Question: I have an old laptop that I want to reset and give to someone else, but I need to reset the HDD first, such that it removes all files except Windows 10.
I’ve tried running Windows 10’s built-in reset option (Settings > Update and Security > Recovery > Reset this PC), but it’s failed everytime that I have tried (I’ve tried running it to remove all files as well as to remove just the files in C:/).
So, I decided to remove the HDD and format it using a USB 3.0-to-SATA adapter on my current laptop. But I’m not sure how to go about this without also removing Windows – is there any way that I can reset this HDD using the external adapter while retaining its Windows installation?
Answer:Full format and reinstallation of Windows is the only way to accomplish what you ask.