The Windows loader will appear and walk you through the installation procedure. Once you’ve answered all the questions, the machine will have a fresh copy of Windows for you to play with. If the computer that you’re wiping is the only machine that you have access to, then use our guide ‘ How can I create a Windows 10 USB boot device?‘ before you begin. You’re going to need at least one 8GB USB stick, which will be erased during the process. This is where the real fun begins! The harder method If you’re not running Windows 10 or the machine’s operating system doesn’t load correctly, then it’s time to roll up your sleeves. However, if this doesn’t work or you’re looking for a more secure method, keep on reading – we have just what you’re looking for. If you follow our guide ‘ How should I reset Windows 10 before I donate my machine?‘ you won’t go far wrong. The easy methodĪs mentioned earlier, Windows 10 has a built in reset feature which will wipe the drive and reset the machine. We’re covering the most common methods for Windows, as well as an all purpose method which needs a little preparation and a couple of USB flash drives – so grab some just in case. This Big Tech Question guide will show you how to safely and securely erase the hard-drive so that the chances of data retrieval are significantly reduced.

In all probability however, it wouldn’t take a headstrong user very long to resurrect your files with a few free tools found on the internet. The standard factory reset or refresh procedures built into many machines gives the impression that it completely wipes the data. Securely wiping the hard-drive inside your machine is a sensible move if you’re planning to donate the machine to a new owner.

Free bootable usb disk wipe software