How to Erase DVD RW Disc Completely?

Theo Lucia

Dec 16, 2024 • Filed to: Answer Hard Drive Problems • Proven solutions

I want to erase my DVD RW but do not know how to do it. I would like to use it for another purpose.

Well, if you want free space to add additional files or data, you will need to delete files on DVD RW or need to erase them. DVD-RW and DVD-R are the two most common formats for DVDs, and erasing them will need proper knowledge.

These re-writable disk s cannot be deleted or edited easily. But, as long as you follow the steps mentioned in this article, erasing a DVD is easy and takes no time.

DVD- RW

So, let’s take a look at how to clean DVD RW on Windows and Mac!

Part 1. How to Wipe a DVD-RW on Mac?
Part 2. How to Empty a DVD-RW on Windows 10?
Part 3. Delete Files on a DVD-R

Part 1. How to Wipe a DVD-RW on Mac?

If you own a Mac and want to erase DVD RW on Mac, you need to be very careful. It is because, when it comes to macOS, Apple has provided a wide range of utilities, which makes it a little difficult to reusing DVD-RW.

In this part, we will disk uses how to clear DVD RW on Mac. There are two ways to clear DVD RW that are erase individual files or erase the entire disk.

Let's take a look at the step-by-step guide to erase DVD RW from Mac!

Erase Individual Files

Place a DVD-RW into your drive location or SuperDrive (make sure to use one that you want to delete or erase).

place DVD in disk drive

If there are any files that you want to store on the disk, it is better to back them up to your hard drive before erasing the DVD.
Now, the Disk Utility app will pop up automatically on your Mac screen. But, if it will not open, then find it in Applications and then in Utilities.

Select disk from disk utility

After this, select the DVD from the left side, and open it. Now, select the files that you want to erase and go to the Erase tab.
Now you will see two options:

Quickly erase: delete files from the DVD, and it takes only a few minutes to finish the process.

Completely erase: if you are unable to read or rewrite contents on the disk, choose this option.

This is how you are able to erase files from DVD on Mac.

Erase Entire Disk

To erase the entire disk on Mac, you will need to follow the following steps:

First, insert the disk into your system's CD or DVD player.
Now a pop-up window showing the DVD option will automatically open. If it not open, go to "Applications/Utilities" and tap on the "Disk Utility."

erase entire disk on Mac

Choose the disk from the left column and select "Erase."
After this, tap on the "Quick Erase" to avoid any kind of overwriting of the previous content.
And, finally, click "Erase."

Part 2. How to Empty a DVD-RW on Windows 10?

Formatting a DVD-RW in Windows entirely depends upon the version of Windows you are using. In this part, we will cover how to empty DVD-RW on Windows 10.

There are two separate ways with which you can clean DVD RW on Windows. So, take a look at the step-by-step guide to clean DVD RW!

Erase Individual Files

First, you will need to open Windows Explorer. For this, press Windows and E keys together.
Find the files which you want to erase from the desired folder in the DVD burner menu. To access the DVD burner menu, double-click on the DVD burner icon.

select DVD folder

Select the files to erase.
Now, click on the, yes, to confirm the deletion of the files and press the delete key.

This is how you are able to erase selected files from DVD RW on Windows.

Erase Entire Disk

To erase the entire DVD disk on Windows 10, follow the following steps:

Go to Windows Explorer by pressing the Windows and E keys together.
Now, look for the driver for your DVD burner and tap on it.
After this, follow the instructions that appear on the screen and click on the Erase This Disk.

select erase this disk

Part 3. Delete Files on a DVD-R

Do you wish to delete files on the DVD RW disk? If yes, then follow the below steps.

In this part or step-by-step guide, we have explained the ways to delete files on DVD-R for both Windows as well as Mac.

Take a look!

From Windows

DVD-R disk is re-writable, so insert it in the disk place and double click on it from your Windows Explorer
Now, choose the files that you want to delete from the DVD-R.
To select multiple files at a time, press and hold the Ctrl key.
Now, press the delete key.

From Mac

Place a DVD-RW into the drive location on your Mac system.
Now, you will see your DVD folder, select it and choose the files that you want to delete.
But, if you are unable to see your DVD folder, then find it in Applications and then in Utilities.
After this, select the DVD from the left side, and open it.
Now, select the files that you want to erase and go to the Erase tab.

Note! If you mistakenly delete important files or data from DVD RW, then you can use Wondershare Recoverit – Data Recovery tool. It is a safe and secure tool to recover any type of data in a single click.

Final Words

We hope that from the above article, you have learned how to clear DVD disk on Windows and Mac. Also, you get answers on how to delete files on DVD RW disk.

If you want to free some space on DVD or want to erase DVD completely, you can take help from the above methods. Also, if during the deletion process, you mistakenly delete any important file, then consider using Recoverit – Data Recovery tool.

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FAQs

What’s the difference between CDR and CD-RW?

A Compact Disc Recordable (WORM) disc is a Write Once Read Multiple (WORM) disc (CD-R). These discs can only record data once, after which the data is permanently recorded on the disc. A rewritable, erasable disc is known as a Compact Disc Re-Writable (CD-RW). The data on a CD-RW disc can be deleted and recorded several times.

Can a finalized DVD-RW be erased?

It is possible to erase a DVD-RW. All data on the disc, including finalization information, will be erased if the disc is erased. You can add your data back in and operate with the disc in an un-finalized form by copying and wiping your data from the disc.

Why can’t I delete files from a DVD RW?

To see the menu options pop up menu, right-click the CDDVD-RW Drive. When prompted, select Wipe this disc and then click Next to erase the files. The disc can then be used to hold more files after the files have been deleted.

How many times can you rewrite a DVD RW?

DVD recordable and DVD rewritable are two optical disc recording technologies. Both terms apply to DVD optical discs that can be written to with a DVD recorder, but only ’rewritable’ discs can be erased, and rewritable discs may be erased and written to again. A DVD-RW or DVD+RW disc can be written over 1000 times, whereas a DVD-RAM disc can be written over 100,000 times.

How do I erase a CD-RW in Windows 7?

To see the menu options right click the CDDVD-RW Drive. When prompted, select Wipe this disc and then click Next to erase the files. The disc can then be used to hold more files after the files have been deleted.