How to Wipe an SSD on Windows 10 (Securely)

The most reliable way to wipe an SSD on Windows 10 is the drive maker’s Secure Erase or Sanitize tool, either in its Windows app or in your PC’s BIOS/UEFI settings. If you’re wiping the drive Windows runs on before selling the PC, Reset this PC > Remove everything with Clean data turned on is a good built-in option. Old “overwrite with zeros” tools made for hard drives aren’t a dependable way to erase an SSD.

Note: Windows 10 reached end of support on October 14, 2025. Consumer Extended Security Updates (ESU) now run until October 12, 2027. These steps still work on Windows 10, but upgrading to Windows 11 is the long-term way to keep getting security fixes.

Why wiping an SSD is different

SSDs spread writes across their memory chips to avoid wearing out any one area, and they keep spare space that Windows can’t see. A program that overwrites the drive from Windows may miss some of that hidden space. Secure Erase and Sanitize commands, by contrast, tell the SSD’s own controller to reset every memory cell, which is faster and more complete. Overwriting also adds unnecessary wear to the SSD.

Before you start

• Back up everything you need. These methods are permanent.
• Identify the right drive by model and size in Disk Management or Settings > System > Storage.
• Sign out of accounts and deauthorize software licenses tied to the PC.
• Plug in laptops. Losing power mid-erase can leave the drive unusable until it’s erased again.

Method 1: Use the SSD manufacturer’s tool

Most SSD brands offer free software with a Secure Erase option, such as Samsung Magician, Crucial Storage Executive, WD Dashboard, and Kingston SSD Manager.

1. Download the tool for your SSD brand from the manufacturer’s official website.
2. Select the SSD and look for Secure Erase, Sanitize, or a similar option.
3. Follow the prompts. Many tools can only erase a secondary drive from Windows; for the drive Windows is installed on, they may ask you to create a bootable USB and run the erase from it.

Method 2: Use your PC’s BIOS or UEFI

Many laptops and desktops from Dell, HP, Lenovo, and others include a built-in data wipe in the firmware settings.

1. Restart the PC and press the setup key (often F2, F10, Del, or Esc).
2. Look for an option such as Secure Erase, Data Wipe, or Storage Sanitize, often under Security or Maintenance.
3. Select the SSD and confirm. The PC usually restarts and erases the drive before Windows loads.

Afterward, you’ll need to reinstall Windows to use the PC again. See how to wipe a hard drive and reinstall Windows.

Method 3: Reset this PC with Clean data

If you’re giving away the whole PC and want Windows reinstalled for the next owner:

1. Open Settings > Update & Security > Recovery.
2. Under Reset this PC, select Get started.
3. Choose Remove everything.
4. Select Change settings and turn on Clean data (and Data drives if you want other drives wiped too).
5. Select Reset.

If BitLocker or device encryption was on before the reset, the old data is also encrypted, which adds protection.

Method 4: Wipe a secondary SSD with DiskPart (basic)

For a non-system SSD, DiskPart’s clean command removes all partitions quickly but doesn’t erase the data itself. clean all overwrites the drive with zeros; it’s thorough on hard drives but not guaranteed on SSDs and adds wear. Use it only if Methods 1 and 2 aren’t available.

Highly sensitive data

For business records or personal data you can’t risk exposing, use a manufacturer Secure Erase or Sanitize command, or physically destroy the drive. Many recycling centers offer certified drive destruction.

Frequently asked questions

Does formatting an SSD erase the data?

A quick format doesn’t securely erase it. TRIM may clear some blocks over time, but recovery is sometimes still possible. Use Secure Erase for a real wipe.

Will Secure Erase damage my SSD?

No. It’s designed for the drive and typically takes seconds to minutes.