4 Tools to Perform Low-Level Formatting on a Disk in Windows 11

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Linda 

Written by

Tracy King 

Updated on April 19, 2024

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4 Tools to Low-Level Format Disk in Windows 11

You might be hearing the term "low-level formatting" for the first time, but professionals have been using it for ages. In certain situations where you need to permanently erase data and ensure that no one else can recover it, low-level formatting becomes essential.

If you're selling your computer, mobile, or tablet and have sensitive data, simply formatting it will only remove it from view, leaving it susceptible to recovery. However, a low-level format will ensure it's gone forever.

What is Low-Level Format (LLF)?

Low-level formatting is the next stage in a standard formatting process. In a standard format, the data is merely hidden from view, and it can be recovered at any time using recovery software like Data Recovery Tool. However, if you wish to permanently destroy your data and prevent anyone else from accessing or recovering it, low-level formatting becomes useful in such scenarios.

Low-level formatting first formats the disk drive. It then fills the remaining space with zero values, causing the data to be deleted permanently.

You can perform low-level formatting on your HDD, SSD, USB, and other storage devices.

How to Perform a Low-Level Format on a Disk in Windows 11?

Option 1: Utilize Partition Manager Tools

If you wish to safeguard your data from any recovery risks, the tools Partition Manager can assist you. tools Partition Manager is a premium low-level formatting utility.

Step 1. Right-click the hard drive partition and choose the "Format" option.

Step 2. In the new window, set the Partition label, File system, and Cluster size for the partition, then click "OK".

Step 3. A warning window will appear; click "Yes" to proceed.

Step 4. Click the "Execute 1 Task(s)" button, and then click "Apply" to begin formatting the hard drive partition.

Its main features are:

Automatic Low-Level Formatting: This easy-to-use and convenient tool can create actual sectors, cylinders, tracks, and control structures for your low-level formatting automatically.

OS Migration: This tool's usage isn't restricted to just formatting. You can also transfer your operating system from any storage device to the SSD. This migration can significantly enhance your Windows' boot and processing speed, making your PC run more smoothly.

Other Partition Modifications: Aside from formatting, you can also adjust the settings of your partitions. This utility enables you to create additional partitions, manage their storage capacity, clone a partition, and perform a disk speed test.

User-Friendly: Low-level formatting and other technical terms might appear daunting to some individuals. However, the partition manager software simplifies these complexities. The tool boasts an exceptionally user-friendly interface, making it effortless to navigate. Even if you're using it for the first time, you won't feel overwhelmed or confused.

24/7 Assistance: Should you encounter any issues while using this tool, their technical support team is available around the clock to assist you.

Option 2. Use HDDGURU

HDD LLF (Low-Level Format) is one of the most commonly used and highly regarded applications for low-level formatting of hard disks. This utility employs encryption in the process of zero-filling an SSD, which entails reinitializing the drive to its factory settings by writing a 0-byte value to every address on the disk. Consequently, all sectors are erased, and any data stored on them is permanently destroyed.

Here's how you can do it:

Step 1. Download HDD Guru from their official website and install it on your computer.

Step 2. Start the HDD LLF program on the Guru.

Step 3. Select the partition or drive you want to low-level format and press the continue button.

Step 4. Now, click on the "Low-Level Format" tab in the middle and select "Format this device" to start the formatting process.

Allow the application to do its thing, and within a few seconds, your HDD, SSD, or USB drive will be low-level formatted.

Option 3: Use USB Low-Level Format

USB low-level format is also one of the simplest tools available on the market to perform a low-level format on your HDD, SSD, or USB drives. Best of all, it's offered for free. Here's how you can use it:

Step 1. Download and install USB low-level format from their website.

Step 2. Run it after installation and start selecting your specifics.

Step 3. Firstly, select the storage device you wish to low-level format from the top.

Step 4. Then, choose the formatting algorithm and press Enter.

The formatting will begin, and you'll have a clean and secure storage drive shortly.

Option 4. Use Diskpart

If you're familiar with computer software and don't want to install third-party tools, DiskPart can be a suitable option for you. Here's how you can use DiskPart to low-level format your drive:

< strong >Step 1. Press < strong >Win+R, type < strong >CMD, and then press Enter.

Click the Start menu, type "cmd" in the search box, and press Enter.

Step 2. Type diskpart in the command prompt and press Enter.

Step 3. In the next CMD window, type list disk and press Enter.

Step 4. You'll see a list of disks; select the one you want to format.

Step 5. When the disk is selected, type clean all and press Enter.

These languages translate to English as:

Once you've entered all the commands, sit back and relax because the process might take a few minutes to finish. When the formatting process is done, type in the following commands one by one and press Enter after each:

1. create partition primary (Press Enter)
2. format fs=ntfs quick (Press Enter)
3. assign (Press Enter)

The whole process is completed.

Conclusion

Low-level formatting is an incredibly useful and necessary process if you want to ensure that your sensitive data cannot be recovered or accessed by anyone. Lastly, for a hassle-free experience, utilize a Partition Manager tool to handle everything for you. It's the quickest, simplest, and most convenient way to perform low-level formatting.

Aside from those, there are also some free tools available in the market. However, their functionality is limited compared to partition management tools.

Furthermore, low-level formatting is a completely safe procedure for your drive and won't cause any harm to it. Just ensure that you do not format any crucial data.