How to format SSD: concept, formatting instruction, rules and working methods

The reasons for formatting an SSD are always different. Something could go wrong due to infection by viruses or damage to parts of the media. Or maybe it’s completely new, and this procedure is necessary in order to start using it successfully. One way or another, there are several ways to format an SSD hard drive.

This article will discuss the most basic of them.

For what?

Earlier it was said that there are many reasons for formatting SSDs. Each user may have their own unique case. However, it is also worth noting the most common options for what purpose it is necessary to format an SSD, new or old. Here is a list of them:

• in order to create markup. To be able to continue to work with the hard drive. The process is performed after the disk was first connected to the computer. If formatting fails, the SSD will not be displayed among other local media;
• complete cleaning of accumulated debris. This procedure helps to clean the device from all those files that have accumulated on it over the years of work. If Windows will be installed on the disk (for example), this will help increase the speed of the computer;
• the need to install an operating system. The best option for maximum computer performance on the new OS is to install it on a completely blank disk;
• elimination of errors and malfunctions. If the device turned out to be infected with viruses that cannot be removed, then you should resort to the formatting procedure.

What types exist?

There are currently two options for formatting SSDs on Windows 10 or another operating system. These methods are:

• quick formatting. From the name it becomes clear that such a procedure does not take a lot of time from the user. However, this form has big disadvantages. The quick option does not provide optimization. All existing files are not deleted anywhere. And in the event that any errors or malfunctions occurred in the operation of the SSD, then they will not be fixed;
• full formatting. The method helps to optimize the disk. During the complete cleaning procedure, files are completely deleted. The system is checked and all detected violations, malfunctions and errors are corrected.

Now it’s worth moving on to instructions on how to format SSDs correctly.

Work on Windows 7

This version of the operating system from Microsoft is still almost the most popular. And quite a large number of users are still working on it. Therefore, do not deprive her of attention. Here are two ways to format SSDs under Windows 7.

Simple option

In this case, only those tools that are initially installed in the operating system itself are needed. To format in this way, just follow the instructions:

• run the program "My Computer" using the shortcut or explorer;
• among the list of drives connected to the device, find the necessary SSD;
• right-click on it to open the context menu;

• among the list of actions, select "Format";
• a window will open. Before formatting an SSD, you need to set some parameters. In the event that you do not know how and what to change, just leave all the items intact;
• After setting, you can start the procedure.

Complicated Option

This method of formatting a new SSD (or old) suggests using administration. The procedure is performed as follows:

• having activated the Start menu, launch the Control Panel;
• here you need to find a section called "System and Security";
• go to "Administration" in it;

• Now double-click on the computer control point;
• in the left part of the window, find and activate the "Disk Management" paragraph;
• after opening the list, select the one you need for formatting. Right-click on it and start the corresponding process in the context menu;
• you will see the settings window again. Parameter values ​​can be changed. But if you are not sure, then just leave it as it is;
• press the start button of the procedure and just wait for it to finish.

Now let's figure out how to format SSD via BIOS.

BIOS work

To perform the formatting procedure in this way, you must resort to the help of third-party software. Among the variety of specialized programs, you can pay attention to a utility called Acronics Disk Director. Let's look at the example of formatting SSD via BIOS:

• first you need to install this software on a disk or flash drive. After that, connect the media and restart the computer;
• at system startup, quickly press the BIOS start key. It should be borne in mind that for each motherboard is its own set. But in some cases, the desired key is written on the start screen, at the very bottom;
• then you will see the BIOS program menu. Using the keyboard, find and activate a tab called Boot;
• after that, put the carrier with the installed utility in the first position. The disk to be formatted must be on the second or third line;
• Now press the F10 button. This will exit the program with all changes saved;
• then restart your computer. If all the steps described above are correctly performed, the media with the installed software will be the first to start. In this case, you can proceed to the formatting procedure;
• Select the full version of Acronics Disk Director. After opening the window, before formatting the SSD, put a marker in front of the item with manual activation;
• Next, mark the required drive;
• in the list on the left, select a formatting operation. A settings window will appear. You can leave everything as default or change as necessary;
• confirm the changes made. Click on the checkbox located in the upper pane of the window. And click on the “Proceed” button, thus starting the formatting process.

Now let's look at a way to format an SSD using the command line.

Fairly risky option

It is worth noting that formatting through the command line, as well as working with the registry editor, is a rather risky way. Making the wrong changes can cause the system to either freeze or stop working altogether. So a further example of how to format a hard drive through the command line can be implemented by you at your own peril and risk:

• press the "start" key;
• after that go to the section of all programs;
• there, open the standard applications folder and select the "Run" command;
• now enter cmd and Ok;
• After that, the command prompt window will open. Find the line that will end with the phrase format;
• here enter the letter of your disk followed by a colon. Press the enter button;
• You will be shown a warning message that all information and files will be permanently destroyed;
• You will also need to agree to the start of the formatting procedure by entering the letter Y.

Next, we’ll look at several ways to format SSDs in Windows 10.

A little bit about the procedure

It is worth noting that the methods for formatting SSDs on the latest version of the Microsoft operating system are not very different from those that were given to work on the seventh release. Next, some of the most common options for how to format on the latest version of Windows will be demonstrated.

This computer

This is the shortest and easiest way. In fact, it can be called formatting directly. This is done as follows:

• run the program "This computer". Use a shortcut or "Explorer";
• From the list of connected media, select the one you want to format. Click on it with the right mouse button;
• in the context menu that opens, select the formatting function;
• After that, the familiar settings window will open. Everything is the same here, if you are not sure, leave all the items as default;

• press the start button of the procedure and just wait for it to finish.

Drive management

Next, we’ll talk about a more sophisticated way to format SSDs. Now it will be necessary to work with the previously mentioned administration:

• through the search bar, launch the Control Panel application. Among all the elements, find the administration section;
• after the transition, find the computer control section;

• on the left, find the paragraph under the name "Disk Management." Here, find the necessary device and, having selected it, start the formatting window. Make settings and activate the procedure.

Now let's talk about how to format an SSD if it is an external drive.

Formatting an external drive

This version of the procedure is not too complicated, but involves working with disk volumes. To format SSDs in this way, you must do the following:

• through the Start menu, launch the standard programs section. There, activate "Run";
• in the appeared window enter compmgmt.msc and confirm your action;
• you will see the "Computer Management" program. In the left part, open the disk management section. Define the required disk in the pop-up routine;

• now activate the MBR and confirm the changes again;
• right-click on the media and select the function to create a new volume. The "Wizard Helper" will be activated. Click the "Next" button here;
• leave the size option on the indicator that is already standing (maximum);
• in the next step, select the letter that will be called the drive. Confirm the action and continue setting;
• a new window will open in front of you. There will be a section formatting string. Enter the drive letter in it and start the formatting process.