Originally Posted by
Windows Central Question somehow the Windows 10 download wasn't removable from hard drive without scrubbing entire hard drive basically costing more than what laptop was worth.
You can format your hard drive during installation of an OS and it is free. You can revert to your former OS if you have the key. Use the media creation tool. Do a web search for Media Creation Tool <OS Name and Version>
Works for Windows 7 and higher.
I'm not sure what shop you go to that would not optimize for you at a very reasonable cost. It is a basic service. If that shop is charging you an arm and a leg to format a hard drive, there is something wrong.
I also suggest you find a reputable repair facility.
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