Delete all personal data


  1. Posts : 9
    Windows 10
       #1

    Delete all personal data


    I have two old Dell Latitude laptops, one with Windows 7, the other with Windows 10 (it had 7 but I updated it to 10 a while ago). I am going to sell them ... or give them to GoodWill. Before doing so, I want to delete all of my personal data. Is there an easy, quick way to do that, or is it a matter of wandering around repeatedly clicking "Delete"?

    Thank you.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 42,734
    Win 10 Pro (22H2) (2nd PC is 22H2)
       #2

    Hi, see the second option in the box:
    Reset Windows 10

    - Remove everything.

    Remove everything
    • This is to reset Windows 10.
    • Reinstalls Windows 10 and removes all your accounts and personal files.
    • Removes apps and drivers you installed.
    • Removes changes you made to settings.
    • Removes any apps your PC manufacturer installed. (If your PC came with Windows 10, apps from your PC manufacturer will be reinstalled.)
    • If you're planning to donate, recycle, or sell your PC, use this option and choose to fully clean the drive. This might take an hour or two, but it makes it harder for other people to recover files you've removed.
    Alternatively you could wipe (all) drive(s) then clean install Win 10.
      My Computers


  3. Posts : 4,752
    Windows 11 Pro 64 Bit 22H2
       #3

    Alternatively you could wipe (all) drive(s) then clean install Win 10.
    Deleting all Partitions and doing a Clean Install will overwrite any left over data with a new Windows install, which is usually fine, unless you are overtly cautious, then as stated, wiping the drive first before reinstalling does the job.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 1,572
    win10 home
       #4

    Dban is the securest method of ensuring data will not be retrieved.Free to download and use.
    It only works on HDD's,not SSD's.The more passes you allow it,the less chance of retrieval.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 13,895
    Win10 Version 22H2 Pro and Home, Win11 Pro and Home
       #5

    Since Win7 is out of support might be good to get Win10 on that one, will have 4 more years of life, was still free a month ago which I did a Dell Latitude E6410 14".
      My Computers


  6. Posts : 9
    Windows 10
    Thread Starter
       #6

    Wow! Thank you all. I will perform the data delete this coming weekend or next.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 6,245
    Windows 11 Pro - Windows 7 HP - Lubuntu
       #7

    On the Win 7 computer you can do a Factory Recover.
    Normally you can start a Factory Recover from running Windows or from BIOS.
    For the Win 7 updates, use Single file with all updates - Simplix - Windows 10 Forums
      My Computers


  8. Posts : 722
    Windows 10/11
       #8

    joeandmarg0 said:
    Dban is the securest method of ensuring data will not be retrieved.Free to download and use.
    It only works on HDD's,not SSD's.The more passes you allow it,the less chance of retrieval.
    One overwrite is all that is necessary. More passes makes no difference. See: The Urban Legend of Multipass Hard Disk Overwrite
      My Computer


 

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