Format hard drive in BIOS: Here's how

If you want to format the hard drive from your computer or laptop, you can do this directly in the BIOS. We'll show you how to destroy your data and clear the way for a fresh start.

Instructions: Format hard disk in BIOS

Unfortunately, the BIOS itself cannot format hard drives. For this you need an installation DVD of any Windows version. If you do not have a Windows DVD at hand, you can download Windows 10 for free and transfer it to a CD or USB stick.

1. Download the free Media Creation Tool for Windows 10 and launch the file.
2. Now insert a USB stick, an external hard drive or a blank DVD into the PC.
3. Please note that USB sticks and external hard drives are formatted for this process, i.e. all data will be deleted. You need around 8 GB of storage space.
4. After a short wait, click on "Continue" in the tool and then select the "Installation media".
5. If you select "USB stick", Windows 10 will be transferred directly to the USB stick. If you select "ISO file", you will have to burn the file to the DVD later.
6. Then Windows 10 is downloaded. After the process, the formatting of the hard drive can start.

BIOS: How to format hard drives without Windows startup

First insert the Windows DVD or USB stick into the desired PC and start it.

1. With a little luck, the installation of Windows 10 will run directly. If the already installed Windows starts, you have to make a change in the BIOS.
2. Use the following instructions to change the boot order in the BIOS.
3. If the installation of Windows 10 starts, you first have to click through the entire process.
4. After "Install Now" click on "I don't have a product key", choose any Windows version, accept the license terms and choose the option "Custom".
5. In the overview of the hard drives you can now see all partitions. If necessary, delete all partitions, select the remaining partitions one after the other and click on "Format" below.
6. The hard disk is then formatted and contains no more data. You can now reinstall Windows 10 if necessary or cancel the installation.

In the next practical tip, we will show you how to start Windows 10 without a login.