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

This is a specific need - essentially wanting to securely erase all personal data and programs while preserving the operating system.

Understanding Your Options if you want to wipe SSD but keep Windows OS:

First, let's clarify what you're likely trying to achieve:

Option A: Wipe all personal files/programs but keep Windows intact (like a fresh start)

Option B: Securely erase free space only (where deleted files reside)

Option C: Complete SSD secure erase while preserving OS (technically complex)

Microsoft's own tool, but most don't know this advanced usage. 

Using SDelete from Sysinternals combined with a custom command-line script is a powerful method to wipe SSD but keep Windows OS on it. SDelete is a secure delete utility that overwrites data on your drive, ensuring that files are permanently removed and unrecoverable.

batch

@echo off

echo Creating secure wipe script for personal data only...

echo WARNING: This will delete user data but preserve Windows

REM Secure delete user profiles except default

sdelete -s C:\Users\* -except C:\Users\Default C:\Users\Public

REM Wipe temp files

sdelete -s C:\Windows\Temp\*

sdelete -s C:\Users\*\AppData\Local\Temp\*

REM Wipe free space on C: (deletes recoverable deleted files)

sdelete -c C:

echo Done. Windows preserved.

pause