
- #Drive wiper free space only how to#
- #Drive wiper free space only full#
- #Drive wiper free space only for windows 10#
- #Drive wiper free space only software#
CCleaner is probably the easiest and quickest.There are applications that will simply wipe the free space. You just may have done a lot more work than you actually needed to.

The net result is that the unused space on that drive has been wiped. They would have been wiped away and then your operating system and everything you wanted to keep could be restored.Īgain, that works. But the point is that all of the previously deleted files would be gone. It also might do a nice job of defragmenting the machine at the same time. Then, you would restore the backup image, which would restore only the files that were actually on the drive to begin with. What you’re suggesting then is that you wipe the drive with something like DBan, so that all of the disk surface is completely erased. As long you’ve done that, then your backup image would contain only the files that were actually on the machine at the time you did the backup. Usually, there’s no practical reason for it to be and the default setting is to not include those unused sectors. Typically, there’s an option whether the unused space is included in a backup image or not.
#Drive wiper free space only full#
Hopefully, you’ve been doing that anyway, but in this particular case, a full image of the machine is the starting point. The approach that you’re suggesting is simply that you start by taking a complete backup image of the machine.

These tools are user-friendly and also powerful. Some third-party tools can also help you erase your drive securely. For example, you can use Samsung Magic to manage your Samsung SSD. This is one of the best ways to format your drive securely and completely.
#Drive wiper free space only software#
Visit your storage drive’s manufacturer’s website to find maintenance software that allows you to wipe your drive.
#Drive wiper free space only for windows 10#
The steps listed above for Windows 10 and Windows 11 aren’t always comprehensive enough to wipe an SSD.

Find and click Change settings in Additional settings.Ĭheck if you have an SSD or HDD because solid-state drives, while faster and more efficient than hard disk drives, are trickier to format.Chose Local reinstall or Cloud download.Select Wipe the drive after clicking Change Settings.Type “Settings” to find the Settings app.
#Drive wiper free space only how to#
Once you’re ready, try any of the following software or hardware options: How to wipe a hard drive - Windows 10 Please also backup your essential data, such as your cryptocurrency, pictures, documents, and video game save files because you’ll lose everything for good. Though you may also have hardware problems that look like malware problems, so check for all issues before taking a drastic step.

You may even want to wipe a hard drive that you suspect carries some stubborn or sneaky malware. Or maybe, you want to start fresh after buying a preowned computer. Perhaps you want to protect your privacy before selling or giving away your hardware. There are several good reasons why you may want to wipe your hard drive. Wiping a hard drive may sound like something a person who diligently cleans their computer hardware does, but in computing, it means permanently deleting all the data on a storage unit.
