Windows 11 Tests Secure Data Erase in Cloud Rebuild

Microsoft is adding a storage-sanitization option to Cloud Rebuild in Windows 11 that instructs a PC's storage hardware to irreversibly erase data before Windows is reinstalled. Spotted in Windows Insider Experimental Build 26340.9502, it targets PCs being sold, returned, recycled or reassigned.

• Remove & sanitize files wipes data at the storage-hardware level, not just deleting files
• The feature was found in Windows Insider Experimental Build 26340.9502
• Microsoft cannot independently verify the erase; results depend on the storage hardware
• Admins can trigger rebuilds remotely via new Recovery CSP controls