What happens if i format my pc's data?

[Lansor]

i want to sell my desktop but i don't want to sell it with my files (yes i can delete it if formatting doesn't help) or webpage password saves. so i was wondering if formatting a desktop works like formatting a phone. will it delete everything but essentials such as windows and other essential programs. if that's the case what happens with Microsoft office (word, excel, etc) will i lose it?

if you know a better way where i don't lose windows( if it erases with formatting) or Microsoft office please tell me

 

[USAFRet]

To sell it, you really need to do a full wipe, and then reinstall the OS.

You can't keep just the OS. Many, many applications will have written data in te registry. That may still be in there.

Wipe and reinstall.

 

[Dogsnake]

Formatting will wipe the hard drive clean. Everything will be gone. Windows, all programs, drivers, data (music, pics. docs. and such). To use the system again will require a complete re-install of windows and anything else the user wants.

 

[Lansor]

Formatting will wipe the hard drive clean. Everything will be gone. Windows, all programs, drivers, data (music, pics. docs. and such). To use the system again will require a complete re-install of windows and anything else the user wants.

i see thanks