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● LIVE Updated 1d ago · 6 sources tracked

Windows 11 can leave your deleted files recoverable after a reset, and Microsoft has a new option to securely wipe them

Microsoft is testing a new option to securely wipe deleted files during the Windows 11 Cloud Rebuild process. Standard system resets can leave deleted data recoverable, creating a security risk for users disposing of or sharing hardware. This new feature aims to permanently erase data to prevent recovery. The update is appearing on the Experimental branch of the operating system as part of an effort to improve the cloud-based recovery tool.

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  • ✓ Microsoft is testing a new option to securely wipe deleted files during the Windows 11 Cloud Rebuild process.
  • ✓ Standard system resets can leave deleted data recoverable, creating a security risk for users disposing of or sharing hardware.
  • ✓ This new feature aims to permanently erase data to prevent recovery.
🛡️ Source Corroboration: 6 independent reporting domains (60% confidence) ⏱ Read time: ~2 min

What changed

Microsoft introduced secure file removal options to the Experimental branch of the cloud-based recovery tool.

Live updates

  1. Microsoft Tests Secure File Wiping for Windows 11 Cloud Rebuild

    Microsoft is testing a new option to securely wipe deleted files during the Windows 11 Cloud Rebuild process. Standard system resets can leave deleted data recoverable, creating a security risk for users disposing of or sharing hardware. This new feature aims to permanently erase data to prevent recovery. The update is appearing on the Experimental branch of the operating system as part of an effort to improve the cloud-based recovery tool.

    Why it matters

    Cloud Rebuild allows users to reinstall Windows 11 without using a USB drive by utilizing Windows Update and WinRE. Ensuring data is unrecoverable after such a process is critical for maintaining privacy and security.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Windows 11 can leave deleted files recoverable after a system reset.
    • Microsoft is testing new file removal options specifically for the Cloud Rebuild feature.

    What to watch next

    • Release of secure wiping to the Beta or Release Preview channels.
    • Official documentation from Microsoft regarding the technical method of the secure wipe.
    Sources used for this update (6)
    1. Neowin — Hands on with Windows 11's new Magnifier contrast themes
    2. Windows Blog — Announcing new builds for 18 September 2026
    3. Thurrott.com — Microsoft is Testing New File Removal Options for Windows 11’s Cloud Rebuild Feature
    4. XDA — Windows 11's cloud-based recovery tool gets new features on the Experimental branch
    5. Windows Latest — Windows 11 can leave your deleted files recoverable after a reset, and Microsoft has a new option to securely wipe them
    6. www.tech2geek.net — Windows 11 Cloud Rebuild: Reinstall Windows 11 Without USB
    confidence 60%
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