Click: How to Wipe a Hard Dive in Windows 10

This updated guide examines Click: How to Wipe a Hard Dive in Windows 10 and organizes the essential facts, background, and practical takeaways in clear American English.

Method 1of 2:

Resetting your PC

1. Plug your computer into a power supply. If you're using a laptop, you'll want to make sure you don't run out of battery power during this process.
2. Right-click thebutton. It's usually at the bottom-left corner of the screen. Use this method to delete all of your data off of the PC and install a fresh version of Windows.
3. ClickSettings. It's toward the bottom of the menu.
4. ClickSecurity & updates. It's the icon with two curved arrows.
5. ClickRecovery. It's in the left column.
6. ClickGet startedunder 'Reset this PC. ' It's the first button in the main panel.
7. ClickRestore factory settings. This will erase the contents of the hard drive and then reinstall the factory version of Windows.
8. ClickRemove files and clean the drive. This formats the drive so that it will be more difficult for someone to recover your deleted data.
9. ClickReset. Your hard drive will now begin to format and then Windows will be reinstalled. This process may take several hours.

Method 2of 2:

Formatting a Hard Drive

1. Right-click thebutton. It's usually at the bottom-left corner of the screen. Use this method to wipe the data off of a different hard drive than the primary one, such as an external drive.
2. ClickFile Explorer. It's toward the bottom of the menu. This opens your computer's file browser.
3. ClickThis PC. It's in the left column. A list of folders and hard drives connected to the PC will appear.
4. Right-click the drive you want to format.
5. ClickFormat.
6. Choose whether to quick format. You can save time by checking the box next to 'Quick Format,' but this option makes it easier for someone to restore your deleted data with the right software.^[1]
7. ClickStart. The data on the hard drive will now be deleted.