I'm planning to sell my Samsung 990 Pro NVMe drive, and I'm wondering if using the 'Reset this PC' option in Windows settings will effectively wipe my files, or if there's a risk of them being recovered. I don't currently have a USB drive to install a new version of Windows. I've heard that formatting the drive using the PSID revert option in Samsung Magician is the best way to ensure a clean slate, but I'm concerned it will also erase Windows. Any advice on how to proceed would be appreciated!
5 Answers
Using 'Reset this PC' will primarily reset your OS, but your files might still be recoverable. If you want to make sure your data is really gone, you're right about using Samsung Magician's PSID revert. That will secure erase the drive but remember it will erase everything, including the OS. If you're selling it, just let the buyer know there won’t be an operating system on it.
If it’s just games on there, a quick reformat might be enough. However, since you mentioned some personal pictures, using secure erase with Samsung Magician is the way to go to ensure those aren't recoverable. It’s a more thorough process, but it gives peace of mind.
Yeah, it was mostly games, but those pictures make me a bit uneasy. Sounds like I should definitely go for that secure erase.
A straightforward option is to have a secondary drive. You could install Windows there, move your files over, and then format the NVMe drive before selling it. It’s a little hassle-free way of keeping what you need and wiping what you don’t.
'Reset this PC' just puts the OS back to factory settings, which means the data can still be accessible. If you want to be sure your files are gone, use Samsung Magician to fully wipe the drive. Don't worry about needing a USB drive for that; PSID revert will do the job without one, but it will erase whatever's left on the drive, including Windows.
Got it, so no USB needed for the secure erase? That’s a relief!
You really should just grab a USB stick and create a Windows installation media using the Media Creation Tool. Then, wipe the SSD with Samsung Magician and reinstall Windows. Just stop before customizing the settings to leave the drive clean for the new owner.
That makes sense! I just didn’t think about the OS thing before listing it for sale. Guess I’ll need to clarify that.