How To Format A Hard Drive

by Edward Harper October 12, 2024

Thinking about selling, donating, or just upgrading your desktop or laptop? Before you hand it over, you will want to make sure all your personal information is gone for good. Just deleting files is not enough of those can still be recovered. The solution? Wipe your hard drive completely. Let us walk through the best ways to do it without breaking a sweat.

Why Wiping a Hard Drive is So Important

You might be wondering, why I can not just delete my files? The truth is, when you delete something, it is not really gone. Even after you empty the Recycle Bin, that data can be recovered with some basic software. If you have got anything personal on your computer photos, passwords, financial information, it is best to make sure it is wiped clean, leaving no chance for recovery. Basically, wiping a hard drive protects your privacy.

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What You Need to Do Before You Wipe Your Hard Drive

Hold up! Before you dive into the wiping process, there are a couple of things you will want to take care of:

Back-Up Your Files

Wiping is permanent, so if you have got files you still need (photos, documents, maybe even a few game saves), make sure to back them up first. You can use an external hard drive, USB stick, or even cloud storage whatever works best for you.

Sign Out of Programs

Some programs (think iTunes, Microsoft Office, Adobe software) are linked to your device. De-authorize them before wiping your computer so you do not run into any issues using them on a new device.

Download the Right Tools

Depending on how you want to wipe your drive, you might need some software to help you out. Do not worry, we will go through a few options below!

Method 1: Use Built-in Tools on Your Computer

Both Windows and Mac have built-in tools to wipe your hard drive. These are quick, easy, and free, which makes them a solid option.

For Windows Users:

1. Open Settings

Click on the Start menu, hit Settings, then head over to Update & Security.

2. Go to Recovery

On the left, you will see the option for Recovery. Click on it.

3. Reset Your PC

Under the Recovery tab, there is a Reset this PC option. Choose that, and then click Get started.

4. Choose to Remove Everything

You will get two options: Keep my files or Remove everything. Go ahead and choose the latter for a full wipe.

5. Full Drive Wipe

Make sure to select Remove files and clean the drive. This makes sure everything gets erased properly, not just your personal files.

6. Hit Reset

Now, let your computer do the work. It may take some time, but once it's done, your hard drive will be completely wiped.

For Mac Users:

1. Boot into Recovery Mode

First, turn off your Mac. Then, restart it and immediately press and hold Command + R until the Apple logo shows up.

2. Open Disk Utility

Once you are in Recovery Mode, you will see a few options. Choose Disk Utility and click Continue.

3. Erase the Disk

Select your hard drive from the list, then click on the Erase button at the top.

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4. Choose a Security Option

There is a slider that lets you pick how secure the wipe should be. Slide it to the right for a more thorough wipe. It will take longer, but it is more secure.

5. Erase

Once you have chosen your options, hit Erase and wait for it to finish. Your hard drive will be as clean as a whistle when it is done.

Method 2: Use Third-Party Software

While built-in tools are great, third-party software gives you even more control. These are super handy if you are wiping an external drive or just want extra security.

Some popular options include:

DBAN (Dariks Boot and Nuke)

DBAN is free and does a fantastic job of securely wiping hard drives. It is an ideal if you are getting rid of a computer with sensitive data on it.

How it works: You download DBAN onto a USB or CD, boot your computer from it, and follow the on-screen instructions to wipe your drive.

CCleaner

You might know CCleaner for tidying up your system, but it also has a drive-wiping feature. Itâs easy to use and works on both internal and external drives.

How it works: Once you have downloaded CCleaner, navigate to the Tools section, select Drive Wiper, and choose whether you want to wipe the whole drive or just the free space.

Eraser

Eraser is another free tool that is simple but effective. You can wipe specific files or entire drives, and it is a great option for anyone who wants an extra layer of security.

How it works: Install Eraser, select the files or drives you want to wipe, and it all take care of the rest.