How to Format SSD in Windows 11 Easily for Free

Do you want to know how to format SSD in Windows 11? In this tutorial, the reasons and 4 methods will be shared to format an SSD, including CMD, Disk Management, and a free partition manager.

Posted by @Tina December 17, 2024 Updated By @Tina June 21, 2023

How to format SSD in Windows 11?

“I bought a new Nvme SSD and installed it on my Windows 11 PC, but it shows up as raw. I heard that formatting the SSD can solve the problem. Do you know any method to format the Nvme for Windows 11? Looking forward to your answer.”

Why need to format SSD in Windows 11?

For a long time, formatting the hard disk has attracted the attention of Windows users. Apart from the problem in the example, people may want to format an SSD for the following reasons:

The file system of the SSD is not compatible with the device. SSD is write protected. There are some errors on the SSD. Format the SSD to delete all data. ···

Therefore, when you encounter the issue mentioned, you may want to know how to format SSD in Windows 11.

FAT 32 or NTFS: what’s the difference?

FAT32 and NTFS are the two most common file systems. But their characteristics and applicable devices are different. Therefore, before formatting disk, you need to understand the difference between them in advance. 

FAT 32 was launched in 1977. Since it is developed earlier, FAT 32 can be more compatible with other devices. By using the file allocation table, it can describe the allocation of clusters in the file system and the relation between clusters. However, it just supports partitions smaller than 2 TB and the single files of 4GB. 

NTFS is regard as a better alternative of the FAT 32. Apart from supporting the larger partition and single file, it also has more new features, such as allowing users to set permissions on local files and folders. However, NTFS is not as compatible as FAT32.

How to format SSD in Windows 11 with built-in tools

In this part, two methods on how to format SSD with Windows on it will be shared. Read on, and choose the most suitable tool.

★ Method 1. Format SSD with CMD

CMD is a built-in tool in Windows system. When you encounter hard drive is corrupted, RAW drive and other disk problems, it can be your good helper. Please refer to the following steps to format SSD with CMD.

Steps 1. Press “Windows”, type “cmd” and hit “Enter” to open CMD. Then input “diskpart” and press “Enter” to open Diskpart.

Step 2. In the new window, type the following commands in turn and press “Enter” each time:

• list disk (All disks on the PC will be listed.) • select disk 1 (Select the drive letter of the target SSD.) • list partition • select partition 1 • format fs=fat32 (Or “format fs=ntfs quick” to format the hard drive to NTFS. )

Step 3. Wait for patient, then input “exit” and press “Enter” to leave it.

★ Method 2. Format SSD with Disk Management

Disk Management is also a utility, it replaces the Fdisk command. In Disk Management, you can view and manage hard disks and the related partitions in your PC. In addition, it also supports functions like resizing volume, initializing volume, changing drive letter.

Step 1. Press “Windows+R” and input “diskmgmt.msc” in the run window.

Step 2. Right-click the target drive (here we choose the H drive), click “Format”.

Step 3. Select “FAT32”, then tick “Quick Format” and click “OK”.

Format SSD in Windows 11 through a free disk manager

If the above tools can solve your troubles, that’s great. But sometimes, you may encounter the “Can’t format drive in Disk Management” issue, or the wrong inputted CMD commands may bring potential risks to the PC. Then how to format SSD in Windows 11?

Here, you can try the more reliable AOMEI Partition Assistant, this free tool works on manage the PC hard drive, USB, SD card, etc. In a clean operating interface, you can safely format the target SSD with a few steps.

Besides, other relevant functions, like Initialize SSD, Wipe hard drive and Check Partition is accessible.

Download Freeware Win 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP
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Step 1. Install and run AOMEI Partition Assistant Standard, then right-click the target SSD and click “Format Partition”.

Step 2. Input the partition label and select “FAT32”, then click “OK”.

Step 3. Click “Apply” to perform formatting the target SSD.

Note: You can turn to the Server Version to format the SSD on Windows Server.

Extended reading: How to directly convert NTFS to FAT32

Since formatting a SSD will delete all data on it , when the SSD cannot be compatible with the device, people don’t want to format it. Don’t worry, the “NTFS to FAT32 Converter”function allows the direct conversion between NTFS and FAT32 without data loss.

Step 1. Open this great tool, right-click the SSD, then click “All Tools” and “NTFS to FAT32 Converter”.

Step 2. Choose “NTFS to FAT32” and click “Next”, then follow the wizard to operate.

Conclusion

How to format SSD in Windows 11? In this post, you may have found the satisfying answers. If you want to easily format an SSD, the AOMEI Partition Assistant can be the most reliable tool.

By the way, to enjoy more advanced functions, including Allocate Free Space, Migrate OS to SSD, Clone hard drive, etc, you can try the Professional Version.