Forum Discussion
Roxhujin
Oct 31, 2024Copper Contributor
How do I delete everything off my old hard drive on Windows PC?
I'm looking for guidance on how to completely delete everything off from old hard drive. I want to ensure that everything is removed permanently, as I'm planning to either dispose of the drive or rep...
FrancoisJ
Oct 31, 2024Brass Contributor
Hi!
- Once everything is properly moved to some other storage device, proceed with the software-based solutions
- To add to what was already said, those websites are quite detailed about the options Windows offers.
- https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/microsoft-365-life-hacks/privacy-and-safety/how-to-completely-wipe-your-old-computers-hard-drive?msockid=0654a4002e0f674f37e8b0e92f0966ac
- https://www.howtogeek.com/751529/how-to-wipe-a-drive-on-windows-10-or-windows-11/
- if you want to reuse it, you're done.
- Then this is the fun part, you have to destroy the thing! 🪓:hammer_and_pick:️:alembic:🧲:bow_and_arrow:🔥:radioactive:
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHu_EJVZm58
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuWkpbdxYPU
- https://www.youtube.com/shorts/VzQ5Y-dwpe8
- I'm joking. For the next point, be careful not to hurt yourself 🙏
- An easier way for HDD is to drill holes in various spots of the device, you can also open it remove the platters. SSDs are enclosed in plastic, same technique, but aim for the memory chips, and it's even easier with NVMe drives. This is what is done where I work, big payment company, it's more than enough.
- Software wiping is already efficient, if you don't feel like destroying things.