How to Format an NVMe SSD on Windows 11

NVMe SSDs are significantly faster than other SATA SSDs

4 min. read

Updated onFebruary 13, 2024

updated onFebruary 13, 2024

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Key notes

To format an NVMe SSD on Windows 11 is similar to formatting any other drive, whether it’s an internal or external one, placed in an enclosure.

NVMe stands for Non-Volatile Memory Express, and it usually uses the M.2 slot for connection. NVMe SSDs are a lot faster than any SATA SSD but have a shorter lifespan.

Can you format an NVMe SSD? Of course, you can, and it’s even recommended to do so, especially if you have used it before on another system or for other purposes. As you will see below, formatting an NVMe SSD is no different then with other SSDs.

How can I format an NVMe SSD on Windows 11?

1. Using Disk Management

This is the easiest way to format an NVMe SSD in Windows 11 and the procedure is identical in Windows 10 as well.

You may alsoformat a drive that is not visibleand the highlighted guide will help you with the right instructions to do so.

2. Using Diskpart

Formatting the NVMe SSD using Command Prompt and Diskpart can be a bit more time-consuming but it does the same job.

3. Using Command Prompt

This is a much quicker way to format the NVMe SSD because Windows also recognizes the format command and it can perform the process without any other tools. However, sometimes, you may get theWindows cannot format this driveerror or encounter other related issues.

4. Use a third-party partitioning tool

As you have noticed, you can format an NVMe SSD with Windows built-in tools. However, you may also employ the help of athird party disk management softwarethat will make everything easier.

For example, one of the best disk management tools is AOMEI Partition Assistant because it includes all disk management features like resizing, merging, splitting, moving, or extending partitions.

This app can help you safely create partitions, allocate space, and manage your hard disks without losing any data.

⇒Get AOMEI Partition Assistant

How to format an NVMe SSD if it’s the system drive?

If the NVMe SSD is your system drive, you won’t be able to format it by using these methods. However, here’s how you do it:

Keep in mind that issues with NVMe can occur, and many reported thatNVMe is not showing up in BIOS, but we tackled that issue in a separate guide.

Our list of thebest formatting software for Windowswill come in handy if you need more help with that.

For any questions or suggestions, don’t hesitate to use the comments section below.

How to Format an NVMe SSD on Windows 11#

How can I format an NVMe SSD on Windows 11?#

1. Using Disk Management#

2. Using Diskpart#

3. Using Command Prompt#

4. Use a third-party partitioning tool#

How to format an NVMe SSD if it’s the system drive?#