How to Securely Wipe Free Space on SSD | 2 Solutions and FAQs

Whether you're disposing of an old SSD or simply want to ensure your sensitive information remains private, wiping free space is a crucial step. So, can you wipe free space on an SSD? Yes, it is possible to wipe free space on an SSD, and we've provided two effective methods in this guide. Yes, it is generally safe, as long as you use the right tools and methods. Now, follow this guide to safely wipe the free space on your SSD.

Part 1: Why We Need to Wipe Free Space on SSD

When a file is deleted on an SSD, the operating system marks the space as available for new data. However, the actual data doesn't disappear immediately. Instead, it remains in the free space until it is overwritten by new data.

SSDs also employ a technique called wear leveling, which distributes write operations evenly across the drive to prolong its lifespan. This can result in data fragments being scattered throughout the SSD, making complete erasure even more challenging. Therefore, wiping free space is essential for:

1. Data security: Preventing unauthorized access to sensitive information.
2. Privacy protection: Ensuring personal data is permanently removed.
3. Compliance: Meeting data disposal requirements for businesses and organizations.

Part 2: How to Wipe Free Space on SSD via iReaShare Data Wipe

One of the easiest and most reliable ways to wipe free space on an SSD is by using a specialized data-wiping tool like iReaShare Data Wipe. This software is designed to securely wipe free space on an SSD, ensuring that deleted files in the free space cannot be recovered. Besides, you can use it to wipe HDD directly.

Main features of this drive wiper:

* Safely wipe the free space of an SSD on a PC to erase all deleted data.

* Wiping free space will not damage your existing files.

* Provide Quick Erase and Deep Erase modes to meet different needs.

* Support not only SSDs but also HDDs and external devices.

* Permanently erase data from SD cards.

Download iReaShare Data Wipe.

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Here's how to completely wipe the free space on SSD with this software:

Step 1: Please install the SSD wiper on your PC after downloading it. Then run it and choose the "Free Space Wiper" option on the left side.

Step 2: Select your SSD, and opt for an erasing level from the given list.

Step 3: Tap "Erase Now" and choose "OK" on the prompted window. Then the software will start to wipe the free space of your selected SSD, and all your deleted data will be overwritten.

Part 3: How to Erase Free Space on SSD via Cipher Command

Another method to wipe free space on an SSD is through the built-in cipher command in Windows. It is a command-line tool that can be used to overwrite free space on a drive, which helps securely erase deleted data.

Steps to use cipher command to wipe free space on SSD:

Step 1: To begin, open the Command Prompt by typing "cmd" into the Start menu search bar, right-clicking on "Command Prompt", and selecting "Run as Administrator".

Step 2: Type the following command into the Command Prompt window: cipher /w:X:\. Then replace "X" with your SSD drive letter.

Step 3: Press "Enter". The cipher command will overwrite the free space on your SSD with random data.

Part 4: FAQs About Wiping Free Space on SSD

Q1: Will wiping free space improve SSD performance?

No, wiping free space does not improve SSD performance. In fact, it can potentially slow down the drive because it forces the SSD to rewrite data, which can result in additional wear. TRIM, which happens automatically, is generally enough to keep the SSD performing well.

Q2: Can wiping free space on an SSD cause data loss?

Wiping free space is designed not to affect data on the SSD, as it only targets deleted or "free" space. However, it's important to back up your data before performing any disk management tasks to avoid accidental data loss due to errors or software issues.

Q3: Does wiping free space on an SSD reduce its lifespan?

It's true that any write operation to an SSD contributes to wear, as SSDs have a finite number of write cycles. Therefore, wiping free space, which involves writing data to the drive, does technically reduce its lifespan. However, the impact is often negligible for typical usage.

Conclusion

If you want to maintain data security on your SSD, wiping its free space is effective and essential. The cipher command can make it easy, but if you want a comprehensive data erasure tool, iReaShare Data Wipe will be more suitable for you. This software has multiple features, supporting wiping free space on a drive, erasing an entire hard drive in one go, and wiping specific files and folders, which meets your various requirements in different situations.

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Elowen Wilson Senior Editor

Elowen has been specializing in iOS devices and data transfer for over three years. She is very familiar with all generations of iPhones and iPads, so she is able to provide readers with all kinds of useful guides and tips about iOS backup, data recovery, unlocking, system repair, etc.