How do I securely erase an SSD?

How do I securely erase an SSD?

Here’s how to secure wipe an SSD from BIOS.

1. Enter your system BIOS / UEFI settings.
2. Look for your drive and select it.
3. Look for a Secure Erase or data wipe option.
4. Perform the Secure Erase or wipe procedure, following any pertinent prompts or instructions that may arise.

What does Secure Erase do?

Secure Erase completely wipes clean all of the data found on a drive and does not allow that data to be retrieved. It is a permanent solution that provides the maximum level of security for sensitive data that must be erased.

How does ATA Secure Erase work?

ATA Secure Command erase is a easy-to-use data destroy command, amounting to electronic data shredding. Executing the command causes a drive to internally completely erase all user data. If this function is executed, then all user data and the management table will be destroyed and cannot be permanently retrieved.

Does Secure Erase remove operating system?

It’s easy, and every single bit of every single byte — operating system, settings, programs, and data — is removed from the hard drive… … including all your personal information. Then, if you like (and if you can), reinstall the operating system from an install disk.

Is there a way to permanently erase data from an SSD?

If you’re trying to delete data to sell or donate the drive, Secure Erase wipes all the data from an SSD but it does not reformat the drive or permanently erase data. To permanently erase the data on the SSD so that it is unrecoverable, go to the manufacturer’s website to download software.

What happens when you reformatt a SSD drive?

When reformatting an SSD, the process fills the cells with 1s and 0s, replacing the original data, then TRIM, a separate command, informs the drive controller that the information is not real. So, while the “dummy” data remains, the SSD reads this information as available space.

What should I do before formatting my SSD?

Considerations before formatting an SSD 1 Backup important data first. Reformatting a drive will erase stored data for practical purposes, but in a way that allows the data to be recovered by some sophisticated means. 2 Make sure you’ve selected Quick Format. 3 Enable TRIM to maintain SSD performance. 4 Erasing personal data.

What’s the difference between a HDD and a SSD?

If you’re used to formatting a hard disk drive (HDD) you’ll notice that formatting an SSD is slightly different. SSDs use different technology than an HDD, so the formatting function is a different process for each. That’s why it is important to make sure that the box marked Quick Format is checked before formatting an SSD.