How to Format EFI Partition in Windows 11/10 [Your 2024 Guide]

When you install Windows on a GPT drive, the system automatically creates four types of partitions. EFI is one of the early partitions thus created. EFI or Extensible Firmware Interface stores essential data of the primary hard disk. Hence, it's crucial for the smooth running of Windows. If you format it, your Windows won't boot. However, there may be instances when you need to format the EFI partition on Windows 10/11. Read on our article to know in detail.

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Before we go deep, let's understand what an EFI partition is.

What is an EFI partition?

If you're installing Windows 11 on a GPT drive, Windows will create an EFI partition along with three other partitions. The EFI partition stores complex drive data or SSD data to ensure smooth Windows operation. This partition is typically around 100 MB in size. Ordinarily, users cannot view the EFI partition through File Explorer on Windows, as it is protected. The operating system doesn't allow you to modify the partition with any built-in tools to safeguard its functionality. However, if you accidentally delete the EFI partition, your Windows system won't be able to boot. Thankfully, Windows never permits you to delete or format it to maintain system stability.

For more details about EFI partitions, you can refer to this guide: Do I Need an EFI System Partition?

What is an EFI partition used for?

An EFI partition contains main folders such as Boot and System Volume Information. These folders hold all the essential information that Windows needs, including system utilities, device drivers, data files, and bootloaders.

When Windows loads on your system, it uses the Boot Manager code and the Boot Manager database to retrieve information. It's essential for Windows to keep the EFI partition unchanged and avoid modifying it.

Another use for EFI is that, if you try to reinstall or reset your PC, the OEM will use the EFI partition to get important data (like drivers, utilities, and so on) and scripts to refresh your PC.

So, in order to boot your PC, you need an EFI partition; without it, your Windows won't start. Because it protects your Windows installation, deleting or formatting it can be risky, as you might render your system unbootable.

What happens if I format the EFI partition?

Since the EFI partition holds vital data for Windows, it will never let you format it. However, if you accidentally or mistakenly delete the EFI partition, you could face several consequences, including:

• Your Windows system fails to start
• You encounter a startup failure error
• You cannot access system functionalities
• Your system takes longer than usual to boot up
• After formatting EFI, your system becomes unprotected and unlocked

When can I format the EFI partition?

Suppose you want to reinstall the latest version of Windows, but an error message appears on the screen, saying that Windows finds the EFI partition is formatted as NTFS. In this case, Windows will require you to format the EFI partition to FAT32, and then restart the installation process. Under such circumstances, Windows asks you to format the EFI partition for its own functioning, which won't affect the booting function. Therefore, you can format the EFI partition so that Windows can finish the reinstallation process.

If EFI becomes RAW on Windows, you can format the EFI partition. Sometimes, due to some internal errors, the EFI partition may become RAW and get corrupted. To solve this issue, you need to format it.

You'll need to fix these errors by formatting the EFI partition and letting Windows proceed normally.

How to Format EFI Partition in Windows 11/10?

In some unpleasant situations, you must format the EFI partition to save your Windows functionality and run the system without losing data. For example, if the EFI partition becomes NTFS, you must format it and change it back to FAT32.

If you're running into similar issues while reinstalling Windows, follow this guide.

Guide 1: Format EFI Partition with Partition Master

If you're using Windows 10/11, you can utilize third-party software like the tools Partition Master Professional for formatting. This tool is reliable and ensures no data loss during the formatting process. Additionally, it allows you to back up the ESP partition before formatting.

When you find that the EFI partition has turned into NTFS, download and install this software on your computer to get started. With just three simple steps, you can format the EFI partition to FAT32. The Partition Master software is compatible with all the latest and older versions of Windows.

Step 1. Run AOMEI Partition Assistant, right-click the hard drive partition which you want to format and choose "Format".

Step 2: In the new window, set the "Volume Label," "File System" (NTFS/FAT32/EXT2/EXT3/EXT4/exFAT), and "Cluster Size" for the partition to be formatted, then click "OK."

Step 3: You'll see a warning; click “Yes” to proceed.

Click the “Perform 1 Task” button to view the changes, and then click “Apply” to begin formatting the hard drive partition.

In addition to formatting the EFI partition, the Partition Master tool lets you perform other partition operations, including:

This powerful tool can handle any partition issue and provide 100% satisfactory results. Additionally, you can also resize or move partitions, extend system partition, as well as create, delete, or merge partitions. Install it on your computer and solve all partition problems with just a few clicks.

Guide 2: Formatting the EFI Partition using Diskpart

Diskpart is another method to quickly fix NTFS issues with your EFI partition. As it's a command-line tool, it's a relatively complex method, so make sure you know what you're doing before you start. If you don't, learn how to use it here:

Step 1: Run Diskpart from the command prompt

Step 2: Type list disk and press Enter.

Step 3: Type `list disk` and press Enter to check the disks, then type `select disk X` (replace `X` with the number of the disk that has the EFI partition) and press Enter.

Step 4: After selecting the disk, type the following command:

• List Volumes
• Select Volume 2 (replace 2 with the number of your EFI partition)
• Format fs=fat32 quick

Step 5: Click "Exit," and press Enter to close the window.

Conclusions

An EFI partition is necessary for the smooth running of Windows. However, there might be instances when you need to format the EFI partition. Normally, you won't get the option to delete the EFI partition, but if you're prompted to do so while reinstalling Windows, you'll have to carry out this task. Partition Master is a reliable tool that you can trust and install on your computer to solve all sorts of partition-related issues with just a few clicks.