Formatting or reformatting is the process of restoring a drive to a freshly formatted state. So if your laptop is working slow or you want to give your laptop to someone without sharing your data, you can easily format it in a few minutes without a disk. … Data deleted during the formatting process is erased forever.

Can I format my computer without Windows CD?

You can format a hard drive without a Windows CD. … A formatted hard drive will be completely wiped of all data, including the operating system. The Microsoft Windows operating system comes with a built-in feature that allows you to format a hard drive without having to use a boot disc or installation CD.

How do I wipe my Windows 7 computer clean?

1. Click Start, then choose “Control Panel.” Click “System and Security,” then choose “Restore Your Computer to an Earlier Time” in the Action Center section. 2. Click “Advanced Recovery Methods,” then choose “Return Your Computer to Factory Condition.”