Methods for Erasing an SSD (2024)

Table of Contents
Windows® macOS® FAQs

There are several effective methods for removing the contents of an SSD.Please note, all of these methods will delete any operating system data, user data, and other contents of the partitions currently on the drive, and some methods also remove the partitions themselves.Information stored in the controller remains unaffected, such as the firmware and SMART data.

Running the ATA SECURITY ERASE command requires the use of third-party software. We do not endorse any specific software, though our parent company Micron offers guidance on one such optionhere.

OurStorage Executivetool offers a Sanitize Drive function and a PSID Revert function, both of which will erasean SSD's contents. Please note that the PSID Revert function works only if you have hardware encryption enabled and configured on the SSD. Details on these and other Storage Executive functions can be foundhere.

Windows®

To delete partitions in Windows using Disk Management:

  • Ensure the SSD is connected and is not the boot drive
  • In Windows 7, right-click Computer and select Manage to enter Computer Management. Under Storage, select Disk Management.
    In Windows 8 and later,hold the Windows key and press the'X' key to open an application menu including Disk Management, and select it. A list of the connected drives will appear in Disk Management
  • In the lower right-hand pane, find the drive you want to erase
  • Right-click on each partition and select Delete Volume

Diskpart, a Windows command line tool for managing partitions and disks, can erase data on a drive and return it to an uninitialized state. A full guide on using Diskpart to wipe all data on your drive ishere.

macOS®

Follow these steps to delete partitions in OS X®:

  • Ensure the SSD is connected to your Mac and is not the boot drive
  • In Finder, go to Utilities and open Disk Utility
  • Highlight the SSD in the left column and go to the Partition tab
  • Under Partition Layout, select 1 Partition
  • ClickOptions. Make sure that GUID Partition Table is selected
  • ClickApply to create a single large partition on the SSD
  • After the partition is created, click on it so it becomes highlighted. Click the minus sign (-) to remove the partition

If you see performance loss following one of these processes, you will need to let the drive sit idle for an extended period to allow a built-in function calledGarbage Collectionto clean all the cells and prepare the drive for re-use.

©2019 Micron Technology, Inc. All rights reserved. Information, products, and/or specifications are subject to change without notice. Neither Crucial nor Micron Technology, Inc. is responsible for omissions or errors in typography or photography. Micron, the Micron logo, Crucial, and the Crucial logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Micron Technology, Inc. macOS and OX X are trademarks of Apple, Inc., registered in the United States and/or other countries. Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners.

Methods for Erasing an SSD (2024)

FAQs

Methods for Erasing an SSD? ›

SSDs pose a unique challenge regarding data destruction because they store data in flash chips and not magnetic media like HDDs do. To completely and permanently delete the data stored in a solid-state drive, the best option is to destroy the drive itself physically. You can do this by using shredders or incinerators.

What is the best way to wipe an SSD? ›

Here's how to securely wipe an SSD from BIOS.
  1. Enter your system BIOS / UEFI settings.
  2. Look for your drive and select it. ...
  3. Look for a Secure Erase or data wipe option. ...
  4. Perform the Secure Erase or wipe procedure, following any pertinent prompts or instructions that may arise.
Oct 17, 2023

How do you securely erase files from SSD? ›

1. Manufacturer-specific tools
  1. Download the appropriate software for your SSD brand from the manufacturer's website.
  2. Install and run the software.
  3. Locate the secure erase option (usually under a “Tools” or “Management” section).
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the secure erase process.
Aug 12, 2024

How to properly destroy a SSD? ›

SSDs pose a unique challenge regarding data destruction because they store data in flash chips and not magnetic media like HDDs do. To completely and permanently delete the data stored in a solid-state drive, the best option is to destroy the drive itself physically. You can do this by using shredders or incinerators.

How do I remove stuff from my SSD? ›

There are 3 simple steps for deleting files on SSD forever: 'Delete with wiping' on selected files or folders. 'Wipe Free Space' using 3-pass DoE scheme to ensure secure deletion.

Can you wipe an SSD with a magnet? ›

Traditional storage media like mechanical hard drives or tape based storage have storage physically writen to magnetic media, and therefore can be erased using tools like degaussers, which use powerful magnets to wipe the disks. Flash media is unaffected by magnets and cannot be wiped in this way.

Can you wipe an SSD from BIOS? ›

Yes, you can wipe SSD through BIOS using the secure erase feature. This feature is accessible via the BIOS or UEFI menu. However, this feature does not generate any proof of destruction for compliance purposes.

What degrades an SSD? ›

Too many bad blocks can lead to an entire SSD failure or severely degraded performance. Fixing bad blocks depends on how many there are on the drive. Users can try rewriting the data to healthy blocks and remapping the device to ignore the bad ones.

How to wipe an old SSD in Windows 10? ›

How to completely wipe a PC
  1. Go to Settings → System (In Windows 10: Update & Security) → Recovery.
  2. Under Reset this PC, click Reset PC. ...
  3. Choose Remove everything. ...
  4. You will be prompted to choose to reinstall Windows via Cloud download or Local reinstall.
Jun 25, 2024

How to completely format an SSD? ›

How to format an SSD
  1. Click on Start or the Windows button, select Control Panel, then System and Security.
  2. Select Administrative Tools, then Computer Management and Disk management.
  3. Choose the disk you'd like to format, right-click and select Format.

How to completely wipe a PC? ›

How to wipe your computer hard drive
  1. Go to “Settings.”
  2. Choose “System” on the left side menu.
  3. Click “Recovery.”
  4. Click “Reset PC.”
  5. Choose “Keep my files” (removes apps and settings but keeps your personal files) or “Remove everything” (removes apps, settings, and your personal files).
Sep 4, 2023

How do I clear junk from my SSD? ›

How Do I Clean My SSD in Windows 10/11 - 3 Methods
  1. #1. Delete Unnecessary Files with Disk Cleanup.
  2. #2. Clean SSD with Disk Clean Software.
  3. #3. Secure Erase SSD from BIOS.

How do I format my SSD to clean it? ›

How to format an SSD
  1. Click on Start or the Windows button, select Control Panel, then System and Security.
  2. Select Administrative Tools, then Computer Management and Disk management.
  3. Choose the disk you'd like to format, right-click and select Format.

Do SSDs need to be wiped? ›

Summary: To safely remove data from hard drive and SSD storages in laptop, desktop, and Mac devices before selling, donating, reallocating, or disposing of them, organizations must securely wipe this asset using professional data wiping tool like BitRaser.

How do I clean up system files on my SSD? ›

Disk cleanup in Windows
  • In the search box on the taskbar, type disk cleanup, and select Disk Cleanup from the list of results.
  • Select the drive you want to clean up, and then select OK.
  • Under Files to delete, select the file types to get rid of. To get a description of the file type, select it.
  • Select OK.

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