Deleting data is more complicated than many users imagine. Just move files to the virtual recycle bin or format the hard drive? This is not enough to make information disappear irreversibly. For example, if you sell an old computer or take it to electronic scrap, you should take more comprehensive measures to ensure that nobody tampers with your supposedly deleted data treasures.
Under Windows 10 and Windows 11, Microsoft offers a so-called wiping function for this purpose. It should actually wipe data carriers completely empty and thus guarantee secure data deletion. But does that work? A prominent member of the Windows community denies that. The user Rudy Ooms, who has been named an expert by Microsoft, has taken a closer look at the tool on both Windows 10 and Windows 11 – and comes to shocking results.
Data is still available after deletion
As the Dutchman reports in a detailed blog post, he was able to restore various data after what Microsoft said was a safe deletion. In fact, he found a lot of information neatly listed in a folder named Windows.old left on the disk. It didn’t matter whether the deletion took place locally or an administrator carried out it remotely. However, Microsoft itself explicitly assures before the deletion process that this process irretrievably removes all data – probably misinformation. And it gets even thicker.
According to Ooms, Microsoft’s wipe tool not only fails in the final deletion of data, it also makes data previously encrypted with Bitlocker freely accessible. According to the report, the actually protected files are also found in the Windows.old folder – unencrypted! Microsoft confirmed the behavior of its deletion tool when asked by Ooms. According to this, the Windows.old folder is automatically deleted after ten days and is intended as a last resort should users have to retrieve information again.
Users feel a false sense of security
The problem, however, is that users do not normally find out about this and rely on the fact that their data carriers are empty. Ooms has developed methods to delete Windows.old folder immediately. However, their use requires specialist knowledge and an additional work step. You can find alternative tips and programs for securely deleting data under Windows in the COMPUTER BILD guide.
