Microsoft is testing a new storage sanitization option in Cloud rebuild for Windows 11. Experimental build 26340.9502 adds a “Remove & sanitize files” choice that uses the storage hardware’s erase capability before reinstalling Windows. Microsoft says the operation is irreversible, so the option is intended for PCs being recycled, returned, or reassigned.
The change arrived in Microsoft’s September 18 Windows Insider builds. Cloud rebuild runs from the Windows Recovery Environment and downloads a Windows image and device drivers from Windows Update. It is designed to work even when the installed copy of Windows will not boot, without requiring a USB installer or a custom recovery image.
Two ways to remove data
The release notes for build 26340.9502 describe two choices in WinRE. Users keeping the PC can select Remove files. A device being recycled, returned, or reassigned can use Remove & sanitize files, which invokes the storage device’s erase capability before Windows is installed again.
Cloud rebuild performs a full reinstall and removes locally stored files, accounts, apps, and settings. Microsoft’s preview documentation says the process reformats the system disk. Data held in cloud services such as OneDrive is not affected.
Remote initiation is also in preview
Microsoft’s release notes also say IT administrators can configure and start Cloud rebuild remotely through the Recovery Configuration Service Provider, or Recovery CSP. An administrator can use the build already installed on a PC or specify a target build.
Microsoft’s broader Cloud rebuild documentation still says remote initiation from an endpoint management service such as Intune will arrive in a later release. Administrators should treat the Recovery CSP support as preview functionality and test it with their own management tools before relying on it for fleet recovery or device disposal.
What users need before trying it
Cloud rebuild is available only in Windows Insider preview builds at this stage. The Experimental 26H1 build 28120.3032 also introduces the recovery option, while build 26340.9502 adds the new sanitization choice. Microsoft advises using the feature for evaluation on non-production devices.
A PC needs a working Windows Recovery Environment, internet access from WinRE, and compatible networking and storage drivers available through Windows Update. The process can remove the entire local installation, so important files should be backed up before anyone starts it.
For support teams, Cloud rebuild could reduce the need for USB recovery media when a Windows installation is damaged. The same workflow can prepare a PC for its next owner when sanitization is selected. Both capabilities remain part of an early Insider preview.
Sooraj Raj is a programmer, blogger and professional developer with an interest in technology research and publishing. He writes about technology developments and shares information in a clear, straightforward way.
