Formatting a computer is an important step prior to donating or disposing of your Windows computer. If you just hand over your computer to someone else, your files may be at risk. Even if you delete your files before moving on to another one, your files may be retrieved by data recovery. So, you should format your computer first.
How do you format your computer?
The easiest way, or the most accessible way, is to get your Windows disk and boot up to it, and just install Windows like you normally would. This will install the Windows files which will delete all of your current files, settings, and programs.
The second way is to buy a utility, such as Wipe Drive, which will take you through the steps of formatting the drive. At only $40, this could set you at ease that you are performing the formatting step correctly.
The last way is to bring your computer to a professional computer repair shop so that they may format your computer for you. Many of them will perform this step for free if you recycle your computer with them.
