How to Wipe Everything but OS in Windows 11/10/8/7?

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When your Windows PC starts feeling cluttered or slow, or if you're planning to give your computer to someone else, wiping everything but the operating system (OS) can be a smart move. This method removes personal files, installed programs, and unnecessary clutter while keeping your OS intact—ensuring your computer functions smoothly without requiring a full reinstallation.

In this guide, we'll walk you through how to wipe everything but OS in Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7. We'll also explore manual and advanced techniques, as well as precautions to take before starting.

Why Wipe Everything Except OS?

Wiping everything but the OS has several advantages:

• Privacy: Removes personal data before selling or giving away your PC.
• Performance: A lean system without extra apps and files can run faster.
• Stability: Fixes software-related issues without reinstalling the OS.
• Fresh Start: Gives you a clean workspace without going through OS installation.

Unlike a clean install, this method is faster and more convenient—especially for users who don't want to deal with reinstalling drivers or configuring their OS from scratch.

Before Wiping Everything: Precautions and Backups

Before performing any major changes, take the following precautions:

1. Backup Important Files

Use an external hard drive, USB flash drive, or cloud storage (like OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox) to back up:

• Documents
• Photos and videos
• Work-related files
• Software license keys
• Browser bookmarks

2. Note Down License Keys and App Details

Applications like Microsoft Office, Photoshop, or others may require reactivation. Use tools like Belarc Advisor or ProduKey to retrieve license information.

3. Create a System Restore Point (Optional)

If something goes wrong, a system restore point can help bring your system back to its previous state.

• Go to Control Panel > System > System Protection
• Click Create and name your restore point

Built-In Options to Wipe Everything Except OS

For Windows 11/10

Modern Windows versions come with a built-in reset option designed exactly for this purpose.

Steps to Reset Without Removing the OS:

1. Click Start > Settings. Navigate to System > Recovery. Under Recovery options, click Reset PC.

2. Choose Remove everything.

3. When asked "How would you like to reinstall Windows?", choose Local reinstall or Cloud download.

4. Click Change settings in the "Additional settings" window.

5. Ensure Clean data? is set to Yes if will sell the device for data security.

6. Confirm and click Next, then Reset.

💡 Note: This removes apps and files but keeps your Windows OS functional and activated.

For Windows 8/8.1

Windows 8 introduced the concept of refreshing or resetting your PC.

Steps for Reset in Windows 8:

1. Open Settings from the Charm bar. Go to Change PC settings > Update and recovery > Recovery.
2. Under Remove everything and reinstall Windows, click Get started.

3. Select the option to clean the drive. Confirm and proceed.

💡 Caution: Like Windows 10/11, this removes personal data and apps but keeps the OS functional.

For Windows 7

Windows 7 lacks a dedicated reset feature. To wipe everything while keeping Windows intact, you'll need to either reinstall the OS or manually clean your files and apps.

Option 1: Reinstall Windows 7 and remove everything

1. Insert your Windows 7 installation media or recovery DVD. Boot from the media.
2. On the installation screen, choose Custom (advanced) to reinstall Windows and remove all files, settings and programs.

Option 2: Manual Method (Explained Below)

If you don't have installation media, manually delete files and apps (see the manual cleanup section).

Advanced Methods to Wipe Everything but OS

Manual Cleanup: Wipe User Files and Apps without Affecting the OS

For users who want more control, this manual approach works across all Windows versions.

Step 1: Delete Personal Files

• Open This PC and go through each drive.
• Delete files in folders like Documents, Downloads, Pictures, and Videos.
• Be sure to empty the Recycle Bin afterward.

Step 2: Uninstall All Unwanted Applications

• Go to Control Panel > Programs > Programs and Features
• Uninstall all unnecessary or third-party apps
• Restart your computer

Step 3: Delete User Accounts (Optional)

If multiple user accounts exist, you can remove them (except the one currently logged in):

• Go to Settings > Accounts > Other Users
• Select the account and click Remove

Step 4: Clear Browser Data

In each browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox):

• Go to Settings > Privacy > Clear browsing data
• Remove cookies, cache, saved passwords, and history

Step 5: Use Disk Cleanup

1. Press Windows + R, type cleanmgr, press Enter.
2. Select your OS drive (usually C:).
3. Check all options, including Temporary files, System files, Recycle Bin, and Downloads.
4. Click OK to delete.

Use of Third-Party Tools for Secure Cleanup

While Windows' built-in tools are useful for basic cleaning, they often leave traces behind—such as temporary files, registry entries, log files, or recoverable deleted data. If you're looking for a deeper clean or preparing your system for resale, third-party tools can help you securely and thoroughly remove all unnecessary files without affecting the OS. If you want to ensure files can't be recovered (for privacy or selling your PC), consider these tools:

1️⃣ Donemax Data Eraser

Secure deletion of sensitive files or folders. Also, it can wipe a drive along with all data. If you have deleted files, you can also wipe the drive free space to ensure the deleted files will no longer be recoverable.

• Offers multiple deletion methods, including DoD 5220.22-M and Gutmann (35 passes)
• Three modes to shred files or wipe data in different cases
• Allows right-click integration for quick secure deletion
• Easy-to-use with simple interface and interactions

How to Use:

Step 1. Download Donemax Data Eraser and install it on your computer.

Step 2. Open the program and choose Erase Files/Folders mode. Choose the files or folders you want to securely delete.

Step 3. Select the method of erasure. All the offered methods can ensure to destroy the selected files permanently.

Step 4. Run the wiping process to begin secure deletion. After the process is done, all the selected files/folders will be gone forever and no longer recoverable.

💡 Tip: Use Donemax Data Eraser to securely delete data from folders like Downloads, Desktop, or Documents before giving away your computer. Also, it can be used to wipe an entire drive or the free space of a drive.

2️⃣ CCleaner

General cleanup, registry optimization, secure file deletion

• Deletes junk files from system folders and third-party apps
• Removes temporary internet files and browser data
• Clears Windows logs, clipboard data, DNS cache, and memory dumps
• Offers a secure drive wiper (up to 35 passes)
• Can uninstall programs and disable startup entries

How to Use:

1. Download and install CCleaner. Open the application and go to the Custom Clean tab.
2. Select the items you want to clean (Windows components, browsers, applications). Click Analyze, then Run Cleaner.
3. For a secure wipe, go to Tools > Drive Wiper, choose Free Space Only, select your drive, and start the wipe.

💡 Tip: Use the Registry Cleaner with caution and always back up changes when prompted.

3️⃣ BleachBit

Open-source, privacy-focused deep cleaning

• Removes cache, cookies, and temporary files from over 70 applications
• Shreds files to prevent recovery
• Offers a "Deep Scan" mode
• Lightweight and doesn't require installation (portable version available)

How to Use:

1. Download BleachBit and install it. Launch the application and review available cleaning options (Firefox, Chrome, Windows Explorer, etc.).
2. Check the items to clean, then click Preview to estimate cleanup. Click Clean to start.
3. For secure deletion, use File Shredder or Wipe Free Space options.

💡 Tip: BleachBit also offers a command-line interface, useful for automation and scripting.

Bonus: Securely Wipe Free Space (for all tools that support it)

Even after files are deleted and the Recycle Bin is emptied, remnants of those files can remain on your drive and may be recoverable using forensic tools. To ensure complete privacy, use the "Erase Free Space" feature:

• This process overwrites the space where deleted files once existed, making them unrecoverable.
• Donemax Data Eraser, CCleaner, and BleachBit all support wiping free space.
• Choose between quick overwrite (1 pass) or multiple passes (more secure, but slower).

Verifying That Data Is Truly Wiped

After cleaning, verify that sensitive data is truly gone:

1. Check All Drives

Open This PC and ensure no personal files remain.

2. Use Disk Management

• Press Windows + X > Disk Management
• Ensure partitions other than the OS are either empty or deleted

3. Use Recovery Tools to Test

Try using tools like Recuva or Donemax Data Recovery to scan and see if files are recoverable. If data still appears:

• Use a file shredder to overwrite free space (e.g., CCleaner's Drive Wiper)

Optional: Create a New User Account and Delete the Old One

To eliminate traces of previous activity, consider this method:

1. Go to Settings > Accounts > Family & other users.
2. Click Add someone else to this PC and follow the prompts.

3. Set the new user as Administrator.
4. Log into the new account.
5. Return to Accounts, select the old account, and click Remove.

This clears browser history, saved credentials, and user-specific settings.

What Not to Delete

When manually cleaning your system, avoid removing the following unless you're sure:

• Windows System Files: Deleting files from C:\Windows or C:\Program Files may crash your OS.
• Device Drivers: Avoid uninstalling essential drivers.
• Recovery Partition: Many PCs have a hidden partition for factory reset; don't delete this unless backing up externally.

After Wiping Everything on Windows: What's Next?

Once your system is wiped clean:

1. Install Essential Software

You can now reinstall apps you genuinely need (browser, antivirus, office tools, etc.)

2. Update Windows

Check for any pending updates:

• Go to Settings > Windows Update, and install any recommended updates.

3. Check Performance

Open Task Manager (Ctrl + Shift + Esc) and review startup programs, background apps, and system performance.

4. Set Up Windows Defender or Antivirus

Enable Windows Defender or install third-party antivirus software for continued protection.

Conclusion

Wiping everything but the operating system is a practical way to refresh your Windows PC without the hassle of reinstalling Windows from scratch. Whether you're handing off the computer to someone else, trying to reclaim storage space, or just looking for a performance boost, this process ensures your OS remains intact while your personal data and unnecessary apps are safely removed.

Modern versions like Windows 11 and 10 make this process seamless with built-in reset tools, while older versions like Windows 7 require a more hands-on approach. With a combination of system settings and third-party utilities, you can confidently achieve a clean system without compromising your operating system.

Just remember: always back up your data, double-check what's being deleted, and take your time. A well-maintained OS with a clutter-free environment can lead to better performance, security, and peace of mind.