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? ›

Using Encryption to Erase an SSD. By using whole disk encryption on an SSD, all of the data on the drive will become unreadable without the decryption key. By formatting the drive and removing the encryption key, the SSD can be securely disposed of without the risk of data remaining on the drive.

How to completely erase a SSD drive? ›

Using Encryption to Erase an SSD. By using whole disk encryption on an SSD, all of the data on the drive will become unreadable without the decryption key. By formatting the drive and removing the encryption key, the SSD can be securely disposed of without the risk of data remaining on the drive.

How do I clear up my SSD? ›

Step 1. Open Windows File Explorer, right-click System C, and select "Properties". Step 2. Click "Disk Cleanup" at the General tab, check the files that you want to clean from SSD, such as "Windows ESD installation files", "Downloaded Program Files", "Temporary Internet Files", "Recycle Bin", etc.

How do I delete data from an SSD? ›

Using a Data Erasure Software

Many free and paid data erasure software help securely erase data from hard drives and SSDs. These programs work by overwriting the data on the drive multiple times with patterns of zeros and ones, making it virtually impossible to recover the data.

Can you permanently delete files from SSD drive? ›

Our Storage Executive tool offers a Sanitize Drive function and a PSID Revert function, both of which will erase an SSD's contents. Please note that the PSID Revert function works only if you have hardware encryption enabled and configured on the SSD.

How can I factory reset my SSD? ›

Run DiskPart
  1. Type diskpart into the command prompt and press Enter.
  2. Type list disk and press Enter to see all the attached disks.
  3. Make sure you know which disk you want to reset before continuing! ...
  4. Type select disk # and press Enter (where # is the disk number you want to reset)

How do I clear my SSD cache? ›

In very rare scenarios, the SSD cache may become populated with a corrupt file. If you are experiencing file-related playback issues, try clearing the cache by going to Settings>Advanced>Clear Cache in the Conductor app.

Can I clear SSD in 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.

How to clean SSD using cmd? ›

To clean a disk:
  1. At a command prompt, type diskpart.
  2. At the DISKPART prompt, type select disk 0.
  3. At the DISKPART prompt, type clean all.
  4. At the DISKPART prompt, type exit.
Jul 20, 2021

How do I permanently destroy my 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.

Is it safe to remove SSD without ejecting? ›

While it's generally recommended to eject a device before removing it, if there are no active file transfers or ongoing processes, it is usually safe to remove the device without ejecting. However, it's always best to err on the side of caution and properly eject the device to ensure data integrity.

Is SSD hard drive removable? ›

The drive can be plugged into another laptop, or it can be put into an open drive bay and plugged into the SATA or other controller in a desktop tower. Then, use fingers to pry apart and remove bottom base. Now, unscrew and disconnect battery. Then, unscrew and remove bracket and SSD .

How to fully wipe an SSD? ›

How to clear data using your BIOS/UEFI
  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 27, 2023

How do I clear storage on my SSD? ›

Find and Remove Large Files

There will always be files on your SSD that are too large, or you don't particularly want any more. A way to find these is by using built-in disk clean-up tools on your operating system, such as “Disk Cleanup” on Windows, or third-party software to clear files and free up storage.

Is it safe to erase SSD? ›

Yes, you can use the secure erase feature on an SSD drive multiple times if needed. However, it's important to note that frequent secure erasing can contribute to wear on the SSD over time. SSDs have a limited number of write cycles, so it's generally recommended to use secure erase sparingly and only when necessary.

Does formatting an SSD erase everything? ›

Reformatting a drive will erase stored data for practical purposes, but in a way that allows the data to be recovered by some sophisticated means. Make sure you have backed up all files from the drive you want to format before reformatting the drive.

How to permanently wipe a hard drive? ›

How to wipe a hard drive – Windows 10
  1. Press the Windows key.
  2. Type “Settings” to find the Settings app.
  3. Open Settings.
  4. Click Update & Security.
  5. Click Recovery.
  6. Click Get Started.
  7. Use the Remove everything option.
  8. Chose Local reinstall.

Does factory reset damage SSD? ›

Format will neither damage your SSD nor remove it. SSD is the hardware which resides in machine.

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