How to Wipe Old Windows 10 PC When Windows 10 Ends Support

Windows 10 ends support on October 14, 2025. Learn how to securely wipe your old PC using built-in tools and a professional disk wipe tool to protect your data and ensure privacy.

As Windows 10 approaches its end of support on October 14, 2025 (from Microsoft), users are faced with the decision to upgrade to Windows 11, which has significantly higher hardware requirements. Below are the minimum requirements for Windows 11:

Share this post and let more users know the minimum requirements of Windows 11 for hardware components.

Given these elevated requirements, many users are seizing the opportunity to purchase new computers.  However, this raises the question: how should one handle their old Windows 10 PCs? Properly managing outdated devices is crucial for data security and environmental responsibility. But do not worry! This post from EaseUS Software covers three ways to wipe the old Windows 10 PC. 

Windows 10 Ends Support: How to Wipe Old Windows 10 PC

Regardless of whether you plan to recycle, donate, or resell your old computer, securely erasing your data is a crucial step. This protects your personal privacy and prevents sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands. Here's how to safely wipe your Windows 10 PC:

• Way 1. Use Professional PC Wipe Software (Support disk erase when the old Windows 10 PC can start and can't start)
• Way 2. Use Factory Reset - May not erase completely
• Way 3. Use Command Prompt - Difficult for beginners

Now, let's start with the third-party disk erase software.

Way 1. Use Professional PC Disk Wipe Software

EaseUS Partition Master is a powerful disk management tool that ensures data security by overwriting data multiple times. It covers all sectors of a hard drive, including hidden areas, to ensure that all data is thoroughly erased, providing higher security.

Check its main features from the list below:

• ✔️Compatibility: Supports various file systems (such as NTFS, EXT2/3/4, exFAT, and FAT32) and device types (including HDD, SSD, and RAID configurations).
• ✔️User-Friendly Interface: Provides an intuitive interface with key prompts, suitable for both beginners and advanced users.
• ✔️Data Protection: Ensures data safety during partition operations and offers data recovery features.
• ✔️Efficiency: Performs partition operations quickly and accurately, supporting large-capacity hard drives.

Guide 1. Erase PC When It Can Boot Properly

Steps on how to completely erase Windows 10 disks:

We've set two options for you to wipe data. Choose the one you need.

Option 1.  Wipe Partition

• Right-click the partition you want to erase data from, and choose "Wipe".
• In the new window, set the time for which you want to wipe your partition, then click "OK".
• Click the "Execute 1 Task(s)" button in the lower right corner, check the changes, then click "Apply".

Option 2. Wipe Disk

• Select the HDD/SSD. And right-click to choose "Wipe Disk".
• Set the number of times to wipe data. (You can set to 10 at most.) Then Click "OK".
• Click "Execute 1 Task(s)" and then click "Apply".

Guide 2. Erase PC When It Can't Start

Additionally, EaseUS Partition Master allows creating a bootable USB to erase hard drives even when the system cannot start. 

Here is how to wipe a hard drive from BIOS when Windows 10 support ends:

Step 1. Correctly connect a USB drive, flash drive, or a CD/DVD disc to your computer. Then, launch EaseUS Partition Master, go to the "Bootable Media" and click "Create bootable media", click "Next".

Step 2. You can choose the USB or CD/DVD when the drive is available. Once made the option, click "Proceed".

If you do not have a storage device at hand, you can also save the ISO file to a local drive, and later burn it to a storage media.

Step 3. Connect the WinPE bootable disk to the computer. Restart your computer and press F2/Del at the same time to enter BIOS. Set to boot the PC from "Removable Devices" (bootable USB disk) or "CD-ROM Drive" (bootable CD/DVD) beyond Hard Drive. Press "F10" to save and exit.

Step 4. Install and launch EaseUS Partition Master. Select the HDD or SSD which you want to wipe. And right-click to choose "Wipe Disk".

Step 5. Set the number of times to wipe data. You can set to 10 at most. Then, click "OK".

Step 6. Click "Execute 1 Task(s)" and then click "Apply" to start wiping data.

Way 2. Use Windows 10 Factory Reset

Windows 10's built-in factory reset feature can quickly restore your system to its original state. Before starting the reset, ensure you have backed up all important files and data, as the process will delete everything.

Before you begin, check the list to learn its pros and cons:

Pros: 

• Easy to perform through Windows settings
• No need to install third-party software

Cons: 

• May not completely erase data unless using the "Remove files and clean the drive" option

To use Windows 10's factory reset feature to wipe an old PC, follow these steps:

Step 1. Open Settings

Click the Windows icon in the Start menu, then click the Settings (gear) icon.

Step 2. Access Recovery Options

In the Settings window, select "Update & Security".

Step 3. Choose the Reset Option

On the left menu, click "Recovery," then under "Reset this PC," click "Get started."

Step 4. Select Data Erasure

Choose "Remove everything" to completely erase all data, apps, and settings.

Step 5. Confirm and Start Reset

If prompted, select "Fully clean the drive" to ensure data cannot be recovered. Then, follow the on-screen instructions to complete the reset process.

Now, share this post and let more users know how to deal with the old Windows 10 PC when Windows 10 support ends.

Way 3. Use Command Prompt

Using Command Prompt to erase an old PC when Windows 10 ends support involves advanced commands like diskpart for thorough data removal.

• Warning: Ensure you have backed up any important data before proceeding, as this process will permanently erase all data on the selected disk.
• Note for Beginners: This method can be challenging for those unfamiliar with command-line interfaces.

Here is how to wipe Windows 10 PC using Command Prompt:

Step 1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator

Press Windows Key + X, then select Command Prompt (Admin).

Step 2. Launch Diskpart and Type the Command Lines to Erase the Disk

• Type diskpart and press Enter.
• Type list disk and press Enter to identify the disk you want to erase.
• Type select disk # (replace # with the disk number) and press Enter.
• Type clean and press Enter. This will erase all data on the selected disk.

Step 3. Exit  Diskpart:  

Type exit and press Enter to close Diskpart.   

Conclusion

As Windows 10 approaches its end-of-support date on October 14, 2025, users face the challenge of managing their old computers. By using EaseUS Partition Master and Windows 10's factory reset feature, users can effectively erase data and ensure privacy and security.

EaseUS Partition Master offers higher data erasure security, while Windows 10's factory reset is a quick and simple option. Regardless of the method chosen, users can protect their personal information when recycling, donating, or reselling old computers while considering environmental and data security concerns.

FAQs About Dealing with Windows 10 PC When Windows 10 Ends Support

Check the following FAQs to learn more information about Windows 10 support ending and dealing with the old Windows 10 PC.

1. When will Windows 10 support end?

Windows 10's support will officially end on October 14, 2025. This means that Microsoft will no longer provide technical support, security updates, or feature updates for the operating system after this date. However, certain enterprise and education editions can purchase extended support until 2027. 

2. What should I do with the old PC when Windows 10 support ends?

When Windows 10 support ends on October 14, 2025, you have several options for handling your old PC:

1. Upgrade to Windows 11: If your computer meets the hardware requirements, consider upgrading. However, many older PCs lack the necessary TPM 2.0 chip, making this impossible.
2. Purchase Extended Support: Microsoft offers extended security updates for personal and enterprise users, with personal users paying $30 annually and enterprise users paying $61 per device.
3. Recycle or Sell: Microsoft suggests recycling or selling PCs that cannot be upgraded to reduce e-waste. Regardless of your choice, ensure you securely erase data using tools like EaseUS Partition Master or Windows 10's factory reset to protect your privacy.
4. Install Another OS: If you don't want to upgrade to Windows 11, consider installing Linux or another compatible OS to continue using the PC.

3. Should I erase the old Windows 10 PC before selling?

Yes, it is very important to wipe data before selling your old Windows 10 PC. By wiping your data, you can ensure that personal information and sensitive data will not fall into other people's hands. Using Windows 10's Restore Factory Settings feature or professional disk wiping software such as EaseUS Partition Master can effectively wipe your data. When restoring factory settings, selecting the "Fully clean drive" option allows you to erase data more securely. It's also a good practice to make sure you remove the device from your Microsoft account to prevent unauthorized access!