Microsoft is testing a new secure deletion feature in Cloud Rebuild, its tool for reinstalling Windows 11 from the cloud. Introduced this summer, Cloud Rebuild allows users to reinstall the operating system without needing a USB drive. In the latest experimental version of Windows (build 26340.9502), two new features have been added. The first enables users to securely delete data from their storage devices before reinstalling Windows. The second allows IT administrators to remotely trigger the reinstallation process on devices they manage. Previously, Cloud Rebuild could delete local files, user accounts, applications, and settings before reinstalling Windows. However, this method didn’t fully erase data, and specialized recovery tools could still detect remnants. This posed a risk for users who wanted to resell or recycle their PCs, as leftover data could be recovered. The new "Remove & sanitize files" feature sends a secure deletion command directly to the storage device, which is then handled by the disk or SSD controller. This process ensures data is erased even in areas that standard formatting might not reach. Users can choose to delete data only on the drive where Windows is installed or across all drives in the system. However, this feature only affects locally stored data, not files stored in cloud services like OneDrive. Microsoft cautions that Windows cannot verify whether the deletion was fully successful, as it depends on the disk or SSD hardware to carry out the task. In environments with strict data security requirements, Microsoft recommends confirming that the hardware supports this feature and, if needed, using a secure erasure tool provided by the storage manufacturer. In addition to secure deletion, Cloud Rebuild now includes a remote administration feature. Previously, users had to access the Windows recovery environment to initiate the tool. Now, IT teams can configure and launch Cloud Rebuild remotely using the Recovery CSP interface, commonly used with management tools like Microsoft Intune. They can enable or disable Cloud Rebuild, choose to reinstall the existing Windows version or enforce a specific version, and review the results of previous remote operations. Additional settings, such as the Windows edition, language, and installation type, can also be configured remotely. These new features are currently available only in the experimental channel, and Microsoft advises against using Cloud Rebuild on production devices, as the tool’s functionality and interface may still change before a wider release. It is also not meant to replace traditional Windows repair options, as it performs a full system reinstallation.