just do a quick reset or don’t use proper tools, some data might still be recoverable — especially if someone’s got some forensic recovery skills. So, just hitting “Reset” isn’t always enough if you’re trying to keep your info super secure. You might need extra software or methods.

    If you’re not careful or if something goes wrong when you erase all data on laptop Windows 11— like a power outage or interruption — you could end up with a bricked device. That means your laptop might not turn on properly afterward, and then you’d have a headache fixing it or reinstalling everything. Once you wipe everything, all your personal files, apps, and settings are gone. If you forget to back up important stuff, it’s gone for good. That’s a big deal if you’re not 100% ready or if you realize later you needed those documents.

    After wiping, you’ll need to go through the initial setup process again or reinstall Windows. It’s not just a quick delete — it’s like starting fresh, which can be a hassle if you’re not prepared.

  • For permanent and safe data deletion, I highly recommend using a dedicated data wiping tool instead, such as Dr.Wiper. It will permanently erase all data on Windows 11 laptop and the data recovery software is unable to retrieve any data after erasing!

    Dr.Wiper is a professional-grade data destruction tool designed to securely wipe entire hard drives or individual partitions, making data recovery virtually impossible. Available as both a bootable utility and a Windows desktop application, Dr.Wiper supports a wide range of data sanitation standards, including DoD 5220.22-M, NIST 800-88, and Gutmann. It works with HDDs, SSDs, external drives, and even RAID arrays, making it suitable for both personal users and enterprise environments that require strict data disposal compliance.

    You should use Dr.Wiper when you want to safetly erase all data on laptop with Windows 11 or Windows 10—such as financial documents, personal files, or business data—is permanently erased before selling, donating, or disposing of a computer. Simply deleting files or performing a factory reset doesn’t fully remove data; it can still be recovered with forensic tools. It prevents this by overwriting every sector of your drive with random data or zeros according to the selected wipe algorithm, ensuring your information cannot be retrieved

  • ScarlettLong's avatar
    ScarlettLong
    Iron Contributor

    A factory reset on a Windows 11 laptop is a convenient option that removes all user-installed applications and personal files, returning the system to its original state. This process is built into Windows and can be initiated via Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC. It's fast, easy, and works well for users who want to wipe their device before passing it on. For the average user, this method is sufficient for removing everyday data and giving the laptop a clean slate.

    However, a factory reset will not completely erase all data on laptop with windows 11. Advanced recovery software can sometimes retrieve deleted files from the hard drive, especially if the drive is a traditional HDD rather than an SSD. If your laptop stored financial records, business documents, or other private data, you may want to take additional precautions beyond a basic reset to ensure the information is irrecoverable.

    For a more secure wipe in order to erase all data on laptop in windows 11, consider using dedicated disk wiping software after the factory reset or built-in "Reset with full data wipe" options on some Windows 11 systems. These tools overwrite the drive with random data, making file recovery nearly impossible. This added step gives peace of mind, especially when selling your laptop to a stranger or through a resale platform.

  • JasperMonroe's avatar
    JasperMonroe
    Iron Contributor

    How to erase all data on laptop with Windows 11? You can use Windows 11 Reset with Data Wipe, this method will erase all data and reinstall Windows, making data recovery very difficult, but for maximum security, consider using dedicated data destruction tools.

    Steps:

    1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.
    2. Go to System > Recovery.
    3. Under Reset this PC, click Reset PC.
    4. Select Remove everything.
    5. When prompted, select Remove files and erase all data on laptop with Windows 11.
    6. The Clean the drive option performs a full wipe, making data recovery very difficult.
    7. Proceed with the reset. The process may take several hours depending on data size.

    Performing a secure erase with dedicated tools is the most effective way to prevent data recovery. If you're not familiar with creating bootable media or using these tools, consider seeking assistance from a professional.

  • GideonWells's avatar
    GideonWells
    Iron Contributor

    You're looking to erase all data on laptop Windows 11, huh? No worries, I’ve got your back. I’ve messed around with this stuff before, and I’ll walk you through a pretty straightforward way to do it.

    Here’s how to erase all data on laptop Windows 11:

    1. Backup Anything Important
    First off, if you’ve got stuff you wanna keep, back it up. Use an external drive, cloud storage, whatever works. Once you erase, it’s gone forever.

    2. Go to Settings
    Hit the Start menu (the Windows icon), then click on Settings (the gear icon). Or just press Win + I to open Settings super quick.

    3. Navigate to Recovery
    In Settings, click on System on the left, then scroll down and select Recovery.

    4. Choose Reset PC
    Under the “Recovery options,” you'll see Reset this PC. Click on Reset PC.

    5. Pick an Option
    A window pops up with options:
    * Keep my files (won’t do that since you want a full erase)
    * Remove everything (that’s what you want).
    * Select Remove everything.

    6. Clean the Drive
    You’ll see options for cleaning the drive:
    * Just remove my files (quicker, but less secure)
    * Remove files and clean the drive (more secure, takes longer).
    * Choose Remove files and clean the drive if you're serious about wiping everything.

    7. Follow the Prompts
    Keep clicking through the prompts. Windows might ask you to confirm that you want to reset, and then it’ll start the process. Your laptop will restart and begin wiping everything — this can take a while depending on your system.

    And that’s pretty much it! Once it’s done, you’ll have a fresh, clean Windows 11 install, ready for a new start or to sell. Pro tip: If you’re planning to sell or give away your laptop, it’s better to choose the “clean the drive” option so no one can recover your stuff. TL;DR: Settings > System > Recovery > Reset this PC > Remove everything > Remove files and clean the drive > Follow instructions. Boom, done!

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