How to format an external hard drive on windows 10​?

External hard drives have become essential tools for individuals and organizations alike. Whether you’re backing up important documents, storing massive multimedia files, or simply expanding your storage options, these drives offer convenience, portability, and capacity that make them indispensable. However, to ensure these drives function properly with your system, especially on Windows 10. they may occasionally need to be formatted.

Formatting an external hard drive serves several purposes. It prepares the drive for use with your operating system by creating a file system structure. It can also fix disk errors, remove viruses, and optimize performance. Moreover, formatting is crucial when repurposing an old drive, changing the file system (e.g., from Mac’s HFS+ to Windows’ NTFS), or setting up the drive for compatibility with different devices like gaming consoles, smart TVs, or other operating systems.

1. File Systems

Before you format a drive, you must choose the right file system. The file system determines how data is stored and accessed on the drive.

Common File Systems in Windows 10:

NTFS (New Technology File System):

Best for Windows users.

Supports large files and volumes.

Allows for file permissions and encryption.

Not natively writable on macOS.

exFAT (Extended File Allocation Table):

Cross-platform compatibility (Windows & macOS).

Good for USB drives and external drives.

No file size limitations like FAT32.

FAT32 (File Allocation Table):

Compatible with almost all devices.

4GB file size limit and 2TB volume limit.

Good for small drives or devices like cameras.

Choose NTFS if:

The drive is used only with Windows.

You need support for large files or advanced permissions.

Choose exFAT if:

You need cross-platform compatibility.

You want to transfer large files.

Choose FAT32 if:

You need broad compatibility and are dealing with smaller files.

2. Preparing for Formatting

Back Up Important Data

Formatting will erase everything on your drive. Before you proceed:

Copy files to another external drive.

Use cloud storage (e.g., OneDrive, Google Drive).

Create a full backup if the drive is a primary backup disk.

Check Drive Health (Optional)

Before formatting, it’s wise to check if the drive is in good condition:

Open Command Prompt and type:

bash

chkdsk X: /f

(Replace X with your drive letter.)

This will scan and fix minor issues.

Identify the Correct Drive

Having multiple drives connected can lead to confusion. Double-check:

Drive name and letter (e.g., “My Passport (E:)”).

Storage size to match the drive you’re about to format.

3. Method 1: Format via File Explorer 

This is the easiest and most common method.

Steps:

Connect the External Hard Drive

Plug it into a USB port. Wait for Windows 10 to recognize it.

Open File Explorer

Press Windows + E or click the folder icon on the taskbar.

Locate the Drive

Under This PC, find your external hard drive.

Right-Click and Select “Format”

A formatting window will open.

Choose File System

Select NTFS, exFAT, or FAT32.

Allocation Unit Size

Leave it at Default, unless you have specific needs.

Volume Label

Name your drive (e.g., “Backup Drive”).

Quick Format

Checked by default. Uncheck for a full format (takes longer but checks for bad sectors).

Click “Start”

Warning: You’ll get a pop-up about data loss.

Click “OK” to Confirm

Wait for Completion

You’ll receive a message: “Format Complete.”

4. Method 2: Format via Disk Management

Use this method if the drive doesn’t show up in File Explorer or you need more control.

Steps:

Open Disk Management

Right-click the Start button > Select Disk Management.

Find Your External Drive

Look for the correct Disk Number and Drive Letter.

Right-Click the Volume

Choose Format.

Set Format Options

Volume Label – Optional.

File System – Choose NTFS/exFAT/FAT32.

Allocation Unit Size – Default is fine.

Check or uncheck Perform a quick format.

Click “OK” and Confirm

Wait for the Format to Complete

Tip: If the drive is unallocated, right-click > “New Simple Volume” to initialize and format it.

5. Method 3: Format Using Command Prompt

Great for advanced users or scripting.

Steps:

Open Command Prompt as Admin

Search “cmd” > Right-click > “Run as administrator.”

Type diskpart and Press Enter

Launches Disk Partition tool.

List All Drives

bash

list disk

Select Your External Disk

bash

select disk X

(Replace X with the disk number of your external drive.)

Clean the Drive (Optional)

bash

clean

Erases all partitions (careful!).

Create a New Partition

bash

create partition primary

Format the Partition

bash

format fs=ntfs quick

Replace ntfs with exfat or fat32 as needed.

Assign Drive Letter

bash

assign

Exit DiskPart

bash

exit

6. Method 4: Use Third-Party Software

When Windows tools fail, third-party software can help:

EaseUS Partition Master

MiniTool Partition Wizard

AOMEI Partition Assistant

Why Use These?

Better UI.

More formatting options.

Useful for large drives or drives with errors.

Steps (Generic):

Download and install your preferred tool.

Launch it and select your external drive.

Choose Format Partition.

Set file system, cluster size, and label.

Apply changes.

Caution: Be sure you’re formatting the correct drive.

7. Troubleshooting Common Issues

Drive Not Recognized

Try a different USB port.

Try a different computer.

Check in Disk Management.

Format Option is Grayed Out

Drive may be write-protected.

Open Command Prompt:

bash

diskpart list disk select disk X attributes disk clear readonly

Can’t Format to FAT32

Windows limits FAT32 formatting to 32GB.

Use third-party tools like FAT32 Format to format larger drives.

“Windows was unable to complete the format”

Drive may be corrupt or have bad sectors.

Use chkdsk or a full (non-quick) format.

8. Post-Formatting Tips

Rename Your Drive

Makes identification easier.

Enable BitLocker (Optional)

For added security, encrypt your drive:

Right-click > Turn on BitLocker.

Set Up Backup Automation

Use File History or third-party tools to automatically back up files to your newly formatted drive.

Safely Eject Your Drive

Always use the “Safely Remove Hardware” option to avoid file system corruption.