How to Wipe a Hard Drive on Windows 10 & 11 + Mac OS?
Summary: So, in this article, we are going to address how to wipe a hard drive on Windows 11 & 10 and Mac systems. It covers advanced options for MacBook Air or Pro users and BIOS methods for Windows. This is one of the most crucial pieces of information for users if they want to wipe their data securely to sell their device to someone else. So, if you want to start your system from scratch, this write-up would be very helpful to keep your data safe & private.
Why I Need to Wipe My Hard Drive – Know the Reasons
Various reasons can make you know why wiping your entire hard drive is necessary:
- Firstly, one of the primary reasons is that you need to protect your personal data from any unauthorized access. It usually happens when you want to sell your device to someone new.
- Next scenario, as many of us face a problem when your drive is cluttered because of old files getting collected. So, erasing those files can make your drive performance faster.
- It can also eliminate the malware or any system bugs if you erase your drive completely.
- Also, businesses come into play, as they usually need to wipe their drives to meet data protection regulations.
How to Wipe a Hard Drive on Windows 11/10 – Manual Methods
Here, we will give you two methods to erase your hard drive on different versions of Windows systems. By following these methods you will be able to fully format the hard drive data efficiently.
#1. Wipe a Hard Drive via Windows Settings – For Windows 10
Here’s a simple guide to permanently deleting hard drive files or folders using Windows Reset Settings on Windows 10. This method is great for resetting your device or securely erasing all your data before you sell or give it to someone new.
- Firstly, go to settings > Update Security > Recovery.
- Then, click on Get Started, under the “Reset This PC” option.
- Select Remove Everything to do a full wipe.
- You have to choose Remove files & clean the drive.
- Now, click on the Confirm button and follow the on-screen instructions to wipe the drive completely.
Method 2. Erase Hard Drive Through Windows Settings – Windows 11
In this section, you will see how to wipe a hard drive on Windows 11. Follow the steps given below:
- Firstly, open the settings app.
- Go to system > Recovery.
- Then, click on Reset This PC.
- Select Remove Everything option.
- Choose Local Reinstall in order to reinstall your device.
- Select Cloud Download Option, if your local reinstall option is not working.
- Now, Click on Next. Follow the on-screen steps to wipe your hard drive.
Method 3. How to Wipe a Hard Drive From BIOS
Another secure way to wipe your drive quickly without losing data is by following these simple steps:
- Firstly, restart your PC and press the BIOS key (Usually F2, F10, or Delete).
- Next, in BIOS, find the Secure Erase or Disk Management options.
- Now, choose the drive which you want to wipe and confirm the data erasure process.
Note: This option might not be available on all computers & PC and is recommended for advanced users.
Read More: How to Wipe Free Space on Hard Drive Windows 10 & 11.
How to Completely Wipe a Hard Drive on Mac – Manual Methods
In this section, we are going to erase the drive on the Mac system. Go through these effective methods to wipe your drive in the shortest way without exposing your data to the outside world.
Method 1. Permanently Delete Files on Hard Drive via Disk Utility (macOS)
By following these steps, you can easily erase and format your hard drive using macOS’s built-in Disk Utility feature. It also erases all your data according to the options you have chosen.
- Firstly, you need to restart your Mac system.
- Then press Command + R to enter Recovery Mode.
- Open Disk Utility and select your hard drive you want to wipe.
- Then, click on Erase and choose a secure erase option like APFS or Mac OS Extended (Journaled).
- Next, follow the instructions to wipe the drive completely.
Method 2. Erase a Hard Drive on MacBook Air/Pro with Apple Silicon (M1/M2)
It is an important method if you want to sell your device or give it to someone else. It has extra security features, making the process different from older Intel Macs.
- Firstly, turn off the MacBook.
- Then, hold the Power button until “Options” appears.
- Select Options > Disk Utility.
- Choose the internal drive, then select Erase and follow the prompts to wipe your hard drive.
How to Wipe a Hard Drive on Windows & Mac – Ultimate Solution
If you want to ensure privacy and security, and don’t want any complication. So, it becomes essential to completely erase all data from your hard drive on Windows & Mac. As you know that the files which you have deleted can often be recovered by any outsider. Here, SysTools Data Destruction Application plays an important role for your data which provides a reliable solution for permanently erasing data. Also, offers advanced features for secure data destruction on both platforms.
Features of This Tool
- Erase all data traces (data remanence) or classified data spills.
- Use Quick File & Folder selection in Data Wipe to eliminate recovery traces.
- Clear caches, logs, temp files, and recent file lists.
- Generate data destruction reports post-audit.
Conclusion
So, in this article, we have discussed various manual methods on how to wipe a hard drive on both Windows & Mac systems. It will also help you safely wipe your drive, protecting your privacy and preparing your device for its next owner. To fully erase data from your hard drive on Windows or Mac, you need to follow the correct steps for a secure wipe. Methods like system settings, BIOS, or Disk Utility on a Mac, depend on your needs. So, remember to back up important files first, as this will permanently delete all data.