How to Effectively Clean Your Computer: A Step-by-Step Guide

In this guide, we will share methods for removing files and programs from your computer's hard drive. You can restore your device to factory settings or perform a secure disk wipe that prevents data recovery. If you have a Mac with an SSD, simply reboot it for secure cleaning.

How to Restore Factory Settings (Windows)

Step 1. Open the Start Menu

Click the Windows logo in the bottom left corner of your screen to open the Start menu.

Step 2. Select Settings

Click the gear icon at the bottom of the menu.

Step 3. Navigate to Update & Security

Choose the "Update & Security" option in the settings.

Step 4. Open the Recovery Tab

Click on "Recovery" on the left side of the window.

Step 5. Click Get Started

Click the "Get Started" button under the "Reset this PC" header. A new window will appear.

Step 6. Choose Remove Everything

Select the option "Remove everything" to erase all files, settings, and programs.

Step 7. Confirm File Deletion

Click on "Remove my files" to delete only user data. If you want to completely reset the system, choose "Remove my files and clean the drive." Keep in mind, this may take several hours, and you will need to reinstall Windows.

Step 8. Click Reset

Click on "Reset" at the bottom of the screen to start the file deletion process. Once the cleaning is complete, you can log into Windows as a new user.

How to Securely Wipe Your Disk (Windows)

Step 1. Prepare a Blank DVD or USB Drive

Find a blank DVD or USB drive to burn the DBAN program.

• To check if your DVD drive can burn, look for the label "DVD" on it.
• If your drive does not support burning, use an external optical drive.

Step 2. Download the DBAN Program (ISO File)

Visit https://dban.org/ and download the DBAN file by clicking "Download DBAN" in the top right corner. The file will download as an ISO image.

• You may need to confirm the download or choose a folder to save it in.

Step 3. Burn the ISO File to DVD

Burn the DBAN file to a DVD by opening "This PC."

• Do not eject the disc after burning.
• If using USB, simply write the file and do not disconnect it from the computer.

Step 4. Restart Your Computer

Open the Start menu and select "Shut down" > "Restart."

Step 5. Enter BIOS

After rebooting, start pressing the key to enter BIOS, usually Del or one of the F keys (e.g., F2). Check your computer's manual for the correct key.

Step 6. Find the Boot Order Section

Use the arrow keys to navigate to the "Advanced" or "Boot" tab and find the "Boot order" section.

Step 7. Select the DVD Drive

Choose "CD Drive" or "Disk Drive" from the list. Use the arrow keys to select it.

Step 8. Move the DVD Drive to the Top of the List

Select "CD Drive" and press the + key to move it to the top position.

Step 9. Save Changes in BIOS

Save the changes and exit BIOS by pressing the key shown on the screen.

Step 10. Select the Hard Drive

When DBAN starts, highlight the hard drive using the J or K keys, then press Space.

Step 11. Start the Disk Wipe

Press F10 or the key indicated at the bottom to start the disk wipe process. This may take several hours, so ensure the computer is plugged in.

Step 12. Eject the DVD

Eject the DVD with DBAN when prompted. The hard drive will be securely wiped.

How to Restore Factory Settings (macOS)

Step 1. Open the Apple Menu

Click the Apple logo in the top left corner. A drop-down menu will appear.

• If you have an SSD, simply reboot the computer for secure cleaning.

Step 2. Select Restart

Choose the "Restart" option from the menu.

Step 3. Confirm Restart

Click "Restart" when prompted.

Step 4. Boot into Recovery Mode

Press and hold the ⌘ Command and R keys after rebooting until the "Utilities" window appears.

Step 5. Select Disk Utility

Select the "Disk Utility" option from the menu.

Step 6. Click Continue

Click the "Continue" button in the lower right corner.

Step 7. Select the Hard Drive

Choose your hard drive from the "Internal" section.

Step 8. Click Erase

Select the "Erase" option at the top of the window.

Step 9. Choose Format

Select the "Format" option in the right pane.

Step 10. Set the Format to Mac OS Extended

Choose "Mac OS Extended" from the drop-down menu.

Step 11. Click Erase

Start the cleaning process by clicking the "Erase" button.

• This process may take some time; do not reboot the computer.

Step 12. Click Done

Confirm the completion of the process by clicking "Done." The hard drive is now wiped.

• To reinstall macOS, exit "Disk Utility" and select "Reinstall macOS" > "Continue," ensuring your computer is connected to the internet.

How to Wipe the Disk (macOS)

Step 1. Open the Apple Menu

Click the Apple logo in the top left corner to open the menu.

• If you have an SSD, it cannot be wiped. Try rebooting the computer instead.

Step 2. Select Restart

Click the "Restart" option in the menu.

Step 3. Confirm Restart

Click "Restart" when prompted.

Step 4. Boot into Recovery Mode

Hold the ⌘ Command and R keys until the "Utilities" window opens.

Step 5. Select Disk Utility

Choose the "Disk Utility" option from the menu.

Step 6. Click Continue

Click "Continue" in the lower right corner.

Step 7. Select the Hard Drive

Choose your hard drive from the "Internal" section.

Step 8. Click Erase

Select the "Erase" tab at the top of the window.

Step 9. Open Security Options

Select the "Security Options" at the bottom of the window.

Step 10. Set to High Security Level

Move the slider to the maximum for a seven-pass overwrite.

Step 11. Click OK

Confirm the action by clicking "OK."

Step 12. Click Erase

Start the deletion process by clicking "Erase."

• This process may take some time, so it’s best to start it before leaving.

Step 13. Click Done

Confirm completion by clicking "Done." The hard drive is wiped, and data is unrecoverable.

• To reinstall the OS, exit "Disk Utility" and select "Reinstall macOS" > "Continue," ensuring an internet connection.