HDD erase: Good balance between security and speed?

[imported_blip]

I sold a 1Tb HDD I used for moving files, and want to erase it. A couple of folders may have sensitive info, but then there's many Gbs of music, video files, pics of my kids, etc. I've read about different wiping methods, but some people are talking about having to run the programs for 40+ hours. Is there a simpler/quicker way?

I was thinking about using File Shredder for the important folders/files, and then some erasing software for the bulk of the stuff. I'm guessing the person who bought my drive won't be going to great lengths to recover the data, and if it's just music and pics, won't really matter. Any suggestions on what to use for erasing that's a good blend of speed and security? Maybe if it's a single overwrite, or a couple passes, would that be enough? Would also prefer if I could just run in Windows 10 rather than having to burn a boot file to a USB like some programs have you do.

Thanks!

 

[PeterScott]

Secure Erase command, built into every modern HDD/SSD AFAIK.

It exists exactly for the purpose of wiping everything off a drive. No need for file shredders and multiple pass writing random numbers or other nonsense that is often suggested.

It always strikes me as odd that there are so many inferior methods of erasing drives as the program level, when the ideal method is actually built into drives.

Find out how to trigger the secure erase for your specific drive, and there will be nothing recoverable.