Formatting a hard drive wipes the slate clean. It removes all data from the drive and returns it almost to factory settings. All that remains in a format is the Windows partition as all other data is rendered unusable. If you want to format your drive in Windows 10, here is how you do it.
Partitions divide areas of a hard drive into separate chunks so it is possible to format a partition on a hard drive while leaving others on that same drive untouched. Care must be taken to always select the right partition to avoid accidental deletion!
Format a hard drive in Windows 10
Windows 10 has a built-in drive management tool that can perform a range of tasks. I find it easier to use that rather than third-party programs.
1. Right click This PC in Windows Explorer and select Manage.
2. Select Disk Management in the left pane and wait for the center pane to populate.
3. Select the disk or partition you want to format in the center pane.
4. Double check it’s the right partition!
5. Right click inside the partition and select Format.
6. Select a Volume label, name it if you want to and select a File system, NTFS is best. Then click OK.
7. Wait for the process to complete.
Important note: Formatting a hard drive is not enough to secure your personal data if you are planning on disposing of the drive. A Windows disk format only wipes the file index and not the actual files. These are left on the disk and can be recovered by someone with the right tools and knowhow, potentially exposing your personal data. If you are planning to sell or otherwise dispose of the drive, use a third party secure formatting tool.
More Windows 10 tips and tricks:
How to forget wireless network profiles in Windows 10
How to Sync Gmail and Calendar with Windows 10 Mail
How to Add or Remove OneDrive in Navigation Pane of File Explorer in Windows 10
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