Windows 11 Is Getting a More Secure Way to Erase Data Before a Reset
Windows 11 is testing storage sanitization in Cloud Rebuild, giving users and IT teams a stronger option for erasing PCs before reassignment or sale. The post Windows 11 Is Getting a More Secure Way to Erase Data Before a Reset appeared first on TechRepublic .
Microsoft is introducing a new storage-sanitization option in Windows 11's Cloud Rebuild feature, which aims to make data removal more secure before a PC reset. This option instructs the storage hardware to securely erase data, rather than simply deleting files, which could potentially be recovered using specialized tools. The feature is intended for PCs being sold, returned, recycled, or reassigned and is considered irreversible, although Microsoft advises that the effectiveness may depend on the storage hardware's support for the erase operation.
Cloud Rebuild, introduced in July, allows Windows 11 PCs to rebuild themselves even if the installed OS cannot boot, pulling a fresh image and drivers from Windows Update. This new option adds an additional choice to the reset process, giving users a clearer choice between traditional file removal and data sanitization when a PC is about to change hands.
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