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What to do if you are Unable to Format External Hard Drive
See other ways to format your external hard drive
6 min. read
Updated onApril 11, 2024
updated onApril 11, 2024
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Some Windows users reported to us that theirexternal HDDwon’t format. If you also experience the same issue, we would gladly help you with this post.
The external HDD won’t format problem is normally accompanied by the ‘Windows was unable to complete format’ error prompt. As a result of this, the format process is either halted or incomplete.
There are several reasons why the external HDD won’t format problem may occur; this includes:
How do I do if the external hard drive won’t format?
1. Scan the external HDD for malware
Malware and viruses can cause external HDD format issues. Therefore, you shouldscan the external hard drivefor potential malware or viruses.
In order to scan the external hard drive, you can use Windows’ built-in antivirus i.e. Windows Defender, or third-party antivirus programs.
Here’s how to scan your external hard drive for viruses:
Alternatively, you can use a third-party option, such asESET HOME Security Essential. This is one of thebest antivirus in 2023for Windows PCs because it can scan your external hard drive and protect your whole PC against all threats without slowing down your device.
It can also remove threats while preserving your data. Once the scan and removal processes are done, you will be able to safely open your files.
Moreover, ESET HOME Security Essential acts as aweb-filtering antivirus softwarewhen you share your PC with multiple people. It can help you set browsing permissions so no other users can access harmful websites.
⇒Get ESET HOME Security
2. Use third-party tools
Saving the best for the last, there are severalthird-party toolsout there which you can use to format your external HDD without stress. Therefore, you can try out any of them in order to resolve the external HDD won’t format problem.
Dedicatedpartition format softwareare safe to use and do not require expert-level knowledge from users.
Besides allowing you to format your partitions, they come with additional features that let you merge/split, resize or create new partitions.
They include instructions along each step of the formatting process to ensure you know exactly what happens and you get the results you are looking for.
3. Run a SFC scan
Corrupt system files can also cause external HDD format problems. Therefore, you can use SFC (System File Checker) utility tool, which scans the system files to check for integrity file violations for systematic resolution.
4. Run CHKDSK
CHKDSK can also be used to solve the external HDD won’t format problem. This is because CHKDSK cleans updisk-relatederrors from your drive.
Note: Ensure you type in the external drive letter in the second step above. Sometimes, the letter might be F, G, or any alphabet.
5. Install the latest updates
Outdated BIOS and hardware drivers can cause external HDD won’t format problems. So, therefore, it is essential that you update your PC so as to resolve the issue.
Besides, Windows updates can fix many Windows OS issues, especially any external HDD-related issue.
6. Use Diskpart
Follow these steps to use Diskpart:
Some Windows users reported that they fixed the external HDD won’t format problems simply by using Diskpart. On the other hand, Diskpart is a utility tool that can be used to format the external hard drive. However, before accessing Diskpart, you need to use the Command Prompt.
7. Run the Disk management tool
Another workaround applicable in resolving the external HDD won’t format problem is by using disk management. This tool formats and restores the default drive settings, enabling you to format your external hard drive once and for all.
In conclusion, we do hope that any of the solutions we mentioned above helped you to fix the external drive without a format problem. However, if you still experience the problem, you can use an enclosure with a SATA cable for the external HDD before you proceed with the format process.
Now that you know how to fix this issue, check our guide on how to properlyformat PS4 hard drive on Windows 11.
If you have any questions or comments regarding any of the solutions we mentioned above or you experience technical issues with your Windows PC, feel free to comment below.
More about the topics:external hard drive,Fix Hard Drive issues,windows 10 fix
Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Passionate about all elements related to Windows and combined with his innate curiosity, Ivan has delved deep into understanding this operating system, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
When he’s not tackling diverse driver-related problems, Ivan enjoys watching good movies and spending time hiking with his family and friends.
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Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Ivan has delved deep into understanding the Windows OS, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
