How to securely remove data from SSD (Under Windows or Mac OS)?

[hajime]

I am selling a used SSD with Windows installed. What is the best way to remove everything in the drive? Is it better (more secure) to do it under Windows or Mac OS? Which method do you recommend?

 

[Mikael H]

The simplest way that doesn't require third-party tools:
Enable BitLocker (Windows) or FileVault (macOS) on the drive and let it finish the encryption process. Then remove the partition/volume and create a new, unencrypted one.

(But you really should check whether the Windows license allows you to distribute Windows installations like that - or, if nothing else, whether it's smart to tell the entire Internet that you're doing it...)

 

[Shirasaki]

The simplest way that doesn't require third-party tools:
Enable BitLocker (Windows) or FileVault (macOS) on the drive and let it finish the encryption process. Then remove the partition/volume and create a new, unencrypted one.

(But you really should check whether the Windows license allows you to distribute Windows installations like that - or, if nothing else, whether it's smart to tell the entire Internet that you're doing it...)

I would assume he just mention that the SSD he is selling has Windows installed on it. He can erase the windows afterwards. We never know.

And yeah, enabling encryption is good enough to destroy the data stored on device. Just to make sure Bitlocker does encrypt the whole drive, not just the space that has been used.

 

[hajime]

Yes, the SSD I am selling has Windows 10 installed on it. Don't have that PC anymore. Right now, I only have access to Windows 7 on my MBP.

 

[hajime]

I tried secure erase and disk utilities gave me this error: "Disk object invalid or unable to serialize". What is that? How can I resolve this issue?