Individuals might consider discarding their outdated hard drives and seeking a secure method to destroy those containing confidential information. This issue deserves attention since destroying a hard drive goes beyond mere physical damage. How does one destroy a hard drive? By reading this article, you can discover the solution.

What Steps Should Be Taken Before Destroying a Hard Drive?

Before starting the destruction of a hard drive, you must prepare for data backup. Your old hard drive could contain crucial data, and once destroyed, data recovery will be challenging.

It is strongly recommended to use MiniTool ShadowMaker free to back up your essential data. If you wish to transfer Windows to another drive, MiniTool ShadowMaker can also meet your needs.

Additionally, the Clone Disk function enables cloning from SSD to larger SSD or cloning from HDD to SSD.

Download and install the program, and you’ll receive a 30-day free trial version. Ensure that both your new drive and the old one are connected to your computer.

Step 1: Open the program and click Keep Trial, then navigate to the Backup tab.

Step 2: Select your backup source. You can back up systems, files & folders, or partitions & disks. Next, go to DESTINATION to pick where you want to save the backup.

Finally, click Back Up Now or Back Up Later to carry out the task.

How to Destroy a Hard Drive?

How do you destroy a computer hard drive? There are two steps you should follow.

Step 1: Clean Data and Scrub Drive

After backing up the necessary data, you need to completely wipe the data on the old hard drive. This step is mandatory before proceeding further since drives with physical damage can sometimes be restored by technicians, not to mention the data stored within.

We suggest two excellent software options to help safely destroy a hard drive. Choose the one that suits you best.

Tool 1: MiniTool System Booster

MiniTool System Booster is a comprehensive program designed to boost your computer's speed and enhance overall performance.

Its Drive Scrubber and Incinerator Extension features can help completely and permanently wipe data.

• Drive Scrubber – You can fully wipe the contents from a drive.
• Incinerator Extension – You can eliminate all file traces and permanently and securely delete files and folders.

You can directly use Drive Scrubber to wipe drive data without worrying about others retrieving your data even after deletion.

Drive Scrubber can clean each partition of the detected drives, including internal/external drives. However, note that the system partition is not eligible for this feature. To wipe the entire drive data, you need to select the partitions individually and ensure all partitions in the drive have been scrubbed.

Moreover, this tool can help recover deleted files and folders and search for potentially harmful programs.

After downloading and installing this program, you can access a free trial version for 15 days.

Step 1: Launch the program and expand the top menu to select Toolbox.

Step 2: Click Drive Scrubber from the File Management section.

Step 3: Choose the drive partition you wish to wipe from the dropdown menu and the wipe method. Then click WIPE SELECTED DRIVE to begin.

You will see two warning messages prompting for your confirmation. Upon affirming the requests, the tool will start scrubbing the drive. Wait for some time until the process finishes.

Tool 2: MiniTool Partition Wizard

MiniTool Partition Wizard is a free partition manager offering a feature called Wipe Disk. This feature can erase the drive permanently. Let’s see how to operate it.

Click the button to download and install MiniTool Partition Wizard.

Step 1: Open the program and right-click on the drive you wish to wipe to select Wipe Disk.

Step 2: Then you can choose your wiping methods and click OK.

Step 3: Finally, click Apply in the left column to start the process.

What Is Data Sanitization: Wipe vs Erase vs Format vs Delete

Step 2: Physically Destroy the Hard Drive

After thoroughly wiping data from the old drive, you can proceed with physical destruction. So, how do you destroy a hard drive? Keep reading.

1. Disassemble the computer case. The hard drive appears as a slim, rectangular metal box found after removing the computer case.

2. Open the metal casing and access the platters resembling CDs or DVDs and the circuit board. Use a Torx screwdriver to remove the screws and take out the read/write arm.

3. Remove the platter from the spindle and use a screwdriver to remove the top layer material from the platter.

4. Destroy the platter by scratching it with a screwdriver or burning it off. Alternatively, use a hammer to smash the disk platter.

5. Remove the circuit board using a precision screwdriver and break it in half.

For the remaining computer components, you can opt to recycle them after dismantling and destroying the hard drive.

Secure Hard Drive Disposal: How to Handle a Useless Disk

Conclusion:

Your hard drive houses data and privacy. Once in the hands of someone with malicious intent, you may encounter unforeseen consequences. Therefore, it is crucial to learn how to safely destroy a hard drive.

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