How to Format an SSD in Windows 10

You might need to format an SSD when you install a new drive, want to wipe an old one before selling it, or need to switch file systems. Windows 10 has everything you need built in. The right method depends on whether the SSD is brand new, already contains data, or is the drive Windows is installed on.

Warning: Formatting erases everything on the drive. Back up any files you want to keep before you start, and double-check the drive letter before you click anything.

Before You Start

• Know which drive is the SSD. Open Disk Management (right-click Start > Disk Management) and check the size and model, so you don’t format the wrong drive.
• You can’t format the Windows (C:) drive from inside Windows. To wipe the drive Windows runs from, reset the PC or reinstall Windows (see the section below).
• Quick Format is fine for SSDs. A full format writes to every block, which takes a long time and adds unnecessary wear. Modern Windows uses TRIM to tell the SSD which blocks are free.

Method 1: Format an SSD in File Explorer

Use this for an SSD that already shows up with a drive letter, such as a secondary internal SSD or an external SSD.

1. Open File Explorer and click This PC.
2. Right-click the SSD and choose Format.
3. Choose a File system:
   • NTFS for internal drives used only with Windows.
   • exFAT for external SSDs you’ll use with both Windows and Mac.
4. Leave Allocation unit size at the default.
5. Type a name in Volume label if you like.
6. Make sure Quick Format is checked.
7. Click Start, then OK to confirm.

Method 2: Set Up a New SSD in Disk Management

A brand-new SSD usually doesn’t appear in File Explorer until it’s initialized and partitioned.

1. Right-click Start and choose Disk Management.
2. If a window asks you to initialize the disk, choose GPT (recommended for modern PCs) and click OK. If it doesn’t appear, right-click the disk label on the left (for example, “Disk 1”) and choose Initialize Disk.
3. Right-click the black Unallocated space and choose New Simple Volume.
4. Follow the wizard: use the full size, assign a drive letter, choose NTFS, check Perform a quick format, and click Finish.

The SSD now appears in File Explorer, ready to use.

Reformat an existing partition

In Disk Management, you can also right-click an existing partition on the SSD and choose Format, or choose Delete Volume to remove it and create a new one. Deleting volumes is useful if an SSD from another computer has several leftover partitions.

Method 3: Use DiskPart (Advanced)

DiskPart is a command-line tool that can wipe all partitions, including stubborn ones Disk Management won’t delete. Be very careful: selecting the wrong disk erases it.

1. Open Command Prompt as administrator.
2. Type diskpart and press Enter.
3. Type list disk and identify your SSD by its size.
4. Type select disk X, replacing X with the SSD’s number.
5. Type clean to remove all partitions.
6. Type create partition primary, then format fs=ntfs quick, then assign.
7. Type exit.

How to Format the SSD That Has Windows on It

If you want to wipe your main drive, for example before selling the computer:

• Reset this PC: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC, choose Remove everything, and turn on the option to clean the drive.
• Clean install: Boot from Windows installation media, delete the partitions on the SSD during setup, and install Windows fresh.

Securely Erasing an SSD

Formatting doesn’t always make data unrecoverable. For the most thorough wipe before selling or recycling a drive, use the SSD maker’s tool, such as Samsung Magician, Crucial Storage Executive, or WD Dashboard, which can run a Secure Erase or sanitize command. Many PCs also have a secure erase option in BIOS. Avoid third-party “shredder” tools that overwrite the drive many times; they wear out an SSD without adding protection.

Related: Allocate an SSD in Windows 10.

Related: Initialize an SSD in Windows 11.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I use quick or full format for an SSD?

Quick format. A full format adds wear and isn’t needed on SSDs.

Which file system should I choose?

NTFS for Windows-only drives. exFAT for external drives shared between Windows and Mac.

Why doesn’t my new SSD show up?

It needs to be initialized and partitioned in Disk Management first. If it doesn’t appear there either, check its connection and BIOS settings.

Summary

To format an SSD in Windows 10, right-click it in File Explorer, choose Format, select NTFS or exFAT, keep Quick Format checked, and click Start. For a new SSD, initialize it in Disk Management and create a New Simple Volume. To wipe the Windows drive, reset the PC or do a clean install, and use the manufacturer’s Secure Erase tool for a thorough wipe.

Related: how to reformat a hard drive in Windows 10 and how to format an external hard drive in Windows 11.