Last updated on April 22, 2024

If you wish to wipe your hard drive and restore your computer to its factory settings, there are several ways to do so. Here, we've discussed some of the simplest methods to help you out.

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Solutions That Work Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
Prerequisite: Backup all important files Backup all crucial files on your computer first...Full Steps
Method 1. Erase Windows Server Hard Drive with Disk Wipe Software

Right-click the partition where you want to delete data, and choose "Wipe Data"...Full Steps

Method 2. Clear Windows Server Hard Drive in CMD Step 1: Click Start and search for "Run"...Full Steps
Post-Process: Utilize the Disk Space after Erasure

1. Transfer data or server system to the wiped disk; 2. Repartition the hard drive; 3. Merge partitions...Full Steps

How to Wipe a Hard Drive on Windows Server?

There can be any number of reasons you might want to erase your hard drive and restore your computer back to its factory settings. Maybe it's to fix a severely broken operating system, clear out all the junk on the drive, or because of a virus infection. While wiping a hard drive in Windows may seem straightforward, it's easy to get confused and damage your computer in the process. Today, we'll explain two different ways to wipe your Windows system! Pick the simplest method or the one that best suits your needs if you're looking to wipe your Windows installation. There aren't any “difficult” steps here, but follow the order presented just in case.

Prerequisite: Back up all important files.

Before beginning any of these processes, it's important to back up all your important files. Copy them to an external hard drive, USB stick, or simply upload them to something like Google Drive. It doesn't matter where you save them, just make sure they're safe.

To back up files, you can use the all-powerful file backup tool - Todo Backup. With it, file backup can be done with just one click!

Now that you've probably backed up all your important data, let's delve into the steps and processes you need to follow.

Two Ways to Wipe or Delete a Hard Drive in Windows Server 2022/2019/2016

There are two different methods to erase your Windows drive. Depending on your comfort level, one of these methods may be more applicable than the other, so it's strongly suggested that you read through both before choosing the one that's best for you. Here are two ways you can wipe a Windows server: -

Both of these steps will be explained below in the simplest terms possible, and if you follow them correctly, you should have no trouble wiping your drive.

Method 1: Wipe Windows Server Hard Drive with Disk Erasing Software

The first method that we will be discussing here is by using the tool called AOMEI Partition Assistant Enterprise. AOMEI Partition Assistant Enterprise is one of the best applications out there for Windows and Mac computers.

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We have two options for erasing your data. Please choose the one you need.

Option 1: Erase the partition

    1. Right-click the partition you want to wipe and select "Wipe." 2. In the new window, set the time you want to spend erasing the partition, then click "OK." 3. Click "Execute 1 Task" in the bottom-right corner to review your changes, then click "Apply."

Option 2: Erase the disk

    • Select the HDD/SSD, then right-click and choose "Erase Disk."
    • Set the number of times you want to overwrite the data. (You can set it up to 10 times.) Then click "OK."
    • Click "Perform 1 Task," then click "Apply."

This tool not only helps you easily wipe servers, but it also comes with additional features such as backup and restore, data recovery, server partitioning, and data transfer utilities. We chose Partition Master Enterprise over other tools because it offers:

    - Excellent user interface that makes the entire process simple and user-friendly. - Executes every step quickly and efficiently. - Takes the shortest time to erase hard drives compared to other tools. - Incorporates disk management tools for easy handling of your hard drive.

Method 2: Wipe a Windows Server Hard Drive Using CMD

The above steps were done using a third-party software tool. But now, we will guide you on how to format a hard drive using the Command Prompt or CMD. Just follow these steps to get started: -

Step 1: Click on 'Start', and search for 'Run'.

Step 2: Now, type "CMD" in the Run dialog and hit "OK".

Please enter each command individually, as shown below. Be careful when copying commands, as they are enclosed in double quotes; do not copy the quotes themselves unless instructed otherwise.

Step 3: Type diskpart and press Enter.

Step 4: Type "list disk" and press Enter.

Step 5: Now, select the drive you want to format. For example, to select drive 0, type "select disk 0" and press Enter.

Step 6: Type in clean, then press Enter. This will initiate the erasing process.

Wipe disk with CMD on Windows Server

Done! If you followed each step correctly, your disk should now be successfully cleaned.

Follow-up action: Free up disk space after deletion

Now that you have successfully erased your computer, we recommend doing a few things to get the most out of your hard drive.

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    Transferring data or server systems to wiped disks

This is done to have the operating system and your other data on separate disks, which can be more efficient with disk space usage.

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    Repartition a Hard Drive

This can be done easily with the same Partition Master software tools, in a process that is straightforward and quick.

Step 1. Select the disk whose layout you want to adjust.

Right-click the drive on the main screen and select “Resize Partition.”

How to adjust disk layout Step 1

Resize a drive or partition.

Resize the partition by dragging the dot at the head or tail of the partition. You can also drag an unallocated space next to a partition to adjust its position. Click “OK.”

How to adjust disk layout step 2

Step 3: Confirm the resize of the disk partition.

Click the Run Task button, and then click Apply to save all changes.

How to adjust disk layout step 3

    You can also combine the erased disk with another hard drive.

Step 1: Right click on the partition that you want to merge and choose “Merge” from the partition manager.

Select partitions to merge select partition to merge

Step 2: Select a non-contiguous partition to merge and click "OK".

Select another partition

Step 3. Select the destination partition to which you want to merge the unallocated space, and then click “OK”.

Select the target partition to keep

Click the “Execute Task” button and then “Apply” to start the merging process.

Merge non-contiguous partitions

Conclusions

The steps above are super easy. Using the Partition Master Enterprise tool will make your job even easier, thanks to its great interface and efficiency. Moreover, downloading this tool will also allow you to easily wipe hard drives, disk partition, recover lost data, and backup files. It offers an all-around solution for you.