Even if your laptop is 2,000 miles away from home, your privacy might still be in danger from using public Wi-Fi. Every second in 2020, people will generate 1.7 MB of data.
In fact, public Wi-Fi can expose your private data to hackers who prey on crowded internet connections where people flock to socialize.
Can you wipe a computer clean even if it’s far away from your home?
In this guide, learn how to get rid of computer data and hard-to-reach parts by doing a thorough factory reset.
Read on or find out a step-by-step guide on how to wipe a laptop clean from anywhere you are in the world.
How to Wipe a Laptop Clean in No Time
Table of Contents
Before you wipe your computer, you’ll need to gather a few things, including alcohol wipes, a clean microfiber cloth, and compressed air. If you have a ton of dirt and grime built up, you may also need a tweezer to remove bigger pieces of debris.
Start by shutting down your laptop and unplugging any cords or peripherals. Flip it over and remove any screws that are holding on the back panel.
Remove the panel and set it aside. Use compressed air to blow out any dust that has collected inside the case.
Take your microfiber cloth and dampen it with rubbing alcohol. Wipe down the inside of the case, being careful not to touch any of the delicate components.
If you need to, use the tweezer to remove any big pieces of debris. Reassemble your laptop and give the outside a good wipe down with the microfiber cloth.
Your laptop should now be clean, both inside and out.
A Step-By-Step Guide to Wiping Your Laptop
If you want to wipe your laptop clean, backup all your important files. You don’t want to delete something you need.
Format your hard drive, this will erase everything on your computer. Also, reinstall your operating system, this will give you a clean slate to start with.
How to Wipe Your Laptop Without Losing Any Important Files
The most key aspect is to back up all your key files. Before you begin, double-check that you have copies of everything you wish to save.
Start your laptop and boot into a live Linux environment to access your hard drive without having to use Startup Windows. Make sure you have everything backed up before using the “rm” command to wipe everything on your hard disk, including your operating system.
After you’ve removed everything, you can format your hard drive to wipe it clean and ready it for a new installation of your operating system. Your laptop is now clean and ready to use after reinstalling the operating system and restoring your backups.
Certus meets both compliances and has the infrastructure to wipe sensitive data and provide a digital encrypted erasure certificate if you’re looking for software to help you.
Benefits of Cleaning Your Laptop
Your laptop is an essential part of your life – it contains all your important files, documents, and photos. When it’s time to upgrade to a new model, before you give away or recycle the computer, you’ll want to look up how to wipe a laptop clean and double-check that you’ve done so.
This step-by-step guide will show you how to do that, so you can rest easy knowing your old laptop is wiped clean and ready for its new owner.
If you’re looking for more advice on how to perform computer cleanings, repairs, or anything of the sort, definitely check out the technology section of our blog.
