Fixing "We couldn't format the selected partition [Error: 0x80070057]" on Windows 11/10

When trying to format a hard drive, Windows users may encounter various errors. One of the most common issues is when Windows refuses to proceed with the operation, stating that it cannot format the selected partition.

But why is this happening? There could be a series of reasons behind this issue, or it could be a simple setup problem. Today's article will explore the reasons behind this and provide you with some fixes. We'll also delve into where the “ unable to format selected partition [Error: 0x80070057]” comes from. So, let's get started.

Introduction

Many Windows users encounter obstacles when trying to format a hard drive. There are numerous reasons why Windows might refuse to format it, and one of the errors users often come across is “The selected partition cannot be formatted [Error: 0x80070057].”

This error occurs quite often, and we're going to delve into why it happens. Alongside that, we'll explore some solutions to help you get rid of it once and for all. So, let's dive in.

What is the "Format failed for the selected partition [Error: 0x80070057]" error?

"Format Failed for the Selected Partition [Error: 0x80070057]" is one of the most annoying issues when formatting a partition. Many Windows users encounter this problem when trying to format an existing partition.

Microsoft says that this issue can occur if the system partition is corrupted in some way. Corruption doesn't necessarily mean physical damage, as other issues might cause this problem, such as:

• Incorrect BIOS settings
• Buggy drivers or storage manager
• Bad sectors or fragmented files within the partition
• Incorrect partition type required by Windows (either GPT or MBR)
• Viruses or malware preventing disk/partition creation
• Faulty or damaged storage devices, such as a SATA SSD, HDD, or NVME SSD storage

These are some of the most common reasons behind this issue, and thus, fixing it also requires us to check if any of these are the culprits. So, if you're running into this problem while installing Windows, chances are that one of the above is the reason.

How to Fix “We can't format the selected partition [0x80070057]” Error on Windows 11/10?

Now that we have the basics covered, let's talk about the solutions. In this section, we will employ three different methods to fix the issue. As mentioned earlier, the problem likely lies in the setup or partitioning. Hence, it can be rectified with some adjustments.

Thus, to fix the “We can't format the selected partition [Error: 0x80070057]” error, we will use the methods below:

1. Solution 1: Use Disk Partition Formatting Software - tools Partition Master
2. Solution 2: Use Diskpart
3. Solution 3: Use Windows Setup

While all of these are viable options, the first may be your best bet. Let's take a look at them one by one:

Method 1: Fix "We couldn't format the selected partition - Error 0x80070057" with Partition Master Tool

The first method requires you to get back to Windows, meaning that you have to stop the Windows installation and restart your Windows. Why? To format the partition with a third-party tool – <a href="/partition-manager/epm-pro.html">partition manager</a>.

This tool offers an exciting range of options to help you fix errors comprehensively. So, why is it an ideal formatting and partition management tool? Here's what you need to know:

• Convert MBR to GPT without data loss
• Extend system partition for better performance and space reservation
• Comprehensively create, delete, or merge partitions
• It offers the ability to resize or move partitions without data loss
• Safely resolve issues like "Format disk failed [Error: 0x80070057]" and more

So, once you download and install this tool, you can use it to fix the problem by following these steps:

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

Step 2: In the popup window, set the partition label, file system (NTFS/FAT32/EXT2/EXT3/EXT4/exFAT) and cluster size, then click “OK”.

Step 3: You will then see a warning prompt; click “Yes” to proceed.

Click “Perform 1 Task” to review your changes, then click “Apply” to begin formatting the partition.

Method 2: Format the Partition from the “We Can't Format the Selected Partition” Error with Diskpart

Diskpart is a command available in the Windows built-in terminal, "Command Prompt," used for managing disks, including partitions and volumes. Hence, it's another viable solution to this problem. So, how can you use Diskpart to resolve the issue? Here's how:

Step 1: Open the Command Prompt as an administrator

Step 2: Type diskpart, and press Enter.

Step 3: Type list disk, and press Enter again.

Step 4. Next, select Drive 0 (replace the 0 with the number of the disk that has the error)

Select Disk 0

Step 5: Type clean to format the disk.

Step 6. Type Exit to close Diskpart and CMD.

Step 7: Completion

After doing so, restart your computer and boot back into the Windows installer. It should now easily format the problematic partition. If not, proceed to the next method.

Method 3: Format the Partition and Solve "We can't format the selected partition 0x80070057" While Installing Windows

In this method, you'll restart your computer into the Windows setup screen. Regardless of whether you're installing Windows 7, 8, 10, or 11, you'll wait for the “We can't format the selected partition [Error: 0x80070057]” error message to appear.

Once it does, skip past this process and return to the main installation screen. Then proceed as follows:

Step 1 Select Customize under What type of installation do you want?

Step 2: Instead of clicking Next to proceed with the installation, press the Delete key.

Step 3: When the warning appears, click “OK” to confirm.

Step 4. Repeat this for the other partitions (such as Partition 2).

Step 5: After freeing up space, click New to create a new partition.

Step 6: Create partitions

Step 7. Proceed with the Windows installation

Step 8: Completion

This installation should go smoothly, but we recommend that you disconnect any other hard drives before proceeding to avoid accidentally formatting them.

Final Award

These are some of the methods you can use to format any partition that throws the error “We couldn't format the selected partition 0x80070057.” So, once you follow these steps, you can easily format your partition.

However, it's important to fix this error and format your device easily using tools like Partition Master. Before performing these methods, make sure to back up your important data.

Frequently Asked Questions about the "We couldn't format the selected partition. Error 0x80070057"

Aside from the issues mentioned, you might have other concerns. Please browse through the following questions to see if any provide the information you need:

How to fix the “Failed to format the selected partition” error?

One of the simplest ways to address this error is by using the Partition Master tool. Considering the complexities involved, employing this tool will help you fix the issue effortlessly. Apart from that, you can also try using the 'clean' command in Diskpart through the Command Prompt.

How do I fix the error code 0x80070057 when installing Windows?

When you see the Windows installation screen, press Shift + F10 to open the Command Prompt. Then, use the Diskpart command to format the hard drive and fix this error.

How to fix the "Unable to create new partition or locate existing one" error?

You'll need to use a Partition Master tool to fix this issue. After installing it on your computer, here's what to do: 1. **Launch Partition Master**: First off, open the installed Partition Master software. 2. **Scan the hard drive**: On the main screen, find and select the hard drive you wanna tweak, then hit "Scan" or a similar button to search for any unallocated space. 3. **Check partitions**: The software'll show all partition info on the drive. Identify the one you wanna expand. 4. **Enlarge the partition**: Select the partition to stretch, then click "Extend" or "Resize". In the pop-up, slide the partition handle right to grab the unallocated space, or type in the new partition size directly. 5. **Confirm changes**: Review your adjustments, make sure they're right, then hit "Apply" or "OK" to do the thing. The program'll ask you to confirm; say yes to kick off the partition tweak. 6. **Sit tight**: The partition process could take a while, especially with big drives. Don't rush it or abruptly shut down your PC or mess with the process. 7. **Finish up and reboot**: Once done, the software'll likely tell you to restart your computer for the changes to kick in. After rebooting, check Disk Management to confirm the partition's successfully grown. Keep in mind, different Partition Master tools might have different looks and steps, but the basic流程's the same. Always back up crucial data to avoid any accidents during the process.

1. Right-click on the problematic partition.
2. Go to Advanced options.
3. Click Set as active partition.
4. Finish.

This should make the partition active, and allow you to format it.