Best Software to Wipe Hard Drive Securely

Updated by

Roxanne 

Updated on Nov 29, 2024

Data wiping refers to the process of permanently removing data from a storage device so that it cannot be recovered. Unlike simple deletion or formatting, which may leave data recoverable, data wiping overwrites existing data with new information, making recovery impossible. Whether you're selling, donating, or recycling an old computer, it's crucial to wipe your hard drive. In this article, EaseUS will explore some of the best software options for wiping your hard drive and provide a comprehensive overview of their features.

Best Software to Wipe Hard Drive for Windows

Using certified data-wiping software is vital for ensuring that personal or sensitive information is completely erased. Now, let's take a closer look at these programs:

#1. EaseUS Partition Master 

EaseUS Partition Master Professional is a popular disk management software that offers a comprehensive set of tools for managing partitions and wiping data securely. The software includes a feature called "Wipe Data" that allows you to securely erase data on your hard drive using various wiping methods, including Gutmann, DoD 5220.22-M, and others.

Key Features

• Create a bootable USB to wipe the hard drive
• Perform Samsung SSD secure erase
• Securely wipe the C drive

Follow this step-by-step tutorial to wipe all data on your hard drive:

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".

#2. Windows Disk Management

Windows Disk Management is a built-in tool in the Windows operating system that allows you to manage disks and partitions on your computer. While it may not offer advanced data-wiping features like other third-party software programs, Windows Disk Management can still securely erase data on your hard drive by deleting partitions and formatting it:

Option 1. Delete Partitions on the Hard Drive

Step 1. Press "Win + X" on your keyboard to select Disk Management in the menu.

Step 2. In the Disk Management window, find and right-click the partition and choose "Delete Volume."

Step 3. A confirmation dialog will appear. Click "Yes" to confirm that you want to delete the partition.

Option 2. Format the Hard Drive

Step 1. Open Disk Management, and right-click on the drive partition you wish to format. Select "Format" from the context menu.

Step 2. Then, you can set various options:

• Volume Label: Enter a name for the drive.
• File System: Choose a file system(NTFS, exFAT, FAT32)
• Allocation Unit Size: Leave this as Default unless you have specific needs.
• Perform a Quick Format: This option is checked by default. A quick format will erase files but not check for bad sectors. If you want to perform a full format that checks for errors, uncheck this option (note that this will take longer).

Step 3. Click OK when the warning message appears.

#3. Diskpart

Diskpart is a command-line disk management tool in Windows that allows you to manage disks, partitions, and volumes on your computer. Similar to Windows Disk Management, Diskpart can be used to delete partitions and format the drive to erase data securely:

Step 1. Launch Command Prompt as an administrator. Then type diskpart and press Enter.

Step 2. Execute the command lines below and hit the Enter key after each command.

• List disk 
• Select disk % (replace % with the number of the disk you want to wipe)
• Clean
• quit

#4. DBAN

DBAN, or Darik's Boot and Nuke, is a popular open-source data-wiping software program that is specifically designed for securely erasing data on hard drives. DBAN can be booted from a USB drive or CD and offers several data wiping methods, including DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, and others, to ensure your data is completely irrecoverable.

One of the key advantages of DBAN is its versatility and compatibility with a wide range of hard drive models. Compared to DBAN alternatives, DBAN is a reliable option for securely wiping data on your hard drive before selling or recycling your computer. 

Key Features:

• Supports multiple overwriting methods to ensure data is irretrievable.
• It can wipe multiple drives simultaneously.

#5. KillDisk

KillDisk is a data-wiping software program that offers a range of features for securely erasing data on your hard drive. It includes multiple data wiping methods, such as DoD 5220.22-M, Gutmann, and others, to ensure your data is completely irrecoverable. KillDisk can be booted from a USB drive or CD and offers a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to wipe your hard drive securely.

Key Features:

• It can erase multiple drives in parallel and offers over 20 sanitization methods.
• Provides options for creating bootable media for wiping drives outside the operating system.

Bonus Tip: How to Use Hard Drive Wiping Software

After choosing the hard drive wiping software, you can follow this general guide to use it(it's better to refer to the software's on-screen instructions):

• Back up all the vital data on your hard drive in advance.
• Download and install the software on your computer or create bootable media if necessary (for tools like EaseUS Partition Master).
• Launch the program and select the drive you wish to wipe from the list displayed by the software interface.
• Choose your desired wiping method (e.g., quick wipe, multi-pass).
• Confirm your selection—be cautious, as this action will permanently erase all data on the selected drive!
• Start the wiping process and wait until it is complete.

Conclusion 

Choosing the right software to wipe your hard drive is crucial in ensuring your sensitive information remains secure. The options listed above cater to various needs—from personal use to enterprise-level requirements—ensuring you can find a solution that fits your situation. For most users, tools like EaseUS Partition Master balance effectiveness and ease of use. 

Before proceeding with any disk wipe operation, ensure you have backed up any important data you wish to keep, as these processes are irreversible. By using reliable disk-wiping software, you can confidently dispose of old hardware without fear of exposing your private information.

FAQs of Best Software to Wipe Hard Drive

Here, you will learn additional information about the best software to wipe hard drives or SSD:

1. How do I completely wipe my hard drive in Windows 10?

In Windows 10, click the Get Started button after selecting Settings > Update & security > Recovery to wipe your drive. Select the "Remove everything" option when prompted. After that, you should select the Local reinstall option to reinstall Windows on your PC.

2. Can I permanently erase a hard drive?

Yes, it is possible to erase a hard drive permanently. For sensitive information, physical destruction or degaussing is recommended, while software-based wiping is suitable for general use when you plan to reuse or recycle the drive. However, if you want to sell or donate this hard drive, the wipe hard drive program is better.

3. How do I factory reset my computer hard drive before recycling?

To factory reset your computer hard drive before recycling, follow these steps:

• Click on the Start menu and select Settings (the gear icon).
• In the Settings window, click on Update & Security.
• Select Recovery from the left sidebar.
• Click on Get Started under the "Reset this PC" section.
• Choose Remove Everything to ensure all personal files, apps, and settings are deleted.
• Click Next, then click Reset to begin the process. This will wipe your hard drive and reset your computer to factory settings.