To reformat a hard drive in Windows 10, open File Explorer, click This PC, right-click the drive, and choose Format. Pick a file system (NTFS for Windows-only drives, exFAT for drives you’ll use with a Mac or other devices), type a name, and click Start. Formatting erases everything on the drive. You can’t format the C: drive while Windows is running. To wipe it, use Reset this PC or a clean install instead.
Below are step-by-step instructions for data drives, the Windows drive, and brand-new drives, plus how to securely erase a drive before selling it.
Before you format
- Back up anything you want to keep. Formatting deletes all files on the drive.
- Double-check the drive letter. Formatting the wrong drive is a common, painful mistake.
- Know which file system you need:
| File system | Best for |
|---|---|
| NTFS | Internal drives and external drives used only with Windows |
| exFAT | External drives shared with Macs, TVs, and game consoles |
| FAT32 | Small USB drives for older devices. Can’t store files over 4 GB. |
Method 1: Format a drive in File Explorer
- Press Windows + E and click This PC.
- Right-click the drive you want to reformat and choose Format.
- Choose the File system and type a Volume label.
- Leave Quick Format checked for a fast format, or uncheck it for a full format that also checks for bad sectors.
- Click Start, then OK to confirm.
Method 2: Format with Disk Management
Use this for new drives, drives that don’t show in File Explorer, or to change partitions.
- Right-click Start and choose Disk Management.
- Right-click the partition and choose Format. For a new, empty drive, right-click the Unallocated space and choose New Simple Volume.
- Choose the file system and label, and click OK.
To combine partitions on a data drive, right-click each and choose Delete Volume, then create one new volume.
Method 3: Reformat the drive Windows is installed on
- Reset this PC: Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC > Remove everything. Choose Change settings and turn on Clean data for a thorough wipe.
- Clean install: Boot from a Windows USB drive and delete the partitions during setup. See how to do a clean install of Windows 10.
Quick format vs. full format
A quick format clears the file table so the drive looks empty, but data can often be recovered with special software. A full format writes over the drive on Windows 10, which takes much longer and makes recovery far harder. For SSDs, a quick format is usually fine, since SSDs clear deleted data on their own over time.
How to securely wipe a drive before selling it
- For the whole PC, use Reset this PC with Clean data turned on.
- For a data drive, uncheck Quick Format, or use your SSD maker’s secure erase tool.
- Encrypting the drive with BitLocker before formatting adds another layer of protection.
Frequently asked questions
How long does formatting take?
A quick format takes seconds. A full format can take hours on a large hard drive.
Why can’t I format a drive?
It may be the Windows drive, in use by an open program, write-protected, or failing. Close programs, try Disk Management, or check the drive’s health.
Can I undo a format?
Data recovery software may recover files after a quick format if you stop using the drive right away. After a full format, recovery is unlikely.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.