Wipe Operating System and User Data from My Computer

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Whether you're selling, donating, recycling, or just starting fresh, wiping your computer is a necessary step to ensure your personal data doesn't fall into the wrong hands. But wiping a computer isn't as simple as just deleting files or reinstalling the operating system. If done incorrectly, sensitive data can still be recovered using data recovery tools.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about how to wipe operating system and user data from your computer safely and securely. Whether you're using Windows or macOS, this article will equip you with step-by-step methods and the best practices for protecting your privacy.

What Does It Mean to Wipe Computer Completely?

Wiping a computer means erasing all data, including the operating system, user profiles, installed software, system settings, and all personal files. Unlike simply deleting files or formatting a drive, a full wipe ensures that data cannot be recovered through normal means.

Wipe vs. Deletion vs. Format vs. Factory Reset

• Deleting files sends them to the recycle bin or trash. Even after emptying it, data can often be recovered.
• Formatting erases the file system structure, but data may still be recoverable using software.
• Factory Reset restores the system to its original state but doesn't always securely erase files.
• Wiping means securely and permanently removing data from the drive, often using overwriting methods or specialized tools.

Preparation before Wiping Computer Completely

Before starting the wiping process, it's critical to prepare. Once wiped, your data will be permanently gone — so preparation is essential.

1. Backup Your Data

Start by backing up all important files, including:

• Documents, photos, videos
• Emails and contacts
• Browser bookmarks
• Application settings or databases
• License keys and software installers

Backup options:

• External Drives (USB, HDD, SSD)
• Cloud Services (Google Drive, OneDrive, iCloud, Dropbox)
• Network Attached Storage (NAS)

2. Deauthorize and Sign Out of Services

Avoid complications with account-linked software or hardware:

• Sign out of Microsoft or Apple ID
• Deauthorize software (e.g., iTunes, Adobe Creative Cloud, Office 365)
• Turn off Find My Device or Activation Lock

3. Create a Bootable USB (Optional)

If you plan to reuse the computer:

• Windows: Use the Media Creation Tool
• macOS: Use a USB installer created via Terminal

This bootable drive allows you to reinstall the OS after wiping.

How to Wipe Operating System and User Data?

Let's explore secure wiping methods for each major OS, like Windows and macOS.

1. Wiping a Windows Computer

There are some methods to clean all system and user data on Windows system. Here we will introduce the built-in and third-party methods to accomplish the job:

Method 1: Built-in "Reset This PC" Option

With the factory reset option on Windows system, you can choose the clean data and delete all the files from your drives on the computer. Here are the detail steps:

1. Go to Settings > System > Recovery
2. Under "Reset this PC," click Reset PC
3. Choose Remove everything
4. Click Change settings and enable:
   • Clean data
   • Delete files from all drives

5. Click Next > Reset. Then the software will remove all the OS and user data. Then reinstall a fresh new copy of Windows operating system.

This method is user-friendly and erases both the OS and user data securely.

Method 2: Wipe via Bootable USB and Delete Partitions

You can also create a bootable installation USB for Windows. Then use the bootable USB to boot the computer and then delete or format the drives on the computer. Then you can choose to reinstall the Windows OS or not. Here is how:

1. Boot from a Windows installation USB
2. Select Install Now > Custom Installation
3. Delete all existing partitions

4. Install Windows on unallocated space or cancel if you're not reinstalling

Method 3: Use Third-Party Tools (for Extra Security)

Why use third-party tools? With the system built-in tools and solutions, it can remove the files or even the partition. However, it cannot ensure the removed data unrecoverable. With reliable data recovery software, it's easy to recover the data even after a factory reset or reinstalling the OS.

Tools like Donemax Data Eraser overwrite data with random patterns to ensure it's unrecoverable.

Here are the steps to wipe OS and user data permanently with Donemax Data Eraser:

Step 1. After reset the Windows or format the drive via bootable media, you can then install and run the software Donemax Data Eraser. Choose the Erase Free Space mode. Choose the drive you need to wipe.

Step 2. Choose a data erasure standard from the drop-down menu to permanently erase removed data from the free space of the selected drive.

Step 3. Start the wiping process and the software will apply the selected data erasure standard to erase data. Once it's done, all the removed OS and user data on the drive is gone forever. There will no be chance to recover the data in any way.

2. Wiping a macOS Computer

You cannot wipe the system data directly while booting into the system on Mac. To do the job, you need to enter the macOS Recovery mode where you can erase the entire Mac system drive. Then use the data erasure software to ensure the wiped data is no longer recoverable.

Step 1: Boot into macOS Recovery

1. Shut down your Mac, then start it again. Immediately press and hold Power until "Options" appear
2. Select Options and click Continue.

For Intel Macs: Restart and hold Command + R when starting Mac until you see the Apple logo. Then it will enter the recovery mode directly.

Step 2: Use Disk Utility

1. Select Disk Utility. and click Continue to open it.

2. Select the startup disk (usually named "Macintosh HD")
3. Click Erase button at the top right corner of the Disk Utility interface.
4. Choose APFS or Mac OS Extended (Journaled)
5. Click Erase for format the Mac system drive.

Step 3: Reinstall macOS

1. Exit Disk Utility and return to macOS Utilities, then select Reinstall macOS
2. Follow on-screen instructions

Step 4. Erase the data permanently

After formatting the Mac system drive and reinstall the macOS, there is still a chance to recover the removed user data. Fortunately, Donemax Data Eraser offers the Mac version that can help you erase the removed data with Erase Free Space feature.

After Wiping Computer Permanently: What's Next?

After your computer is wiped, decide whether to:

• Reinstall the OS for continued use
• Sell or donate the device
• Recycle it responsibly

Reinstalling the OS

• Boot from your prepared USB installer
• Follow on-screen instructions to install a fresh OS

Selling or Donating

• Ensure all accounts are removed
• Physically clean the device
• Provide basic instructions or a USB for the new owner

Responsible Recycling

• Use certified e-waste recycling centers
• Some manufacturers offer recycling programs (e.g., Apple, Dell)

Common Mistakes to Avoid while Wiping Computer

Even with the best intentions, people make mistakes when wiping a computer. Pay attention to the common mistakes while wiping computer to keep your data and privacy safe:

Not Backing Up Data

Once wiped, there's no going back. Always double-check your backups before wiping computer.

Not Wiping Recovery Partitions

Many systems have hidden partitions that remain untouched unless explicitly deleted.

Forgetting to Log Out of Accounts

Leaving accounts logged in can result in activation locks or unauthorized access.

Using Quick Format

Quick formats do not erase the data securely — full format or overwrite tools are preferred.

Conclusion

Wiping your computer isn't just about freeing up space — it's about safeguarding your privacy. Simply deleting files isn't enough when it comes to sensitive data. Whether you're wiping a Windows or macOS, the key is to use the right tools and methods based on your hardware.

Always take the time to back up your data, sign out of accounts, and choose secure erasure tools. In today's digital age, your personal data is more valuable than ever. Wipe responsibly, and you'll avoid the risks of identity theft, data breaches, and other privacy nightmares.

Especially, it's important to wipe data permanently when you decided to sell your old computer. Simple deleting files, formatting the drive, or even reinstalling the operating system will not guarantee the personal data is gone forever. Use the professional data wiping tool, like Donemax Data Eraser to completely destroy the user data before you give your computer to another hand.