How to Wipe External Hard Drive Windows 10?

Are you looking for ways to securely wipe an external hard drive on Windows 10? If so, you have come to the right place. In this article, we will walk you through the steps of securely wiping an external hard drive on Windows 10. We will also discuss the importance of securely wiping an external hard drive and how to do it correctly. So, let’s get started!

Wiping Your External Hard Drive on Windows 10

The process of wiping an external hard drive on Windows 10 is a relatively straightforward task. When you delete a file or folder on your external hard drive, it usually isn’t permanently gone. You can use a built-in Windows tool to securely wipe your external hard drive and make sure all of your data is gone for good. Here’s how to do it.

Step 1: Back Up Your Data

Before you start wiping your external hard drive, it’s important to back up any important data you have stored on it. You can back up your data to another external hard drive or to a cloud-based storage solution such as Google Drive or Dropbox. Once you have backed up your data, you can proceed with wiping your external hard drive.

Step 2: Format Your External Hard Drive

The next step in wiping your external hard drive is to format it. This will erase all of the data on the drive, but it won’t completely wipe it. To completely wipe your external hard drive, you’ll need to use a special tool. To format your external hard drive, open the Start menu and type ‘disk management’. Select ‘Create and format hard disk partitions’.

Step 3: Download and Run the Wiping Tool

The next step is to download and run a tool to wipe your external hard drive. There are many tools available, but one of the best is the free Darik’s Boot And Nuke (DBAN). Download and install DBAN on your computer and then open the program. Follow the on-screen instructions to select your external hard drive and start the wiping process.

Step 4: Wipe Your External Hard Drive

Once you have selected your external hard drive, DBAN will start wiping it. This process can take several hours, depending on the size of the drive. You can monitor the progress of the wiping process in the DBAN window. When the wiping process is complete, DBAN will let you know.

Step 5: Reformat Your External Hard Drive

The final step is to reformat your external hard drive. This will erase all traces of the data that was previously on the drive. To reformat your external hard drive, open the Start menu and type ‘disk management’. Select ‘Create and format hard disk partitions’. Follow the on-screen instructions to reformat your external hard drive.

Tips for Wiping Your External Hard Drive

Check the Manufacturer’s Website

Before wiping your external hard drive, it’s important to check the manufacturer’s website for instructions specific to your drive. Some external hard drives may require special instructions to be wiped properly.

Use a Secure Wiping Tool

When wiping your external hard drive, it’s important to use a secure wiping tool. DBAN is a popular tool, but there are other options available. Make sure to read reviews and do your research before choosing a wiping tool.

Wipe Multiple Times

When wiping your external hard drive, it’s a good idea to wipe it multiple times. This will ensure that all of the data on the drive is securely wiped and can’t be recovered.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an external hard drive?

An external hard drive is a storage device that is connected to a computer or laptop through a USB cable. It is an ideal way to store large amounts of data, including documents, photos, music, and videos. External hard drives are portable, making them easy to transport and use on different computers.

What are the advantages of using an external hard drive?

The main advantages of using an external hard drive are the ability to store large amounts of data in a small, portable device, and the ability to quickly access the data stored on the hard drive. External hard drives also provide additional security, as they can be backed up and stored in a separate location from the computer. Additionally, external hard drives are typically more reliable than traditional internal hard drives.

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

To wipe an external hard drive on Windows 10, you will need to open the Disk Management utility. This can be done by pressing the Windows + R keys and typing “diskmgmt.msc” in the Run dialog box. Once the Disk Management utility is open, right-click on the external hard drive you want to wipe and select the “Format” option. In the Format menu, select the file system you want to use and check the “Quick Format” box. Once you have selected the format options, click the “OK” button to start the wiping process.

How long does it take to wipe an external hard drive?

The amount of time it takes to wipe an external hard drive will depend on the size of the hard drive and the type of file system you are using. Generally, a full wipe of an external hard drive on Windows 10 can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours.

What happens when an external hard drive is wiped?

When an external hard drive is wiped, all of the data that was stored on the hard drive is permanently deleted and cannot be recovered. This includes any files, folders, applications, and settings that were stored on the hard drive.

Is it safe to wipe an external hard drive?

Yes, it is safe to wipe an external hard drive. All data stored on the hard drive will be permanently deleted, and the hard drive will be ready to be used for new storage. It is important to note, however, that wiping an external hard drive is a permanent process, and data that has been wiped cannot be recovered.

To sum up, wiping an external hard drive in Windows 10 is a straightforward process that can be completed by following the steps outlined above. It is important to note that all data stored on the hard drive will be erased, so it is essential to back up any files that need to be retained before starting the wiping process. Following these steps will guarantee that the hard drive is completely wiped and ready to be used.