Forum Discussion

Obaileyy's avatar
Obaileyy
Copper Contributor
Feb 24, 2026

How can I wipe an ssd but keep Windows os installed on it?

The old SSD on my laptop is to small (256 GB) and I am going to replace it with a new SSD 1 TB.  Is there any safe way to wipe an SSD while keeping the operating system intact. The goal is to remove ...
KairosRivers's avatar
KairosRivers
Iron Contributor
Feb 25, 2026

This is the cleanest way to set up a new 1TB SSD without third‑party software, and it lets you wipe ssd but keep os safely.

  1. Create a bootable Windows installation disc using a USB drive and the Windows Media Creation Tool.
  2. Replace the old 256GB solid-state drive with a new 1TB solid-state drive.
  3. Boot from the USB and install Windows 10 onto the new 1TB solid-state drive.
  4. Connect the old 256GB solid-state drive via a USB to NVMe adapter.
  5. After copying files, erase the old SSD using Disk Management tools.
  6. Copy your files, then use Disk Management to wipe the old SSD. This allows you to wipe ssd but keep os securely.