How do I wipe my ssd that has my OS installed on it back to its factory settings so I can use it as storage

[k0nfig]

I'm currently using a Samsung 840 SSD (120GB) with Windows 7 on it, and I am planning on getting and switching to a Samsung 850 EVO SSD (500GB) and installing Windows 10 on it. I want to wipe my current 120GB SSD clear back to it's factory setting so I can use it just as storage; I DON'T want the OS to still be on the SSD either. How, and what steps would I have to do to wipe my current SSD, and install Windows 10 and run on my new SSD? Details on steps would be greatly appreciated, because i'm just nervous and don't want to mess anything up.

*I also have two other hard drives plugged in and heard that I should unplug them before installing any new OS, why is that?*

 

[R2D2_WD]

Hi k0nfig,

I would recommend you connect your new SSD and disconnect all other hard drives. Install Windows 10 and when the installation is completed, turn off the PC and connect the hard drives and the old SSD. While booting you may get an option to choose the Windows you want to boot. Select Windows 10 and once the OS is loaded, go to Disk Management. Make sure that all important data from the old SSD is backed up. Right click on the 120 GB SSD and format it. This way you will erase all data and partitions stored on that drive. Once the process is finished, the old SSD should be visible as an empty secondary drive. I you wish, you can use it like this or connect it to another PC.

Hope this helps

 

[ArtPog]

R2D2_WD has provided you with excellent advice in response to your query, however I would suggest a slight modification to his/her instructions...

Following a presumably successful installation of the OS, boot to the new SSD ONLY AFTER ALL other drives have been disconnected or uninstalled from the PC, INCLUDING THE SOURCE BOOT DRIVE, i.e., the 120 GB SSD.

Ensure that the newly-cloned 500 GB SSD boots without incident and functions problem-free BEFORE connecting all your other drives and manipulating any data on any of those drives. As R2D2_WD has inferred you can then - AND ONLY THEN - format the old boot drive (assuming that's your intention).