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

You can use a dedicated disk wiping software to erase the non-system partitions. This is the one I am using for years. It can wipe disk, partition and files permanently.

https://www.windowshowto.com/erase-your-hard-drive-and-keep-os

If you're replacing the SSD anyway, the easiest approach is to clone your current drive to the new 1 TB SSD and then securely erase the old SSD before disposing of or reusing it.

If you want to keep Windows on the existing SSD while removing your personal data, Reset this PC with Remove everything is the best built-in option. Choosing Clean the drive makes data recovery much more difficult while preserving a fresh Windows installation and activation. For SSDs, avoid repeatedly overwriting the drive, as it provides little benefit and adds unnecessary wear. If you're retiring the old SSD, the manufacturer's Secure Erase utility is the most effective way to wipe it completely.

you can go to settings, recovery, or just type in the settings search bar "reset" and you'll see an option to reset, click through its setup process and theres a stage where there are two options- keep files, or delete everything. so it will download the most current windows image(which ever your presently on) and run that install in parallel with the uninstall/ deletion of your current windows, so at the end when you boot its the windows first time setup process- create user for windows, setup keyboard, wifi etc. pretty straight forward and quick imo

Here's my approach:

Install Macrium reflect free on your current OS

Create an image to an external device

Easier: get an external case for SSD /NVMe attached through USB C (usually available for USB-A or C or both up to USB 3.2 speed). 

With an external Case you can clone the 256gb to the 1TB drive

Without an external case you would need to backup and restore after changing. 

To safely delete the disk use the bios firmware function many have this. It's done on seconds. 

If you don't have that feature you can go use Windows PC Reset keep nothing, secure delete option. 

Do not leverage the script that is using sdelete 

Deleting user profile folders is not a good idea bc all the references for the NT profile manager remain stale in the Windows registry and it'd quite a burden to get rid of these manually.

Here's my approach and suggestion:

Install Macrium reflect free on your current OS

Create an image to an external device

Easier: get an external case for SSD /NVMe attached through USB C (usually available for USB-A or C or both up to USB 3.2 speed). 

With an external case you can clone the 256GB to the 1TB drive. 

Without an external case you would need to backup and restore after changing. + creating a bootable USB pen drive (Macrium Rescue media). 

To safely delete the disk use the BIOS firmware function. Many are offering this feature for both internal NVMe or SSD. It's done in seconds. If you don't have that feature, after the Macrium Backup, you can go use Windows PC Reset keep nothing, secure delete option. 

You should not leverage the script that is using sdelete removing folders in c:\users

Deleting user profile folders is not a good idea because all the references for the NT profile manager remain stale in the Windows registry and it's quite a burden to get rid of these manually.

Factory reset is the best way to wipe ssd and keep the OS.

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

You may employ a more meticulous manual approach: utilizing the Windows Command Prompt in conjunction with the migration tool's logic. This represents the most technically advanced solution to wipe ssd but keep os, allowing you to clear SSD data while preserving the operating system as the system remains fully operational

Usage Guide: Create a temporary administrator account to gain full access to the primary user's data. Subsequently, delete core user information and clean up system debris—all without touching Windows operating system files. This method enables meticulous personal data cleansing, allowing you to wipe ssd but keep os securely, and eliminates the need for a full system reinstallation or third-party software.

It is designed to prevent the recovery of files on solid-state drives, erasing all personal files, applications, and residual data while maintaining Windows activation status. As it utilises only Windows' built-in tools, this solution is entirely free of charge, requiring no additional software or external installation media.

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.

If you wish to avoid third-party cloning tools and find the “Reset this PC” method too slow or unreliable, the approach I am about to describe is the most ideal. It allows you to wipe ssd but keep os securely using only official Windows files while preserving your operating system.

Step 1: When using an old hard drive, download the official Windows 10 disk image directly from the Microsoft website.

During installation, select “Change what to keep” and choose “Keep nothing” to wipe ssd but keep os by clearing all data and apps while installing a fresh system.

Step 3: After completing the 256GB drive wipe, use the System Image Utility to migrate this clean system to the new 1TB hard drive.

This approach delivers a pristine, stable system environment without requiring additional software or USB drives.