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Last Updated on April 22, 2024

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When you want to replace your HDD or SSD, you cannot simply delete the data on it or format the drive. Data deleted using either of these methods is actually recoverable. This is because when you delete or format a hard drive, the data isn't immediately erased; instead, your computer marks that area as writable. So if you use data recovery software at this point, you can still retrieve all deleted and formatted data.

You certainly don't want that data to be recoverable when you're getting rid of your old HDD or SSD. For the sake of your privacy, you'll need to wipe the drive. In the next section, we'll show you how to do that to an SSD or HDD.

Wipe Data Software

Best HDD/SSD Data Erasure Software

The easiest way to securely delete your SSD/HDD is by using third-party software. With such software, you don't need to be an expert; simple clicks can help wipe out data from your drive.

One of the tools is AOMEI Partition Assistant Free. It's designed for users to manage computer partitions easily and quickly. AOMEI Partition Assistant has nearly 15 years of history in partition management and enjoys a good reputation among users. Here are the main features of AOMEI Partition Assistant:

You can click the button to download Partition Master for free and then follow the guide below to learn how to use it to wipe data from SSD/HDD.

We have two options for clearing your data. Please choose the one you need.

Option 1: Erase the partition

    - Right-click on the partition you want to wipe and select "Wipe." - In the new window, set the time you want to allocate for wiping the partition, then click "OK." - Click "Perform 1 Task" in the bottom right corner to review your changes, and then click "Apply" to execute the process.

Option 2: Erase the disk

    Select HDD/SSD, then right-click "Erase Disk". Choose the number of times you want to overwrite the data (up to 10 times). Then click "OK". Click "Perform 1 Task" and then "Apply".

How to Wipe a Disk in Windows 10

Another option is to use a built-in Windows feature to wipe your data. If your computer isn't running properly, Windows lets you reset it from the Settings menu. Here's how.

Step 1: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.

Wipe data from SSD with Windows

Step 2: Under Reset your PC, click Get started.

Click on "Get started".

Step 3: Choose "Erase everything," which will remove all your personal files, apps, and settings. You can also choose "Keep my files" to keep your personal files.

Windows Remove Everything

If you're selling your computer, you should choose the “Erase All Content” option to wipe the hard drive clean, making it much harder for anyone to recover your lost files.

What is an SSD and an HDD?

HDD and SSD are the two primary storage options available in the market. It's crucial to understand their best uses and key differences.

HDD stands for Hard Disk Drive, which is a storage device installed internally within a computer. Inside an HDD, there are spinning disks where data is stored magnetically. As the disks rotate, a read/write head located on an arm accesses the data.

HDDs have been around longer than SSDs and generally cost less. They're ideal for storing data and files that you don't need to access quickly. They come in two common sizes: 2.5 inches (for laptops) and 3.5 inches (for desktops).

SSD stands for solid-state drive, which has become increasingly popular in recent years due to its smaller size and superior performance. As the name suggests, it has no moving parts, with all data stored in integrated circuits. Because users don't have to wait for disk rotation to start, access times are shorter.

Conclusions

In short, the best way to securely erase data on SSD/HDD is by using the Partition Master tool. It's simple, convenient, and performs a more thorough deletion of data. Most importantly, it's free. Apart from wiping data from old hard drives, it can also be used to manage new ones. For instance, you can use the Partition Master tool to <a href="/partition-master/resize-c-drive.html">resize the C drive, delete partitions, and <a href="/partition-manager-software/windows-has-detected-file-system-corruption.html">check the file system. With this tool, you can manage your computer like a pro.