How to completely erase data when disposing of a Windows 10 or 11 computer

This time, we will explain how to completely erase data when disposing of a Windows 10 or Windows 11 computer.
If you do not delete the stored data when disposing of an unnecessary computer, there is a risk of information leakage.
However, if you simply delete the data, it will be recovered and there is a possibility that it will be misused, so it is necessary to completely erase it.
In addition to explaining how to delete data using software, we also explain things to be careful about when erasing data.
How to delete data using software when disposing of a computer
In this article, we will explain data erasure software that can be used when disposing of a computer.
● Is free or paid data erasing software better?
● Recommended data erasing software
Is free or paid data erasing software better?
There are free and paid data erasing software.
However, if it's free, it doesn't mean you can't delete data, so if it's a decent software, there's probably no problem with free software.
On the other hand, if you use free software that is not reliable, it seems that even if you delete it, it can be restored using data recovery software.
Also, the difference between paid and free services is the speed of data deletion and the steps and effort required.
In addition, the range of supported OS may also vary.
If you have the time and don't mind a bit of effort, you may want to use free software (as long as it's reliable), but if you want to erase data more quickly, easily, and reliably, you can use paid software. I can say that it is recommended.
Recommended data erasing software
If you want to completely delete data when disposing of your computer, the following software can be used.
There are free and paid data erasing software, so this time we will introduce free and paid software one by one.
● Free software: File Shredder
● Paid software: Terminator 10plus Complete data deletion
Free software: File Shredder
File Shredder is a free data erasing software.
You can easily erase data by dragging and dropping the data you want to completely erase and pressing the "Start" button.
You can also change the data deletion method in settings.
There are several deletion methods, from a simple one-time overwrite to three-time overwrite, seven-time overwrite, and 35-time overwrite, so it's a good idea to change it depending on your usage and purpose.
File Shredder can be obtained from the link below.
File Shredder
Terminator 10plus complete data deletion
Terminator 10plus Complete data erasure is paid data erasure software.
You can completely erase data including the OS.
The standard price is 5,378 yen (tax included).
It can be used even on low-spec PCs, and its appeal is that you can use it on as many computers as you like for personal use. (Up to 3 units for corporations)
Terminator 10plus data complete deletion can be viewed from the link below.
http://www.finaldata.jp/terminator/pkg/
Points to note when disposing of a computer whose data cannot be erased
There may be cases where you have a computer that you would like to erase data on and dispose of, but you are unable to delete the data due to a malfunction with the computer itself.
In such cases, it would be a good idea to delete the data using the following method.
● How to remove the HDD and connect it to another PC to erase data
● How to physically destroy a HDD
How to remove the HDD and connect it to another PC to erase data
If you want to delete and discard the data on your computer, but cannot delete the data because the main unit is not powered on, there is a method to remove the HDD inside and connect it to another PC.
In this case, it would be a good idea to connect the HDD to another PC and use the data deletion software mentioned above to completely delete the data.
If there is still a problem with the HDD and it is difficult to delete data, please refer to the following ``How to physically destroy the HDD''.
How to physically destroy a HDD
When disposing of a computer whose data cannot be erased, one option is to remove the HDD and physically destroy it.
In other words, you literally destroy the disk with a hammer or something.
In that case, you will need to thoroughly destroy not only the outside of the HDD, but also the disk inside.
If possible, you can further reduce the possibility of data being restored by deleting the data on the HDD and then destroying it.
Points to note when deleting data yourself when disposing of a computer
Here are some things to keep in mind when erasing data yourself when disposing of your computer:
● Back up your data.
● Precautions when destroying HDDs
Keep a backup of your data
If you want to erase data before disposing of your computer, first back up your data.
It would be a problem if you deleted the data thinking you didn't have any important data, only to find out that the data you actually needed was there.
To prevent this from happening, be sure to back up your data using another media or cloud before deleting your data.
Precautions when destroying HDD
If you destroy the HDD yourself and erase the data on your computer, be careful that there is a possibility of injury during the process, and that depending on the parts you destroy, it may be difficult to sell.
A hammer or similar tool will be used to destroy the HDD, so you must be careful not to injure yourself when doing so. Although injuries from tools are a possibility, be careful as parts of the HDD may scatter when you destroy it.
Also, when destroying an HDD, it is necessary to remove the HDD from the computer.
If you destroy your computer at that time, the condition of the computer will naturally deteriorate.
If the main unit is damaged, there is a high possibility that you will not be able to sell it at all.
Therefore, if you are thinking of selling your computer, please be careful when removing the HDD to avoid damaging the computer.
Can I bring my discarded computer to Yamada Denki and have the data erased?
If you want to dispose of your computer, you can also bring it to Yamada Denki.
Yamada Denki seems to be disposing of computers free of charge.
There is no need to apply in advance, and you can either take your computer to a store or ask Sagawa Express to have it disposed of by sending it to the address below.
970 Ohoke, Nasukarasuyama City, Tochigi Prefecture 321-0602
Computer disposal service
Additionally, you can rest assured that all data on computers collected by Yamada Denki will be erased.
If you wish to dispose of your computer, they will collect your computer and erase the data free of charge, so it would be a good idea to ask at the store and take advantage of that.
How to erase data on your computer and initialize it
If you would like to transfer your computer to someone else or sell it at a store, etc., rather than disposing of it, we recommend deleting data using the method below.
● Use data erasure software
● Perform initialization and clean installation
Also, be sure to back up your computer data before erasing it.
Use data erasure software
Even if you want to transfer or sell your computer rather than disposing of it, you need to make sure to erase the data.
The reason is that if you simply delete the data, there is a risk that it may be misused if it falls into the hands of another person through transfer or sale.
Therefore, even if you want to give up your computer by transferring or selling it, you will need to use data erasure software to completely delete the data.
The method for completely erasing data using data erasure software is explained in the previous section, so please refer to it.
→How to delete data using software when disposing of a computer
Initialize and perform a clean install
Once you have completely erased the data, perform an initialization or clean install to return your computer to its factory condition.
Please note that initialization alone cannot completely erase data, so it is necessary to completely erase data using the data erasing software explained in the previous section.
After completely erasing the data, perform an initialization or clean install.
[How to initialize your computer]
1. Select "Start (Windows mark)".
2. Select Settings.
3. Select "Update & Security" from "Windows Settings".
4. Select “Recovery”.
5. Select "Reset this PC."
6. Select Get Started.
7. Select “Remove all”.
8. Select All Drives.
9. Select “Delete files and clean drive.”
10. When "Ready to reset this PC" appears, select "Reset".
[How to clean install your computer]
1. Create installation media.
1.1. Obtain the files from the Windows 10 disk image (ISO file) download.
1.2. Run the tool.
1.3. Select "Create installation media for another PC".
1.4. Set edition and bit.
1.5. Select "Create installation media for another PC (USB flash drive, DVD, or ISO file)".
1.6. Select Next.
1.7. Select the media you want to use.
2. After creating the installation media, connect it to the computer you want to perform a clean installation on.
3. Start Windows.
4. Open the connected installation media and run "Setup".
5. When "User Account Control" appears, select "Yes".
6. (For ISO files, right-click, select "Open with," select "Explorer," and select "OK."
7. When "Install important programs" appears, select "Download and install updates."
8. When the license terms appear, select Agree.
9. Select Change what is inherited.
10. Select "Do nothing."
11. On the screen that says "Ready to install", confirm that "Nothing will be carried over" is displayed.
12. Select Install.
13. A clean installation will be performed. (It will restart several times, but please wait.)
14. After completing the clean installation, restart the computer and the initial settings screen will appear as soon as the preparations are complete.
Summary of how to completely erase data when disposing of a computer
This time, we explained how to completely erase data when disposing of a computer.
When disposing of a computer, you should be careful about information leakage.
To prevent important data such as personal information from falling into the hands of others, be sure to erase the data before disposing of, transferring, or selling your computer.
Also, even if you delete the data, simply putting the file in the trash does not mean that it has been completely erased.
Data that has not been completely erased may be recovered using tools.
Therefore, be sure to use software that completely erases data on your computer to ensure that all data is deleted.
Even if you perform an initialization or clean install, there is a possibility that the data may be seen by a restoration tool, so it is a good idea to do this in conjunction with completely erasing the data.
In addition to deleting data using software on your computer, there is also a method of physically destroying it.
However, please be careful in this case as there is a risk of injury.
Also, if the PC you want to dispose of contains any necessary data, make a copy or backup before deleting the data.