When dealing with old computers, it is crucial to keep your personal data safe. Whether you're selling, donating, or recycling your old computer, you need to wipe out all the data in it to prevent sensitive information from leaking. This article will detail several effective ways to help you completely erase your old PC before recycling.
Briefly
How do I clear my old computer before recycling?
1. Copy important files to an external hard drive or upload them to cloud storage.
2. Manually delete all files and empty the recycle bin, and use the file shredder tool to delete the files completely. Use disk management tools for basic formatting, or use low-level formatting tools to wipe data completely.
3. Reset this PC through "Settings> "Update & Security> "Recovery" > "Reset this PC".
If you have extremely sensitive data, it is recommended to remove the hard drive and physically destroy it.
Demo environment
硬件系统：荣耀MagicBook 16 Pro&Macbook Pro2023，Windows 10&macOS 13
1. Back up important data
Before clearing your data, first back up all your important data to make sure you don't lose any of the information you need.
1. Use an external hard drive
Copy important files to an external hard drive or USB storage device.
Choose an external hard drive with the right capacity according to the amount of data, and copy all important files and folders to the external hard drive.
2. Use cloud storage
Upload important files to cloud storage services like Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, etc.
If you haven't already, create an account first. Upload important files and folders to cloud storage.
2. Delete files and uninstall software
Delete all personal files and uninstall unwanted software from your old computer.
1. Delete files manually
Delete all personal files and documents. Delete all files in folders such as desktop, documents, downloads, pictures, etc. Right-click the Recycle Bin and select Empty Recycle Bin.
2. Uninstall the software
Uninstall unwanted software, especially software that contains personal information. On Windows, open the Control Panel. Find and uninstall all the unwanted software.
3. Use a file shredding tool
Normal deleted files can't completely erase the data, and using a file shredding tool can ensure that the files can't be recovered.
1. Select the file shredding tool
推荐几款常用的文件粉碎工具：CCleaner、Eraser、File Shredder等。
Download and install the tool from the official website. Select the files or folders you want to delete and use the tool to shred those files thoroughly.
4. Format the hard drive
Formatting a hard drive is an effective way to erase data, but normal formatting does not completely guarantee that the data cannot be recovered. A low-level formatting tool is recommended here.
1. Primary formatting
On Windows, use the Disk Management tool for primary formatting. Press Win+X and select "Disk Management". Right-click on each partition, select "Format", and select the file system type (e.g. NTFS).
2. Low-level formatting
Use a low-level formatting tool to wipe out the data completely to ensure that the data is unrecoverable.
The HDD Low Level Format Tool is recommended. Download and install the low-level formatting tool from the official website. Select the hard drive you want to format and perform a low-level formatting operation.
5. Reset the operating system
Resetting the operating system can erase all personal data and restore the system to factory settings.
1. Windows system reset
In Windows 10 systems, it can be reset through the system settings.
1. Press Win+I, open "Settings", and tap "Update & Security".
2. Click on the "Recover" option. Click "Start" and select "Erase Everything" and follow the prompts to complete the reset.
2. Mac System Reset
In Mac system, reset via recovery mode.
1. Press and hold the Command + R keys while powering on until the Apple logo appears. Select "Disk Utility" in the recovery mode. Select the hard drive, click "Erase", and select the file system type (e.g. APFS).
2. Go back to the main menu, select "Reinstall macOS", and follow the prompts to complete the installation.
6. Physical destruction of hard disks
If you have extremely sensitive data stored on your hard drive, you can choose to physically destroy the drive to ensure that the data is unrecoverable.
1. Remove the hard drive
Remove the hard drive from your computer and make sure that your computer is completely powered off. Open the case (desktop) or back cover (laptop) and carefully remove the hard drive.
2. Physical Destruction Methods
Physically destroy the hard drive so that it can't read the data. Hit the hard disk with a hammer to destroy the internal structure of the disk. Drill a few holes in the hard drive to completely destroy the disk.
conclusion
Before recycling your old computer, completely erasing your data is an important step to protect your privacy and data security. By backing up important data, deleting files and uninstalling software, using file shredding tools, formatting the hard drive, resetting the operating system, and physically destroying the hard drive, you can effectively ensure that the data is unrecoverable. If you are particularly sensitive to some data, it is recommended to use a combination of methods to carry out a complete cleanup. I hope this article will help you properly dispose of your data and ensure the security of your personal information before recycling your old computer.