Reset Toshiba External Hard Drive: Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Toshiba external hard drives are widely used for data backup, file storage, and transferring large amounts of information. Over time, however, users may encounter problems such as corrupted files, viruses, insufficient space, or the need to securely erase data before selling or recycling the drive. In such cases, knowing how to reset Toshiba external hard drive properly is essential.

In this guide, we will walk you through multiple methods to reset your Toshiba external hard drive on Windows and Mac. Whether you want a quick reset or a secure wipe, this article will provide clear steps and the best tools to use.

Part 1. How to Reset Toshiba External Hard Drive on Windows

Windows users have two effective options to reset or wipe a Toshiba external hard drive. Each method serves different purposes, so you can choose according to your needs.

1.1 Erase Toshiba External Hard Drive Using Windows Disk Management

The built-in Disk Management tool in Windows is the most straightforward method, ideal for users who want to quickly format a hard drive. It requires no additional software and is easy to use. However, it only removes surface-level data, which may still be recoverable using data recovery software.

Here is how to factory reset Toshiba external hard drive on Windows using Windows Disk Management:

Step 1. Connect your Toshiba external hard drive to the Windows computer.

Step 2. Right-click on This PC (or My Computer) and select "Manage".

Step 3. In the left sidebar, choose "Disk Management".

Step 4. Locate your Toshiba external hard drive in the list of available drives.

Step 5. Right-click on the drive's partition and select "Format".

Step 6. Choose a file system (e.g., NTFS for Windows-only, exFAT for cross-platform use).

Step 7. Click "OK" and wait for the formatting process to complete.

1.2 Wipe Toshiba External Hard Drive Using Coolmuster Data Erasure

If you want to completely wipe Toshiba external hard drive and ensure no one can recover your data, a professional tool like Coolmuster Data Erasure is recommended. Unlike simple formatting, this software overwrites the data multiple times, making it permanently unrecoverable. This is ideal if you plan to recycle, sell, or give away your drive.

Key features of Data Erasure:

• Securely delete files and folders from HDDs, SSDs, and external drives to prevent data remanence.
• Wipe entire disks, both system and non-system, using Quick Erase or DoD 5220.22-M(E) standards for permanent data destruction.
• Erase leftover data from free space without impacting existing files, with options for both fast and DoD-certified deep cleaning.
• Erase USB drives, partitions, external hard drives, and even system drives (like the C drive) without needing bootable media.
• Comply with government-grade security standards to ensure the irreversible deletion of sensitive information.
• Completely erase all types of files from various storage devices, including photos, videos, audio files, documents, emails, and more.
• Choose from three erasure modes: File Shredder, Drive Wiper, and Free Space Wiper.
• A read-only, risk-free, and cost-effective data erasure solution for Windows users.

How do I reset my Toshiba external hard drive? Follow the steps below:

01Download and install Data Erasure on your computer, then launch the program. Connect your Toshiba external hard drive to the computer and choose the "Drive Wiper" mode.

Free Download for PC

02Select your desired erasure level: "Quick Erase" or "Deep Erase". Then, choose your Toshiba external hard drive from the list of devices.

03Click "Erase Now" to start the wiping process. When prompted, confirm your selection. Be sure to back up any important data beforehand, as this action will permanently delete all data on the selected drive.

Video Tutorial:

Part 2. How to Wipe Toshiba External Hard Drive on Mac via Disk Utility

If you're a Mac user, you can use Disk Utility to reset your Toshiba external hard drive. Here is how to reset my Toshiba external hard drive on my Mac:

Step 1. Connect your Toshiba external hard drive to your Mac.

Step 2. Go to "Applications" > "Utilities" > "Disk Utility".

Step 3. From the sidebar, select your Toshiba external hard drive.

Step 4. Click the "Erase" button in the top toolbar.

Step 5. Choose a new name for your drive and select a file system (e.g., APFS for Mac, exFAT for cross-platform).

Step 6. Click "Security Options" to adjust the level of erase (quick erase or multi-pass secure erase).

Step 7. Click "Erase" to start the process and wait until it is complete.

Part 3. FAQs on How to Reset Toshiba External Hard Drive

Q1. Will resetting my Toshiba external hard drive damage it?

No. Resetting or formatting only affects the stored data, not the physical hardware.

Q2. What is the difference between formatting and erasing a drive?

• Formatting: Resets the file system, but data may still exist on the disk and be recoverable.
• Erasing (wiping): Overwrites data permanently, preventing recovery.

Q3. My Toshiba drive isn't recognized. How can I reset it?

You can try the following solution:

• Use a different USB port or cable.
• Check Disk Management (Windows) or Disk Utility (Mac) to see if the drive appears.
• If it's still not recognized, the drive may be corrupted or physically damaged.

Final Words

Resetting your Toshiba external hard drive can help solve errors, free up space, and protect your privacy before giving away or recycling the device. While Windows Disk Management and Mac Disk Utility are sufficient for a quick reset, they do not guarantee permanent erasure. For the most secure option, we strongly recommend Coolmuster Data Erasure, which ensures your personal data is completely removed and unrecoverable.

By following the right method, you can easily reset Toshiba external hard drive and ensure it is ready for safe use or secure disposal.

Related Articles:

How to Reset Hard Drive in Windows 11/10? Solved in 4 Secure Ways

HDD Secure Erase: How to Securely Erase HDD in 2 Safe Ways

How to Make SSD Data Unrecoverable? - 3 Effective Methods

[Step-by-Step Guide] 5 Reliable Ways to Erase SSD Disk on Windows