Disk Management. Disk Management is a Microsoft Windows utility first introduced in Windows XP. The instructions provided in this article applies to Windows versions 7, 8/8.1 and 10. Formatting erases all data on the drive.So, if you are formatting a drive that has already been used, be sure to copy any files you will ever want to see again onto a computer or backup drive.
While most external hard drives are already designed to work for Windows computers, there are times when you need to reformat one. You might want a drive that works with Macs and PCs, or maybe you want to partition it, which will split it up into two different formats. Here's how to format an external hard drive for Windows 10 or partition it.
How to Format a Hard Drive for Windows 10
Note: Formatting your drive will erase all the existing files on it. So if your external hard drive already has important files on it, make sure to back them up before proceeding.
- Connect your external hard drive to a Windows computer. If your external hard drive is working, your computer will automatically detect it, and the drive will appear under Devices and Drives next to your internal drives in the This PC window. You can also find it in the left sidebar of File Explorer.
Note: If you already used your external hard drive on a PC, be sure to back up any files on it. Formatting your drive will wipe out all the data in it.
- Right-click on the external hard drive and click Format.
- Choose a format under File System. By default, Windows computers will choose NTFS (New Technology File System) for you because that's the native Microsoft filing system. But if you want the external hard drive to also work on a Mac, you should choose exFAT.
Note: The exFAT file system only works on Mac 10.6.5 or later, and Windows XP SP3 or later.
- Check the Quick Format box, and click Start. Depending on the size of the drive, and if there are files to be deleted in it, this can take a few to several minutes to finish.
- Click OK when the Format Complete pop-up screen appears.
Now you have a hard drive formatted for Windows, but what if you wanted to use it with Mac computers also? One easy way to have a hard drive that works with Mac and Windows is by partitioning it. Create bootable image of hard drive. This means you're splitting the drive into two formats, one for Mac and one for PC. Here's how to do that:
How to Partition an External Drivein Windows 10
- Open the Windows search box, type 'diskmgmt.msc,' and hit enter. The Windows Search Box is the magnifying button icon in the bottom-left corner of your screen.
- Right-click on your external hard drive and select Shrink Volume. If this option is not available to you, reformat the drive to NTFS and try again.
- Enter an amount of space that you want to shrink your volume by. The remaining space will be displayed in megabytes.
- Then click Shrink. This will split the hard drive, with one part becoming unallocated space.
- Right-click the unallocated space on your drive and select New Simple Volume.
- Click Next.
- Then indicate how big you want the partition to be. If you want to use the rest of the space, enter the maximum disk space indicated above it. Then click Next.
- Next, choose what drive letter you want to use. Letters that have already been assigned to other drives will not be on this list, so don't worry if there are missing letters. Just choose among the drive letters still available.
- Go to File System and choose a format. Windows will choose NTFS for you because that's Microsoft's native filing system. But if you want the external hard drive to also work on a Mac, you should choose exFAT, which is an upgraded version of FAT32.
Note: The exFAT file system only works on Mac 10.6.5 or later, and Windows XP SP3 or later.
- Check the Quick Format box, and click Next.
- Finally, click Finish. If a pop-up appears telling you to format the disk, click Format Disk. After that, the newly formatted disk will open automatically.
Partitioning your external hard drive will enable you to perform tasks in one section without affecting the rest of the drive. If you want to know how to format a hard drive for Mac, check out our previous article here.
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Dec 03, 2020 • Filed to: Answer Hard Drive Problems • Proven solutions
Disk formatting is done as a preparation for the use of any operating system. It's a common process done by many PC users. There are many ways you can do this task so if one method fails, you can opt to use another. In this article, we'll show you how to format Drive C using your Windows computer.
Why Do You Need To Format C Drive?
The formatting of drive usually uses three processes. This includes low-level and high-level formatting and partitioning. If you're wondering why you even need to perform a format of Drive C, we'll explain it. Typically a drive format is done, in a way, to refresh the drive. This deletes all the data in the hard drive (but not completely, you'll find out why in the solutions below).
How to Format C Drive in Windows 10
As promised, here are 5 ways you can Format C Drive in Windows 10.
Solution 1 - Use Windows Setup or External Storage Media to Format C
This method is the most convenient way to perform the format of Drive C. This doesn't require any new install of Windows so you won't need any Windows copy. Take note that the installation of Windows will automatically format your drive. In this case, you don't need to format Drive C anymore before installation. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to perform this.
- Boot using the Windows Setup Disc. Just place the CD in the optical hard drive and just follow the instructions.
- Once the Windows installs, you will see the screen. Select the language you want to use and select Next.
- Click Install Now and wait until it finishes. This process isn't installing the Windows OS (you already have it installed).
- Accept the terms and conditions and select Next.
- Go to the Custom (advanced) option.
- Now, a prompt will ask you the location for the Windows installation. You will see a list of all the existing drives. Click on Drive options (advanced).
- Select Format among the options.
- Now, Windows will start the process of formatting your drive.
Solution 2 - Use System Repair Disc to Format C
Making System Repair Disc is one of your best options to format Drive C. It's an excellent way if you don't own any installation media of your OS but have a copy of Windows 7, 8, or 10. You can create your disc and use it to boot then format drive C. Follow the instructions on how you can do this:
Firstly, you have created a System Repair Disc. Do this by following these steps:
a. Press the Start button then go to All Programs. Select Maintenance
b.Select Create a System Repair Disc and pick the location where you want to burn this. Place the CD in the optical drive before doing this or during this step.
c.Just follow the instructions in the process to continue.
- After making the disc, use it to boot. Just insert the disc in the optical drive and restart your PC. You will be shown a prompt telling you to press any key so you can boot from the CD.
- Wait for the installation to complete. Choose your preferred language and continue.
- You will be redirected to System Recovery. Select Use recovery tools… option and proceed.
Go to Command Prompt. Enter the following command:
format c: /fs:NTFS
NOTE: In this command, we're formatting the drive to NTFS. You can choose a different format type.
- You will be asked to provide the volume level. Enter the label.
- Proceed to the format by typing in Y and hit Enter.
- Once the format is finished, enter in the Volume Label.
Solution 3 - Use Recovery Console
Formatting A Hard Drive For Windows 10 Drive
Recovery Console is a built-in feature in most Windows OS that allows users to fix system issues. It makes use of commands to solve the errors. You can use this using the Windows XP Setup CD and are also using Windows XP or at least have it installed on your PC. This may be the most ideal method if you're not running the newer editions of Windows.
Solution 4 - Use a Diagnostic and Repair Utility
There are plenty of diagnostic and repair utilities you can make use of. These are usually made by PC users and other companies. You may use this step if you can't get hold of new versions of Windows to make your repair discs.
Solution 5 - Use a Data Destruction Program to Delete the Drive's Data
Simply select all your files in a drive and permanently deleting them might not work. Using a data destruction program ensures you're wiping your drive of all the data it contains. This leaves you with a good-as-new drive. It may also be seen as a factory reset.
Formatting any of your PC's drives shouldn't be too tedious. It's an essential process you will do if you own a PC. With all of the solutions above, you'll surely find an effective method to format Drive C.
Video Tutorial on How to Recover Data from Formatted Hard Drive
What's Wrong with Drive
Reformat External Hard Drive Windows 10
- Recover Your Drive
- Fix Your Drive
- Format/Wipe Drive
- Know Your Drive
