Does Dell Data Wipe Remove Windows? Find Out
Summary: If you are here to know the real truth for this particular question “Does Dell Data Wipe Remove Windows?” The short answer is Yes. Then, follow this insightful guide to know what this dell data wipe actually does, why you need this, and how to use it manually. If your sole purpose is to sell, give it to someone, or want a fresh start, then this blog post will be useful for you.
Let’s get familiar with Dell data wipe feature. What exactly is it? So, when you have decided to wipe your computer or PC, then there would be the possibility you would come across Dell Data Wipe feature in BIOS settings. As, it is designed in such a way that it can erase everything including your operating system which makes it completely new.
For more insights on system cleaning, you might also want to check out Does Disk Cleanup Remove Viruses?
Reasons to Use Dell Data Wipe – A Feature in BIOS Settings
There are go-to points which people consider while using Dell data wipe feature. Let’s go through them.
- By having this, you can ensure that your sensitive files or data is completely deleted.
- Using this feature, you can make sure that your entire work which is present on your PC is unretrievable.
- To get a fresh start by deleting everything present on your system including your previous operating system.
- Before giving it to someone, if you use this feature it tends to fulfill the needs of company data regulation compliance.
- Also, if your system is affected by malware or facing file corruption problems, going with this feature in the boot level will help in clearing these issues out of the system.
What Does Dell Data Wipe Actually Remove?
It is a built-in tool which acts as a low level of data wipe on your internal storage device. It is present in your BIOS settings. Now, let’s know what it can remove:
| Components |
Removed? |
| User Files | Yes |
| Installed Programs | Yes |
| Partitions (C, D, etc.) | Yes |
| Windows OS | Yes |
| BIOS Settings | No |
After using this dell data wipe feature, your Windows will be removed. Also, your operating system will no longer be there.
How to Perform Dell Data Wipe Manually? Easy Steps to Follow
Here, we will be giving you the proper steps for this question “Does Dell Data Wipe Remove Windows”. But, make sure that you take the backup of your data before moving forward with the process steps.
- First, you need to restart your Dell Computer or PC.
- Next, as soon as your Dell logo comes into the screen. Just press the F2 button continuously to enter the BIOS setup.
- In your BIOS settings, go to Maintenance and then the Data Wipe option.
- Moving on, confirm that you have ticked the checkbox for Wipe on Next Boot.
- Now, select the internal drive which you want to wipe.
- Then, follow the on-screen steps after selecting a particular drive.
- At the end press F10 to save the current changes made and exit BIOS settings.
- Therefore, your system will start rebooting and start the data wipe process which includes your Windows OS environment.
Reinstall Windows Via Bootable USB (During Installation Process)
Delete everything off the partitions during installation process. This removes Windows and every other file.
Steps to use:
1. Making a Windows USB using the Media Creation tool.
2. Boot into the USB using F12 button at start.
3. Next, click on Install Now > Custom install.
4. Delete all existing partitions.
5. Format the drive prior to installation of Windows.
- It fully removes previous OS environment.
- Have the option to freshly reinstall Windows.
Does Dell Data Wipe Remove Windows? A More Advanced Option
According to some users, Dell Data Wipe can be configured in BIOS settings to wipe everything from the drive, including Windows. But relying on the built-in tools could prove insufficient if it is intended to be used as a more advanced tool. Hence, using a secure data wipe method is necessary. For this, use PCVITA File Shredder Software to get permanent data removal from Windows, partition, and also from traces left behind.
Having a number of international wiping standards, it just data wipes beyond recovery and is the best way to dispose of the drives. Also, you get advanced features and full control of what gets wiped.
Conclusion
At last, we have answered the question “Does Dell Data Wipe Remove Windows” and covered manual steps to use dell data wipe feature. Once the Dell Data Wipe finishes the wiping process on your system, there would be no OS installed in the current system. Without reinstalling Windows or any other OS through a bootable USB, you will start seeing messages such as “No Bootable Device Found.”