How to Wipe External Hard Drive Windows 10?

Are you looking for a way to securely wipe an external hard drive on Windows 10? If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions on how to securely wipe an external hard drive on Windows 10. Whether you’re upgrading to a new system or simply want to delete sensitive data, we’ll guide you through the process, so you can be sure the job is done correctly. So let’s get started and learn how to wipe an external hard drive on Windows 10.

Steps to Wipe an External Hard Drive on Windows 10

The Windows 10 operating system makes it easy to completely erase the external hard drive. Whether you need to clear the drive for a fresh start or to wipe away confidential data, the steps outlined in this article provide a guide for securely erasing the drive.

Step 1: Connect the External Hard Drive

The first step is to plug the external hard drive into the computer. If the drive is connected via USB, it will usually be automatically recognized. If the drive is connected via FireWire or Thunderbolt, it may require a driver to be installed before it is recognized.

Step 2: Format the External Hard Drive

Once the drive is connected, it will need to be formatted. To do this, open Windows Explorer, right-click on the drive, and select the “Format” option. This will open the “Format” window, which will allow you to select the file system, allocation size, and other options. Once the drive is formatted, it will be ready to use.

Step 3: Use a Secure Erase Tool

In order to securely erase the external hard drive, a secure erase tool must be used. There are a number of tools available, but the most popular is Darik’s Boot and Nuke (DBAN). DBAN is free to download and can be used from a bootable CD or USB drive.

Using DBAN with a Bootable CD

If DBAN is downloaded as a bootable CD, it can be burned to a blank CD and then inserted into the CD drive of the computer. The computer will then need to be rebooted with the CD in the drive. Once the computer has booted from the CD, DBAN will launch and the user will be able to select the drive to erase.

Using DBAN with a Bootable USB Drive

If DBAN is downloaded as a bootable USB drive, it can be burned to a blank USB drive and then inserted into the USB port of the computer. The computer will then need to be rebooted with the USB drive in the port. Once the computer has booted from the USB drive, DBAN will launch and the user will be able to select the drive to erase.

Step 4: Wiping the External Hard Drive

Once DBAN has been launched and the external hard drive has been selected, the user can begin wiping the drive. DBAN will offer a number of options for wiping the drive, including single-pass and multi-pass wipes. The single-pass wipe is a quick wipe that will overwrite the drive once and is suitable for most users. The multi-pass wipe is a more secure option that will overwrite the drive multiple times and is suitable for users with higher security requirements.

Step 5: Finalizing the Erase

Once the wipe has been completed, the external hard drive is ready to be used. If the drive was previously formatted, it will need to be reformatted before it can be used. If the drive was not previously formatted, it will need to be initialized and then reformatted. Once the drive has been reformatted, it is ready to be used.

Related FAQ

What is an external hard drive?

An external hard drive is a storage device that connects to a computer via a USB or other type of connection. It allows the user to store data on it, and it can also be used to back up important files. External hard drives are typically larger than internal hard drives and often have more capacity. They can also be used to transfer files between computers, making them a great way to store and share data.

What is the purpose of wiping an external hard drive?

The purpose of wiping an external hard drive is to remove all data from the drive. This can be done for a variety of reasons. For example, if you are selling or donating a computer, you will want to make sure all personal information is completely removed from the hard drive. Wiping the drive will ensure that the data cannot be recovered.

What is the difference between wiping and formatting an external hard drive?

The difference between wiping and formatting an external hard drive is that when you wipe a drive, the data on the drive is completely erased. Formatting a drive, on the other hand, only erases the information that is stored in a specific file system. The data on the drive is still there, but it is no longer accessible in the normal way.

How do I wipe an external hard drive on Windows 10?

To wipe an external hard drive on Windows 10, the first step is to open the Settings app. From there, select “Update & Security” and then choose “Backup”. In the Backup tab, select “Back up using File History”. Then, select the external hard drive that you want to wipe and click “Remove”. This will erase all the data on the drive.

What other methods can I use to wipe an external hard drive?

In addition to using the File History feature on Windows 10, you can also use third-party software to wipe an external hard drive. There are many programs available that can securely erase data from a hard drive. These programs are generally more secure than the built-in Windows feature and can ensure that the data is completely wiped.

Are there any risks associated with wiping an external hard drive?

Yes, there are risks associated with wiping an external hard drive. If the drive is not wiped properly, the data can still be recovered. This means that if the drive is not wiped securely, sensitive information could be recovered by a third party. It is important to use a reliable method to wipe the drive, such as a reputable third-party software program.

How to WIPE an External Hard Drive Windows 10

In conclusion, wiping an external hard drive on Windows 10 isn’t as complicated as it might seem. With the help of the steps outlined above, you can format your drive and securely erase all the data from it. So, don’t hesitate to take advantage of this great feature and keep your data safe and sound.