Question Selling laptop - Needs wiping

[alex.ahmed13]

So as the title suggests I'm selling my old laptop.

I'd usually nuke it but I intend to leave Windows 10 on there and I don't trust their built-in reset to wipe absolutely everything from there, personal details etc.

Does anyone know of any freeware that would be able to completely wipe everything and leave the OS intact?

Thanks

 

[DSzymborski]

So as the title suggests I'm selling my old laptop.

I'd usually nuke it but I intend to leave Windows 10 on there and I don't trust their built-in reset to wipe absolutely everything from there, personal details etc.

Does anyone know of any freeware that would be able to completely wipe everything and leave the OS intact?

Thanks

No, it's not a buffet. You'll have to wipe everything (and not with quick format) and then reinstall Windows 10.

 

[alex.ahmed13]

No, it's not a buffet. You'll have to wipe everything (and not with quick format) and then reinstall Windows 10.

Well I don't have a spare copy of Windows 10 lying around, if I'd known that was the solution I obviously wouldn't have asked in the first place.

 

[DSzymborski]

Well I don't have a spare copy of Windows 10 lying around, if I'd known that was the solution I obviously wouldn't have asked in the first place.

You don't need a spare copy hanging around; just make a new one. Windows is tied to the hardware, not a specific copy.

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10

 

[mdd1963]

If you remove all apps and docs, CCleaner does have the option to thoroughly wipe all free space...(which in theory, should leave nothing else....

 

[elitech]

Create a usb for your Windows 10 reinstall (https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/software-download/windows10). Then use DBAN to wipe the computer. Once it is done, reinstall win 10 through the USB.

Disclaimer: you should not use DBAN on SSDs. Since it is old laptop, I assume it is HDD.