Question How to completely reset an SSD before installing Windows?

[RealJohnJohnson]

I had an odd issue where I reinstalled Windows on an unallocated drive, only to find remnants of my previous installation. Could I use Secure Erase in the bios to wipe the drive and then install Windows?

 

[ex_bubblehead]

Could I use Secure Erase in the bios to wipe the drive and then install Windows?

That's one of the reasons "Secure Erase" exists.

 

[RealJohnJohnson]

That's one of the reasons "Secure Erase" exists.

Is there any chance it could damage the drive?

 

[ex_bubblehead]

Why would there be?
Erase the drive and continue with your installation.

 

[RealJohnJohnson]

That's one of the reasons "Secure Erase" exists.

I checked the option in the Asrock BIOS and it tells me that no SSDs or none found support Secure Erase. Any ideas? It is the SN850x M.2 and x870 Pro RS Wifi board.

 

[ex_bubblehead]

Run a normal format and call it a day.

 

[evermorex76]

You can use the "clean" command in diskpart to wipe out any partitioning data. But if Windows saw an unallocated drive, that should mean the same thing has basically already been done and no previous data should be visible to Windows (recovery software that scans every sector might be able to find some of course). Windows itself can't see data in sectors unless the file table says there's data there. Just how much stuff was leftover?

Secure Erase has to be supported by the controller for the BIOS to use it. Manufacturer's software (like WD Dashboard) may also have an option that will do it even if the BIOS doesn't.