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How to wipe a hard drive
By Nikshep Myle,
1 day ago
Whether you’re selling your computer or need more storage, knowing how to clear a hard drive is essential. Windows and macOS have handy built-in tools to format internal and external hard drives efficiently and securely.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the simple steps to clear a hard drive. If you need speedy digital storage to keep up with your intensive requirements, you can check out our list of the fastest external SSDs .
Tools and requirements
Windows or Mac computer
External storage
Steps for how to clear a hard drive on Windows 11
Press Windows + E to open the File Explorer.
Click This PC.
Right-click the hard drive you want to clear.
Click Format.
Click Start.
Step by step guide to clear a hard drive on Windows 11
The steps for clearing internal and external hard drives are the same, but below, we only demonstrate steps to clear a hard drive that doesn’t have Windows installed on it. To clear a hard drive with Windows installed on it, read our guide on how to factory reset a computer .
Tick or untick the Quick Format box based on your requirements.
Unticking the Quick Format box will ensure the drive is thoroughly wiped (data is overwritten), and although it’s more secure, it takes time. A quick format will swiftly clear the drive for you, but it won’t overwrite your data like the previous method, making it less secure.
Once you’re ready, click Start .
Steps for how to clear a hard drive on macOS
Launch Disk Utility.
Click the hard drive (left sidebar).
Click Erase.
Choose a Format and Security Options.
Click Erase and then click Done.
Step by step guide to clear a hard drive on macOS
Below, we only demonstrate steps to clear an external hard drive on macOS. To clear internal hard drives on your Mac, read our guide on how to reset a Mac .
Select a Format and Security Options to decide between a swift erase or a slow but secure wipe that can’t be recovered.
Once ready, click Erase and then click Done .
Final Thoughts
Clearing your hard drive is an effective way to ensure your data is securely wiped. Along with creating more room for your files, the additional storage can add an impressive boost to your system (or storage device) for optimal performance.
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