How to Zero Fill a Hard Drive Efficiently

Updated by

Sherly 

Updated on April 26, 2024

Write zero, also known as single overwrite, zero fill, or zero-fill erase, is a widely used method for thoroughly writing data. This data sanitization technique involves replacing existing readable data with zeros, rendering it impossible for software-based file recovery methods to extract any information from the drive.

Tools will present you with two efficient hard drive writing solutions. Using Command Prompt to zero-fill your hard drive is quite complicated and time-consuming. It's recommended to opt for the first method (Tool Partition Master) to prevent any unnecessary data loss and potential errors.

Method 1: Use Tool - Partition Master - Easier and Safer

Partition Master Professional is an ideal choice, as it is user-friendly for beginners and efficient. It offers a "wipe" feature that allows you to delete all partitions and erase all sectors on the disk with a single operation. This eliminates the need to perform the action separately for each partition, simplifying the process and saving time.

No data recovery software can retrieve data from a wiped drive, making it a secure option. To learn how to use it, please follow the tutorial below:

We've prepared two options for you to erase your data. Please select the one you need.

Option 1. Wipe Partition

Translate the following text into English:
• Right-click on the partition from which you want to erase data, and select "Wipe."
• In the new window, set the duration for which you want to wipe your partition, then click "OK."
• Click the "Execute 1 Task(s)" button in the bottom right corner, review the changes, and then click "Apply."

Option 2. Wipe Disk

• Select the HDD/SSD and right-click to choose "Wipe Disk."
• Set the number of times to overwrite the data (you can set it up to 10). Then, click "OK."
• Click "Execute 1 Task(s)" and subsequently click "Apply."

Aside from writing zeros to a hard drive to thoroughly erase data, the Partition Master tool can also perform the following tasks to manage your hard drive:

• Securely erase hard drive / SSD
• Wipe the external hard drive
• Format a hard drive
• Initialize a hard drive

When you want to sell, lend, or dispose of a hard drive, remember to use this tool to overwrite zeros to prevent anyone from intentionally recovering your data.

Method 2: Using CMD - Requires Experience

To overwrite the hard drive with zeroes to erase all data and prevent unauthorized access, you can utilize the command line in Command Prompt. As this method is somewhat complex, please follow the steps below to learn how to zero-fill your hard drive in Windows 10/11:

1. Click on the Search button on the Windows taskbar, then type 'cmd' in the search field. Right-click on 'Command Prompt' and select 'Run as administrator.'

2. Type format g: /fs:NTFS /p:0 and press Enter to format the G drive with the NTFS file system and overwrite every sector of the G drive with zeros once. You can modify the drive letter and file system type according to your requirements.

3. Type y and press Enter to confirm data erasure.

4. Wait until the formatting process is complete.

Notice: Formatting a drive may take a long time. The larger the drive is, the longer the process will take. Don't worry if the percentage completed doesn't reach even 1 percent for several seconds or even several minutes.

5. After formatting, assign a name for the drive as the new volume label, or leave it blank, then press Enter.

6. Wait until 'Creating file system structures' appears on the screen.

7. Repeat these steps for any other partitions on this physical hard drive once the prompt returns. If your hard drive only has one partition, you can skip this step.

8. Type **exit** and press Enter to exit the Command Prompt.

If these two methods help you securely erase/zero-fill your hard drive, please don't hesitate to share these two methods with more people.

As you can see, Command Prompt indeed brings great convenience. However, it can be quite challenging for novices. Therefore, opt for Method 1 and utilize the tool Partition Master.

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Conclusion

What does writing zeros to a hard drive mean? Writing zeros, also known as Single Overwrite, zero fill erase, or simply zero fill, is a widely used method. This data sanitization process replaces your normal, readable, and personal data with zeros, making it impossible for any software-based file recovery tools to retrieve information from the drive.

When you intend to write zeros to the hard drive for data erasure, you can refer to the two methods mentioned above. Compared with formatting commands, using tools like Partition Master is safer, more straightforward, and time-efficient.

"Writing Zero to Hard Drive FAQs"

Zero-filling a hard drive is the most efficient method to safeguard your data from potential recovery. To ensure the security of your personal files, this article presents two approaches to assist you in writing zeros to hard drives. Three questions are provided to aid you in obtaining more detailed information.

**1. How do you write zeros to a hard drive using CMD?**

Step 1. Press "Windows+R" keys and type "CMD" in the Run dialog box to open the Command Prompt window.

Step 2. Next, type "format X: /fs:NTFS /p:1" (replace X with the appropriate drive letter for your hard drive, NTFS stands for the file system, and p:1 indicates writing zeros to each sector once) and press Enter.

2. How long does it take to write zeros to a hard drive?

It depends on the capacity and data of the hard drive. Generally, it takes about 1.5 hours for a 300 GB drive, 2.2 hours for a 450 GB drive, and 2.5 hours for a 600 GB drive. Larger drives will take more time. Just be patient and wait.

< strong > 3. Can you write zeros to an SSD? < /strong> Translation: < strong > Can zeros be written to an SSD? < /strong >

Certainly, but we don't advise writing zeros to an SSD. "Each SSD cell has a limited number of possible writes. Doing so could damage the SSD or reduce its lifespan. However, there are third-party software options available that allow for secure erasure of an SSD, which is a more recommended approach.