Samsung Secure Erase

The Samsung Secure Erase utility creates a bootable USB that you can use to permanently destroy all data stored on an SSD by erasing data from all cells. This will also reset the SSD to its factory state if there are problems with performance or operation of the SSD.

Before running Secure Erase, make sure that the firmware of the SSD is updated to the latest version. Also be aware that all data on the drive will be destroyed during this process, no exceptions.

Required items:

• Samsung SSD
• USB flash drive
• Samsung Magician software

Download Samsung Magician software (5.0) here if you do not already have it installed

Step 1:

Insert the USB device and click the “START” button in the bottom left of your screen and type “Samsung Magician” then select the first result. You will then see the following window.

Step 2:

Click the “Secure Erase” tab at the bottom of the window.

Step 3:

Click “Browse” and select the USB drive you wish to use and click “OK”.

Step 4:

A warning will appear detailing the formatting of the USB selected. Click “YES”.

Step 5:

A progress bar will appear. Please do not perform any other tasks during this process.

Step 6:

Next you should see a Success message. Please click “YES” and restart the computer.

Step 7:

Boot from the USB – Depending on your motherboard manufacturer the process may differ but generally pressing F8 while the system is booting will provide the boot selection menu.

Step 8:

This is the Samsung Magician Secure Erase splash screen. Press “Y” on your keyboard to proceed.

Step 9:

The tool will scan all drives – in this image we only see 1 Samsung SSD but if you have multiple please verify WHICH one you are erasing before performing. Press “Y” on your keyboard to proceed.

Step 10:

Secure erase will process then present the message “Secure Erase is Successful”.

Step 11:

The Samsung Secure erase tool will automatically close. You can then remove the USB and restart the PC.

Step 12:

Once the PC has booted back into Windows you will need to initialize the drive. Left click the “Start” button and type “Drive Management” then select the first result. The following screen will appear.

Step 13:

Leave defaults and click “OK”.

Step 14:

Select the new disk typically referred to as “Disk 0” as seen below. Click “Action>All Tasks>New Simple Volume…”.

Step 15:

You will now see the "New Simple Volume Wizard" screen. Click “Next”.

Step 16:

Leave the defaults and click “Next”.

Step 17:

Leave the defaults for drive letter and click “Next”.

Step 18:

Leave the default Format options and click “Next”.

Step 19:

Click “Finish”.

Step 20:

Close “Disk Management” and open “File Explorer”. You will now see your new volume. It will be securely erased and usable.