Look for the best disk wipe software for Windows

The Reset This PC feature in Windows 10 provides a simple and effective way to remove data from your laptop, but it may not be secure enough for permanent data deletion, especially if you are planning to sell your device. When you choose the Remove everything option, Windows deletes your files, apps, and settings. However, the method used to erase files in this case does not guarantee that the data is unrecoverable. Files are usually marked as deleted, but they can potentially be recovered with specialized data recovery tools, making it a less secure option for data destruction. That is why disk wiping software for Windows takes in to count!

To ensure that your data is permanently deleted, it’s recommended to choose the Remove files and clean the drive option within Reset This PC. This option is a more thorough process that overwrites the data on your hard drive, making it significantly harder to recover. While this method is better than simply deleting files, it’s still not the most secure for highly sensitive data. For complete peace of mind, especially if you are dealing with highly confidential information, it’s advisable to use dedicated disk wiping software that meets recognized security standards (e.g., DoD 5220.22-M, NIST 800-88).

If you're selling your laptop and want to ensure that no one can retrieve any of your personal or sensitive data, third-party disk wipe software are highly recommended. These tools offer more comprehensive data destruction techniques by overwriting the disk multiple times, ensuring the data is completely and securely wiped. Using such software ensures that even if someone tries to recover the data with advanced tools, it will be practically impossible.