Forum Discussion
How to completely wipe a laptop with Windows 11/10?
I've been in a similar situation before, selling an old Dell XPS 13 with an SSD system drive and a large HDD. I was also concerned that simply formatting the drive wouldn't be safe, as recovery software could still retrieve the files. In the end, I used a tool like Dr.Wiper to perform a full drive wipe, which overwrites both the SSD and HDD multiple times, completely erasing any remaining data.
I followed this tutorial: Worked for me
https://www.gicmodo.com/how-to-permanently-wipe-a-drive
Certainly! Ensuring you completely wiped a laptop with Windows before selling or recycling is a responsible step. Here's a comprehensive guide to securely and thoroughly erase your data:
Decide Whether to Remove the Drive Physically
1. Physical Removal (Optional but Recommended for Maximum Security):
-Removing the SSD and HDD physically ensures data cannot be recovered through software.
-This involves opening the laptop, which may void warranty if not done carefully.
-If unsure, professional assistance is recommended.
2. Using Software Wipe to completely wipe a Laptop:
-Use secure erase tools to overwrite all data.
-This is less invasive and retains the device intact.