How to Format an NVMe SSD in Windows 10/11 [Complete Guide]

Key points

This article will show you how to format an NVMe SSD using Disk Management, the Command Prompt, and Partition Master (an Lifewire recommended tool) on Windows 10 or 11.

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Things to Do Before Formatting NVMe SSD
How to Format NVMe SSD in Windows 10/11
After Formatting - Enable TRIM for Optimal SSD Performance

Can you format an NVMe SSD?

Sure, let's list some common reasons for formatting an NVMe SSD.

There are two main reasons to format an NVMe SSD (solid-state drive). First, for compatibility. Many devices, such as smartphones and tablets, use a different file system than traditional hard drives. As a result, they may not be able to read data from an NVMe SSD that uses a different file system. By formatting the drive, you ensure that your device can read the data on the drive.

The second reason people format an NVMe SSD is for performance reasons. When you format a drive, you're resetting it to its factory settings. This can help speed up and improve your computer's efficiency by removing any unnecessary files or programs that might be taking up space on the drive.

Recommended reading: Format hard drive from BIOS in Windows 10

**Checklist Before Formatting an NVMe SSD** Before formatting your NVMe SSD (Non-Volatile Memory Express Solid State Drive), make sure to: 1. **Back up data**: Ensure that all important files and data are backed up. Formatting will permanently delete everything on the drive, so a complete backup is crucial before starting. 2. **Choose a file system**: Decide on the type of file system to use on the SSD, such as FAT32, NTFS, exFAT, or Linux's EXT4, among others. Windows typically recommends using NTFS. 3. **Check drive health**: Use a hard drive diagnostic tool to assess the NVMe SSD's status and confirm there are no hardware issues. Address any problems found before proceeding with formatting. 4. **Update firmware**: Check and ensure that the SSD's firmware is up to date. Manufacturers often provide firmware updates for improved performance and stability. 5. **Disable quick format**: When formatting, uncheck the "quick format" option unless you're certain the drive has no issues. This will perform a full format, checking every sector of the hard drive. 6. **Create a recovery drive** (if using Windows): Create a system recovery drive to restore the operating system if needed after formatting. 7. **Disable Secure Boot and TPM** (optional): If you plan to install an OS that doesn't support Secure Boot or need to change security settings, you may temporarily disable these features. 8. **Assign a drive letter**: Consider assigning a suitable drive letter to the new NVMe SSD to avoid conflicts with existing drives. 9. **Plan partition layout**: Decide whether you need multiple partitions and their sizes. For most users, one primary partition is adequate. 10. **Prepare for OS installation**: Make sure you have the installation media for the operating system (e.g., an installation CD or USB drive) and familiarize yourself with the installation process. Once these tasks are completed, you can safely format your NVMe SSD and prepare to start your new usage experience.

#1. Back up important data

Before formatting an NVMe SSD, it's crucial to back up any important data stored on the drive. This may include personal files, applications, and operating system settings. One way to back up your data is by using a free backup software that supports NVMe drives. Alternatively, you can copy the data to a separate storage location, such as an external hard drive or a cloud storage service. Once the backup is complete, you can safely erase the data on the NVMe SSD without the risk of losing any essential information.

#2. Select Quick Format and Full Format

A quick format removes the files and folders from the drive, while a full format writes zeros over the existing data, making it more difficult to recover lost files. As such, a quick format is usually sufficient for most users. However, if you're concerned about sensitive data falling into the wrong hands, a full format may be a better option. Remember, a quick format is a fast and easy way to refresh a drive, but it's not as effective at protecting your data as a full format.

How to Format an NVMe SSD on Windows 10/11

There are three ways to format an NVMe SSD, and you can choose the one that suits you best. If you're not familiar with disk management or command lines, we recommend the first method, which involves three straightforward steps.

#1. Format NVMe with Partition Master Tool
#2. Format NVMe in Windows 10 Disk Management
#3. How to Format NVMe SSD in BIOS

#1. Format NVMe with Partition Master Tool

AOMEI Partition Assistant is a reliable and free SSD formatting tool that can help you format an SSD drive effectively. It's user-friendly and only takes a few steps to complete the formatting process of an SSD drive. This tool also easily allows you to adjust, move, split, merge, create, delete, and convert partitions on an SSD drive.

In addition, the Partition Master tool offers other useful features, such as disk/partition cloning and dynamic disk management. Partition Master Free is an excellent tool to help you manage your SSD drive better.

Step 1: Run Partition Master, right click the hard drive partition 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 "Allocation unit size", then click "OK".

Step 3: A warning message will appear. Click “Yes” to proceed.

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

#2. Format NVMe for Windows 10 Using Disk Management

Format an NVMe drive:

1. Right-click the "Start" icon and select "Disk Management".

2. Select the hard drive you want to format. Right-click on it, then select “Format.”

3. Choose a compatible file system format.

4. Check Quick Format.

5. Click “OK.”

Format NVMe for Windows 10 installation:

1. Open Disk Management and find your NVMe drive.

2. Right-click on the “Disk,” and select “Initialize Disk” (as MBR).

3. Right-click the partition, and click Format.

4. In the popup window, select the File System and click OK.

#3. How to Format an NVMe SSD in BIOS

1. Boot your computer from the Windows installation media.

2. In the Windows Settings window, click Repair your computer.

3. Go to Troubleshoot > Command Prompt.

4. Enter the command:

Disk Partition Utility

Playlist volume

Select Partition X (where X is your partition number)

Format the disk as NTFS file system: format fs=ntfs quick
Or
Format the disk as FAT32 file system: format fs=fat32 quick

allocate; assign; appoint

Exit

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Formatted - Optimizing SSD Performance with TRIM

1. Open the Windows search menu and type "Defragment and Optimize Drives" in the box.

2. Once the "Optimize Drives" window appears, select your SSD and click on the "Optimize" button.

FAQs on Formatting NVMe SSD on Windows 10/11 1. What is an NVMe SSD? NVMe (Non-Volatile Memory Express) is a high-speed interface standard used to connect solid-state drives (SSDs) to computer systems, enhancing data transfer speed and performance. 2. How can I detect an NVMe SSD in Windows 10/11? You can detect an NVMe SSD using the "Disk Management" tool. Press Win + X, choose "Disk Management," and then look for the NVMe SSD in the listed disks. 3. Why do I need to format an NVMe SSD? Formatting an NVMe SSD may be necessary for new purchases, erasing all data, changing file systems, or resolving drive issues. It clears all data and prepares the disk for a new OS installation or data storage. 4. How do I format an NVMe SSD in Windows 10/11? - Access "Disk Management." - Locate the NVMe SSD you want to format, right-click it, and select "Format." - Choose a file system (e.g., NTFS), allocation unit size, and check "Quick Format" (recommended unless there's a specific reason not to). - Click "OK," confirm the warning, and start the formatting process. 5. Does formatting delete all data? Yes, formatting will erase all data from the NVMe SSD. Make sure to back up important files beforehand. 6. What file systems does an NVMe SSD support? Common file systems supported by Windows 10/11 include NTFS, FAT32, and exFAT. For most purposes, NTFS is recommended. 7. Will formatting slow down my NVMe SSD? Formatting itself should not affect the NVMe SSD's speed. However, choosing a different file system or altering other settings might impact performance. 8. What if I encounter issues during formatting? If issues arise, ensure the disk isn't in use by another program and check the drive's health. Try using Windows' "Check Disk" tool or a third-party disk repair utility if needed. 9. Can I convert an NVMe SSD from MBR to GPT? Yes, you can convert an NVMe SSD from Master Boot Record (MBR) to GUID Partition Table (GPT) using disk partition tools like Diskpart or third-party software for UEFI-compatible OS installations. 10. How can I recover lost data after formatting? Data recovery software can help restore files after formatting, but success depends on whether the data has been overwritten. Perform a scan with professional software as soon as possible to increase the chances of successful recovery.

How do I format my NVMe SSD external enclosure?

Step 1. Connect the NVMe SSD enclosure to your computer using a USB cable. Press the Windows key + R, then type "diskmgmt.msc" in the Run dialog box to open Disk Management. Step 2. Locate your NVMe SSD enclosure in the list of devices. Right-click on it and select "Format."

Step 3: In the Format dialog, choose the file system (NTFS or FAT32) and allocation unit size you need, and then click Format.

How do I format my NVMe SSD to FAT32?

Step 1: Open File Explorer and select the drive you want to format.

Step 2: Right-click the drive and select “Format…”

Step 3: From the File system drop-down menu, select FAT32.

Step 4: Click the "Start" button.

Step 5: Click “OK” to confirm.

Step 6: Click OK to format the disk.

How do I erase data from an NVMe drive?

While the process of clearing data from an NVMe drive isn't complicated, it's crucial to take the time to ensure that all information is completely and irreversibly removed from the drive. The first step is to use a disk wiping tool to overwrite all information on the drive with zeros, making data recovery impossible. Once the disk wipe is complete, the drive should be reformatted to prevent any future recovery attempts.