How To Format a Hard Drive on Windows 11 ?

We all know about formatting. But did you know that you must first format the external hard drive if you want to transfer files from your MacBook to a Windows 11 PC or vice versa?

A few days back, Microsoft launched its new Windows 11 operating system. However, with this update, the realization of Microsoft’s one of the big dreams is to have a single Windows that can run across all its platforms that overrule the market.

Well, this seems to be true, as it started dominating the market just after the launch. So, you can easily consider how great this new update is. Anyway, we are not here to talk about Windows 11. So, because we are here today, let’s talk about it. Today, we are here to help you guys who found it challenging to format their hard drives after upgrading their PCs to Windows 11. So, let’s get started.

Also Read- How to Reset Windows 11 to Default Factory Settings

Multiple Ways to Format Hard Drive on Windows 11

Various methods are available, but the method discussed here is the most authentic and safe, so you do not need to worry about that. Therefore, why are we wasting time talking? Let’s get started.

Method 1: Use File Explorer

You can use File Explorer to do this. Guess what? It is the easiest way that we have for you. Therefore, in case you don’t know how to do this, follow the steps we have mentioned below: 

1. First of all, connect your hard drive to your Windows 11 PC. 
2. Then, launch the File Explorer and click on This PC option from the left side of the screen.
3. After that, right-click on the device you have connected to or internal drive and hit the Format button from the open context menu.
4. Now, the Format dialog box will appear on your screen; therefore, you need to hit the Start button simply.

That’s it. Wait until the formatting is complete. Once it is, unplug your hard drive and use it as you wish.

Method 2: Use Storage Settings

You might have heard about this method, but anyway, in case you don’t know about this, simply follow the steps we have mentioned below: 

1. Initially, press the Win+I key altogether to open the Windows settings app.
2. Now, click on the System tab, and from the right-hand side, click on the Storage option.
3. After that, locate and click on the Advanced Storage Settings.
4. Now, the Advanced storage settings section is expanded. From that section, select the Disks & Volume option.
5. Then, a list of the connected devices will be opened on the next page. So, click on the device you want to format and select the properties option.
6. After that, you must scroll down a bit, locate the format button, and click on it.
7. A format dialog box will appear; you must hit the Format button again. 

That’s it. Depending on the size of the device you started formatting, wait a few minutes before using it.

Method 3: Use Disk Management 

Many of you may not be familiar with this method. But yes, you can use the disk management feature of your Windows 11 PC to format your hard drive. Don’t worry if you don’t know the necessary steps to use the disk management feature; we have mentioned all the steps below. So, follow them carefully.

1. Firstly, press the Win+R and enter diskmgmt.msc to open the disk management window.
2. After that, you’ll notice all the connected drives to your PC. 
3. Now, locate the drive you want to format, right-click on it, and tap on Format Option.
4. After that, the Format dialog box will appear on your screen. Again, you can simply need to press the Ok button. Then, if a confirmation window is prompted, hit the Ok button to initiate the formatting process.

That’s it. Wait for the process to be completed, and then use your hard drive as you wish.

These are some ways to format your hard drive on your Windows 11 PC. We hope that this informative article has helped you. If none of the methods work for you, comment below about the problems you encounter while performing them. If you are a new visitor and have landed on our page for the first time, please check out our other informational guide.