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How to permanently delete files on external hard drive?
Hello everyone, I need to permanently delete sensitive files from my external hard drive to ensure they can not be recovered by any means. I tried standard deletion (Shift + Delete), but I understan...
If you need to permanently destroy an external hard drive (HDD or SSD) to ensure the data can never be recovered, here are the most effective methods.
For Traditional HDDs (Magnetic Platters)
Tools needed: Screwdriver, hammer, safety goggles, gloves.
Steps:
- Open the drive casing (some screws may be hidden under labels).
- Remove the circular platters (they look like shiny CDs).
Scratch, bend, or shatter them with a hammer, or use a drill to puncture holes. - For extra security, sand or burn the platters to ruin the magnetic data.
For SSDs (Flash Memory)
Tools: Hammer, drill, or angle grinder.
Steps:
- Open the SSD casing (often held together with Torx screws).
- Pulverize the NAND flash chips (the small black rectangles)—this is where data is stored。
- Burn or melt the chips (if legal in your area) to ensure no data survives.
What NOT to Do
- Just formatting or deleting files → Data can still be recovered.
- Throwing it in water → Doesn’t reliably destroy data (experts can dry and recover).
- Microwaving → Dangerous (fire/explosion risk) and ineffective.
Final Advice
For HDDs: Shattering platters + degaussing is best.
For SSDs: Crushing NAND chips is essential.
For extreme security: Use a professional shredding service.
Physically destroying is a very safe way to delete files permanently from any external hdd no matter it is on a Windows PC or Mac.