How to wipe a Windows 10 computer clean before selling?

If you prefer to wipe Windows 10 computer clean before selling, here are options you can consider:

1.Use Windows Built-in Cipher Command with Secure Delete

• Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
• Run the following command to overwrite free space:

cipher /w:C

• Replace C with your drive letter.

This command securely deletes free space by overwriting it, making it harder for data recovery tools to retrieve previous data.

2.Use Built-in Reset with Data Wipe Option

• Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
• Click Reset this PC.
• Choose Remove everything.
• When prompted, select Clean the drive fully.

This performs a more thorough reset that erases data securely.

Note: This process can take time but is built-in and free.

To securely wipe Windows 10 computer before selling, you can perform a factory reset with a clean installation, ensuring all your data is erased. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Open Settings: Press Windows + I to open Settings.
2. Navigate to: Update & Security > Recovery.
3. Under Reset this PC, click Get started.
4. Select Remove everything.
5. When prompted, choose: Remove files and clean the drive (this performs a more thorough wipe suitable before selling).
6. Follow the on-screen instructions to wipe Windows 10 computer before selling.
7. The PC will restart and reinstall Windows, leaving it clean for the new owner.

1

Performing a Factory reset while choosing to keep nothing will delete all data and install a new version of Windows, with nothing else on the drive, that process is enough for most people to wipe the device.

2

However, if you have sensitive data on the drive and want to ensure the drive is securely wiped, that can also be done, but it is a much bigger job and securely wiping the drive, depending on the drive size may take a very long time, this is the process.

Backup your files

Create a bootable Windows 10 USB on an empty 8GB USB flash drive.

Boot your PC form that USB.

Before starting the new Windows instalaltion, use this process to securely wipe the drive.

At the very start of the installation process, press Shift + F10, or Shift + Fn + F10 to open Command Prompt

Run this command and hit Enter:

diskpart

Run this command and hit Enter:

list disk

(Make note of the disk number you want to convert and enter it into the next command - replace X)

Run this command and hit Enter:

select disk X

Run this command and hit Enter:

clean all

Wait for that process to wipe the drive, it will take time.

Then close Command Prompt and begin the Windows instalaltion from the USB.