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clean

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Applies to: Windows Server 2022, Windows Server 2019, Windows Server 2016, Windows Server 2012 R2, Windows Server 2012

Removes all partitions or volume formatting from the disk with focus.

Note

For a PowerShell version of this command, see clear-disk command.

Syntax

clean [all]

Parameters

Parameter Description
all Specifies that each and every sector on the disk is set to zero, which completely deletes all data contained on the disk.

Remarks

  • On master boot record (MBR) disks, only the MBR partitioning information and hidden sector information is overwritten.

  • On GUID Partition Table (gpt) disks, the gpt partitioning information, including the Protective MBR, is overwritten. There is no hidden sector information.

  • A disk must be selected for this operation to succeed. Use the select disk command to select a disk and shift the focus to it.

Examples

To remove all formatting from the selected disk, type:

clean