If you’re planning on wiping your Windows PC using the built-in options for device reset operations, know that you may need to go further to really scrub your system clean. As it turns out, Windows’ own tools may not be enough to properly clean a device.
As reported by Rudy Ooms, the issue at hand is fixable with a PowerShell script (via Tom’s Hardware). Still, be on the lookout for the base problem if you use OneDrive and plan on attempting to wipe your PC anytime soon.
Whether attempting to local or remote wipe Windows 11 or Windows 10 version 21H2, Ooms found that some personal data ran the risk of being left on the PC in a capacity wherein it was still, with the right tools and know-how, accessible. To showcase this, he pointed to the Windows.old folder, which retained info even after a proper wipe was executed.
Here’s the catch: In an update to his initial report, Ooms clarified that “this issue only occurs when you are using OneDrive,” meaning those without OneDrive may have the smooth experience that Windows’ built-in wiping tools are intended to offer. Though in the event you do use OneDrive, check out Ooms’ post for a PowerShell script that’ll help you in totally resetting your device.
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