For other SSDs with integrated encryption, which do not sufficiently document the behavior of a secure erase, deleting the SSD blocks using trim would be recommended in addition to a secure erase, in order to get the ideal performance for re-use of the SSDs. We don't offer support for third-party tools. For Sandisk SSDs the behavior is differnt, a Secure Erase does not erase all NAND. We don't necessarily endorse the content, products, or services offered there. We provide links to third-party tools and sites for your convenience. This means that the system writes 1 and 0 on the drives, which causes minimum wear of the drive. This type of format is also known as zeroing the drive, or flushing the drive.Ī secure erase deletes all data from the drive. This format then writes a zero to the cell. Choose 'Fill sectors with Zeros' and click OK. Install and start Partition Assistant Standard, right-click the flash drive and select Wipe Hard Drive.
The full format in Windows does the same as a quick format and scans the whole disk for defects.Ī low-level format queries each cell to see if it has been written to. Connect your SanDisk USB flash drive to the computer and make sure it can be detected by Windows. Here are some third-party tools that you can also use to run a low-level format:Ī quick format done through Windows* sets up an empty file system on the disk and installs a boot sector. Some recommendations are located at the following support page along with how-to instructions: Three Ways To Run Low-Level Format Using Intel® Software Tools. Most manufacturers provide their own applications for use with an SSD. Securely Erase Your SSD With Manufacturer's Tool. So yes, it does cause a small amount of wear, but it is negligible in comparison to a traditional secure erase tool. Several Intel® tools have the capability to perform a low-level format or secure erase. Using the ATA Secure Erase command uses the full erasing cycle that the application applies to your SSD. CautionĪlways back up your software before you run a low-level format or secure erase. If the Intel SSD is the boot drive, a fresh installation of the operating system is recommended after the low-level format or secure erase. Keep in mind that a low-level format or secure erase will remove all data contained on the Intel SSD.