I installed an SSD containing Windows 10 in a computer that I plan to sell. Beforehand, I want to remove Windows, delete all the system and recovery partitions, and reuse the SSD as secondary storage in another computer. What's the best way to return it to a clean, like-new state? Since SSDs handle deleted data differently from hard drives, I'd also like to know whether I should use DiskPart, a secure erase feature, or another method. I want to avoid accidentally wiping the other 240 GB SSD when both drives are connected.
4 Answers
DiskPart can do this, but be extremely careful to select the right disk. In an administrator Command Prompt, you can use diskpart, list disk, select disk X, and then clean. The regular clean command removes the partition information quickly; clean all writes across the drive and takes much longer. Verify the capacity and, if possible, disconnect the other SSD while doing this so there’s no chance of choosing the wrong one.
If you’re selling the PC and want the old data to be difficult to recover, use the SSD manufacturer’s secure erase/sanitize utility or a secure erase option in the firmware. SSD secure erase is generally preferable to repeatedly writing zeros across the entire drive. Afterward, initialize the disk and create a new partition on the computer where you’ll use it.
I’m mainly trying to remove my personal files rather than perform an extreme forensic wipe, so I’ll check whether the SSD has a sanitize or secure erase tool before deciding.
For a drive you’re simply reusing, connect it to the other computer, open Disk Management, identify the correct SSD by its capacity and existing partitions, then delete every partition and create a new simple volume. This removes the Windows partition layout and makes the drive available for storage. Double-check the disk number and size first, because deleting partitions is destructive.
Another reasonable approach is to encrypt the SSD first, then securely erase or reset it so the old encryption key is no longer available. That makes any remaining flash blocks much less useful to someone recovering the drive. For a normal personal sale, though, the manufacturer’s secure erase or sanitize function is the simpler choice.
The two drives being the same size makes DiskPart riskier. I’d disconnect the drive containing the files you want to keep, or use the SSD’s own utility where the model is displayed clearly.