SEE: New Windows 10 accessibility features will improve many lives The enhancement Even if you don’t specifically use the /P parameter, the Format command will by default make one pass of the overwrite operation, unless you use the /Q parameter to perform a quick format. By doing so, you decrease the likelihood that anyone would be able to retrieve any sensitive data. The /P parameter allows you to specify the number of passes, or in other words, the number of times that you want to overwrite every sector with 0’s. This new parameter allows you to overwrite every sector on a disk with 0’s during the format procedure. When Microsoft launched Windows Vista in 2007 with all of its newfangled user interface features, it enhanced the Format command by adding the /P parameter. Note: Using the Format command’s parameter to securely wipe a disk does not meet any of the United States Department of Defense standards for hard disk data removal.

I figured other folks should know about this handy feature, so let’s take a closer look. It was easy to do and worked like a charm. Then I remembered that Windows 10’s Format command comes with a special parameter that essentially wipes a hard disk. So I planned on using the free DBAN hard drive eraser tool. However, the person I spoke to on the phone said that they were going to install Linux and asked that I leave the hard disks in them. I originally thought I’d just remove the hard disks to prevent any old personal data from falling into the wrong hands. I figured that this was a good way to dispose of my excess computer collection while doing some good for the community. I recently donated several older desktop computers to a halfway house that was looking for used computers to set up with a typing tutorial program for training the residents. For more info, visit our Terms of Use page.ĭefend your network with Microsoft outside-in security services This may influence how and where their products appear on our site, but vendors cannot pay to influence the content of our reviews. We may be compensated by vendors who appear on this page through methods such as affiliate links or sponsored partnerships. No need to track down a third-party hard drive wipe utility.

How to perform a secure disk wipe with Windows 10’s Format command

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