Want to secure erase your PC before selling or disposing of it? Are you worried about your personal files falling into the wrong hands? I'll show you the entire process on how to factory reset Windows 10 and how to factory reset Windows 11 using the secure erase setting. Once this is done, you can feel assured that your sensitive data no longer remains on the PC.
We'll start by clicking a few buttons, and your computer will be reset to its factory state, wiping out all personal files, settings, and applications. I'll walk you through the available options, such as "Keep my files" or the more secure "Remove everything." We'll discuss the importance of choosing the right reinstallation method, whether Cloud download or local reinstall. And most importantly, we'll delve into the step that ensures your data is truly unrecoverable by using a clean data option.
I'll also provide tips to avoid potential pitfalls during the setup process. You'll learn why disconnecting from the network and avoiding Wi-Fi setup can further safeguard your privacy.
So, if you're ready to protect your personal information while preparing your PC for its next journey, this video is a must-watch. Be sure to click that like button if you found this information valuable and consider subscribing for more expert advice on all things tech. Your support goes a long way in helping me create more helpful content in the future. Thank you for watching, and remember, your data security matters.
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READ THIS! -- If you are unable to skip connecting to a network and entering a Microsoft Account, there are 2 EASY options available during the Windows 10/11 setup. I made a short video about one of them here:
https://youtu.be/UdyP_bHSUlEEssentially, when the Windows Setup program asks you to join a network and/or enter a Microsoft Account, you press Shift-F10 (or Shift-FN-F10 if you're on a laptop) and then type the following command in the command prompt window and press Enter: OOBE\BYPASSNRO
Another command that also works if OOBE\BYPASSNRO doesn't is: start ms-cxh:localonly
You only need to run one or the other. Both will allow you to create a "Local Account" and the Windows Setup program will continue without Internet access. If you don't want to be bothered with creating account security questions, don't enter a password and it will continue forward without them.
I wish I could add a new segment to my YT video but that is not allowed. Hopefully the people who need this information will find the answer here.
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NEW VIDEO: I made another video that shows how to use Windows Reset to securely erase ALL hard drives that are installed in the computer, if you have more than one. You can view it here:
https://youtu.be/7ceHpGlhp9E*NEW DESKTOP PC RECOMMENDATION:*
My favorite store-bought PC that I have been recommending to my clients is the HP OmniDesk, with the Intel Core Ultra 5 or 7 CPU. They have proven to be very reliable, *VERY FAST*, and have a lot of USB-A and USB-C ports, along with an HDMI and DisplayPort video output for running 2 monitors.
PC prices have recently gone up, but Best Buy frequently has sales that shave $200–$400 off the retail prices, which helps a lot. I tagged several different configurations in the products section below.
Thanks for watching!
Jason :)
▬ Contents of this video ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬
0:00 Intro / Summary
0:33 Getting started
01:09 Configuring options
02:26 Secure erase settings
03:21 Procedure is running
04:48 First boot after erased
06:33 Verify data is really GONE!
07:44 Closing & Thank you!
Songs in this video: -----
Song: Balynt - Campfire
Music provided by Vlog No Copyright Music.
Song: MBB - Feel Good (Vlog No Copyright Music)
Music provided by Vlog No Copyright Music.
Disclosure: As an affiliate, I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through the tagged products or links below at no extra cost to you.