How to Format an External Hard Drive Without Losing Data

Updated by

Sherly 

Written by

Linda 

Updated on April 22, 2024

External hard drives have become indispensable tools for storing vast quantities of data, ranging from cherished memories and crucial work documents to extensive entertainment libraries. As the digital landscape evolves, so do our requirements, and there may arise various reasons for formatting an external hard drive.

Whether you're aiming to enhance your storage capacity, transition to a new file system, or resolve performance concerns, the process of formatting can seem intimidating. This is particularly true when you're worried about losing all your precious data. However, there's no need to worry! This comprehensive guide will introduce you to tools that will navigate you through the complexities of formatting an external hard drive without compromising your data.

How to Format an External Hard Drive Without Losing Data - 4 Methods

This section will delve into four efficient methods to reformat an external hard drive without data loss. Each method is tailored to different circumstances and user preferences, ensuring that you can choose the most appropriate one for your requirements.

Understanding these methods will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to format an external hard drive without losing data. To facilitate your understanding, we have divided the entire process into three stages:

Phase 1: Create a Backup of the External Hard Drive

Before proceeding with the formatting process, it is crucial to create a full backup of your external hard drive to ensure the safety of your valuable data. Backing up an external hard drive to another external hard drive is an extremely effective method for protecting your files and settings during formatting.

Phase 2: Format the External Hard Drive

We will explore four methods to assist you in formatting your external hard drive. These methods encompass utilizing Windows' built-in utilities as well as third-party software. Here's a comparison table for all four approaches to aid you in selecting the most suitable one for your needs:

Way 1. Format an External Hard Drive via Tools - Partition Master

Tools Partition Master is an all-encompassing disk management solution. It empowers users to effortlessly manage their hard drives and partitions, making it an essential tool in the digital world. Compared to other approaches to formatting an external hard drive, Tools Partition Master offers several notable advantages. Its user-friendly interface and step-by-step instructions ensure ease of use for users of varying proficiency levels.

Here's how to format an external hard drive using Partition Master:

Step 1. Launch AOMEI Partition Assistant. Right-click the partition on your external hard drive/USB/SD card that you wish to format and select "Format".

Step 2. Assign a new partition label, file system (NTFS/FAT32/EXT2/EXT3/EXT4/exFAT), and cluster size to the selected partition, then click "OK".

Step 3. In the Warning window, click "Yes" to continue.

Step 4. Click the "Execute 1 Task(s)" button in the top-left corner to review the changes, and then click "Apply" to begin formatting your external hard drive, USB, or SD card.

Key Features of Partition Master Tool: 1. Disk Partition Management: Enables users to create, delete, format, and resize partitions on their hard drives efficiently. 2. Extend Partition: Allows users to extend the size of a partition, especially the system drive, without losing data. 3. Resize/Move Partition: Lets users adjust the size and location of partitions to optimize disk usage and allocate free space. 4. Copy Partition/Disk: Provides a feature to clone or copy a partition or entire hard disk for backup or migration purposes. 5. MBR/GPT Disk Conversion: Supports converting between Master Boot Record (MBR) and GUID Partition Table (GPT) disks, enabling compatibility with different operating systems. 6. Check File System: Helps in detecting and repairing file system errors on partitions to ensure data integrity. 7. Hide/Unhide Partition: Allows users to hide or unhide partitions for security or management purposes. 8. Set Active Partition: Enables users to mark a partition as active, which is necessary for booting an operating system. 9. Disk Surface Test: Conducts a thorough scan of the hard disk to detect bad sectors and assess its overall health. 10. Bootable CD/DVD/USB: Offers the option to create a bootable media for managing partitions outside of Windows or in case of system failure. 11. User-friendly Interface: Features a simple and intuitive interface that makes it easy for both beginners and advanced users to navigate and perform operations. 12. Data Protection: Ensures data safety during partition operations with a built-in data protection mechanism. 13. Multi-language Support: Available in multiple languages to cater to a global user base. 14. Compatibility: Works seamlessly with various Windows operating systems, including Windows 10, 8, 7, Vista, and XP. 15. Free and Pro Versions: Offers both a free version for basic partition management and a pro version with additional advanced features.

• Partition Resizing: Easily adjust the size of your partitions without data loss, enabling you to create more space for new data or resize partitions in Windows.
• Partition Merging: Want to create a new partition by combining multiple partitions? Partition Master tool allows you to merge partitions without the risk of data loss.
• Convert NTFS to FAT32: Change the File System of the Hard drive without losing any data.
• Drive Speed Test: Effortlessly test the speed of external hard drives and obtain accurate and detailed results.

Suppose you're searching for a dependable, user-friendly, and feature-rich solution to format your external hard drive without the risk of data loss. In that case, tools Partition Master is undoubtedly the preferred option. Its extensive backup capabilities, efficient formatting process, and additional disk management functions offer unparalleled convenience and data protection.

Method 2: Format an External Hard Drive via File Explorer

Formatting an external hard drive through File Explorer is a simple and user-friendly method. By leveraging the built-in features of your operating system, you can easily format your external drive without the need for any additional third-party software. Here's how to proceed:

Step 1: Ensure that your drive is properly connected to your computer. Access File Explorer on your Windows computer by pressing the "Windows + E" keys. Your connected external hard drive should be listed under "This PC" or "Computer" in the left navigation pane.

Tap on "This PC".

Step 2: Right-click on the icon representing your external hard drive and select "Format" from the context menu. A formatting window will then appear, allowing you to choose the file system (such as NTFS, exFAT, or FAT32) and allocation unit size.

Step 3: You'll have the option to choose between a quick format or a full format. Once you've made your selection, double-check your choices. When you're prepared to continue, click "Start" to commence the formatting process.

Step 4: A warning message will appear, informing you that all data on the external hard drive will be deleted. Confirm this action to begin the format. The formatting process will commence and will take some time to complete.

Method 3: Format an External Hard Drive via Disk Management

Another method to format an external hard drive is through Disk Management. It offers a native and efficient solution for Windows users to format their storage devices. Disk Management is a built-in tool that enables you to manage disks and partitions, providing more advanced options compared to the File Explorer method. Here's how to format your external hard drive using Disk Management:

Step 1: After connecting your external hard disk, press the Windows key + X on your keyboard and choose "Disk Management" from the context menu that appears. In Disk Management, you'll see a list of all connected storage devices. Locate your external hard drive in the list; it will be identified by the drive letter assigned to it along with its capacity.

Step 2: Right-click on the partition that represents your external hard drive, and from the context menu, choose "Format." In the Format dialog box, specify the file system you want to use (such as NTFS, exFAT, or FAT32) and the allocation unit size. By default, Disk Management performs a quick format, which is quicker but less comprehensive.

Step 3: Deselect the "Perform a quick format" option to ensure a thorough data wipe. Then, click "OK" to initiate the formatting process and confirm any warnings to format your external hard drive.

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Method 4: Format an External Hard Drive via Command Prompt

You can also format the external hard drive using Command Prompt, which provides an advanced and versatile method for power users to format their storage devices. Command Prompt enables more precise control over the formatting process and offers additional parameters not available through other methods.

However, exercise caution when using Command Prompt, as incorrect commands can result in data loss. Please follow these steps meticulously:

Step 1: After connecting the external hard drive to your PC, press the Windows key and type Command Prompt in the search bar. Then, right-click "Command Prompt" from the search results and choose "Run as administrator."

Step 2: Type the diskpart command in the Command Prompt window and hit Enter. Next, execute the list disk command to view a list of all connected disks on your computer. Afterwards, select the target disk using the select disk X command. Here, "X" represents the disk number of your external hard drive.

Step 3: Use the command clean to erase all partitions and data on the external hard drive. Following that, utilize the command create partition primary to create a new primary partition on the disk. Next, input format fs=NTFS quick to format the freshly created partition with the NTFS file system.

Step 4: If the partition doesn't automatically get a drive letter, use the command assign to assign a letter (like E:). Finally, type exit and press Enter to quit the DiskPart utility.

Phase 3: Recover the Data from the Backup

Upon successfully formatting your external hard drive without data loss using any of the four methods outlined previously, the final stage is to retrieve the data from the backup you created. This step is vital to restore your files, documents, photographs, and other valuable content back to the external hard drive.

If you wish to delve deeper into the subject of formatting an external hard drive, the following links might cater to your needs:

What Are the Reasons for Formatting an External Hard Drive There could be several reasons why you might need to format an external hard drive. Here are some common ones: 1. **Initial Setup:** When you purchase a new external hard drive, it often comes unformatted. Formatting is necessary to create a new file system and prepare it for use with your computer. 2. **File System Compatibility:** If you're using the hard drive across different operating systems (like Windows, macOS, or Linux), you may need to format it to a compatible file system like exFAT or NTFS. 3. **Error Correction:** If the hard drive has bad sectors or other errors that cause data loss or corruption, formatting can sometimes resolve the issue. 4. **Removing Viruses/Malware:** Formatting can help eliminate any viruses or malware that might have infected the drive, ensuring a clean slate. 5. **Improving Performance:** Over time, the drive may accumulate unnecessary files and fragments, which can slow it down. Formatting can help improve its performance by wiping the drive clean and starting fresh. 6. **Creating Partitions:** You might format an external hard drive to create multiple partitions, allowing you to store different types of data separately. 7. **Data Backup and Restoration:** Before making significant changes or upgrading your system, you might format the external drive to backup your data. Afterward, you can restore the data once the process is complete. Remember that formatting will erase all data on the hard drive, so ensure you back up any important files before proceeding.

There can be several reasons why formatting an external hard drive might be necessary. Whether you're faced with technical difficulties or seeking to optimize your storage, formatting can prove to be a practical solution. Here are some common scenarios that might lead users to format their external hard drives:

• Incompatible File System: Different operating systems and devices often require specific file systems to function correctly. If your external hard drive's current file system is not compatible with the device you want to use it on, formatting it to the appropriate file system becomes necessary for smooth compatibility.
• Infection of Virus or Malware: External hard drives can be vulnerable to malware and virus infections, especially when used across multiple computers. If your external drive gets infected, formatting is essential to eliminate the malicious software and prevent further spread to other devices.
• External Hard Drive Malfunction: External hard drives might encounter technical issues or data corruption that affect their proper operation over time. Formatting the drive can sometimes fix these problems, restoring it to a functional state.
• Raw External Hard Drive: An external hard drive might sometimes become "RAW," indicating an unrecognized or damaged file system. In such instances, formatting the drive can reconstruct the file system and render it usable once again.

Conclusion

This extensive article delves into the vital knowledge and techniques for formatting an external hard drive without compromising data. We initially stressed the significance of backing up your data prior to formatting, a step that guarantees the safety of your precious files and avoids data loss. Furthermore, formatting an external hard drive may be essential to tackle various storage-related issues. By grasping the reasons behind formatting and employing the suitable method, you can enhance your storage device's performance and guarantee compatibility with diverse systems.

For the optimal and most user-friendly experience, we recommend utilizing the Partition Master tool for formatting your external hard drive. This utility not only simplifies the formatting process but also guarantees a safe backup of your data prior to formatting. To fully harness the capabilities of Partition Master, we encourage you to download it and effectively manage your storage devices with its various features.

Frequently Asked Questions About Formatting an External Hard Drive Without Losing Data

If you still have questions or need more information on how to format an external hard drive without losing data, we've gathered some frequently asked questions below to address your concerns.

< strong > 1. How long does it take to format an external hard drive?

The time needed to format an external hard drive varies based on several factors, including the size of the drive, the formatting method (quick format or full format), and the speed of your computer. A quick format usually takes just a few seconds to a few minutes, whereas a full format can be notably lengthier, ranging from several minutes to several hours for larger drives.

2. Should I format the external hard drive to NTFS or exFAT?

The choice between formatting to NTFS or exFAT relies on your specific requirements. NTFS is suitable for Windows computers and supports larger individual file sizes, along with advanced security features.

On the other hand, exFAT is more compatible with a wider range of devices, including Windows, macOS, and some modern gaming consoles. If you intend to use the external hard drive on multiple devices and frequently transfer large files, exFAT might be the more suitable choice.

< strong >3. How to convert FAT32 to NTFS without losing data?

To prevent data loss while formatting a FAT32 partition to NTFS, you will need to utilize tools like Partition Master. Here's how you can convert FAT32 to NTFS:

Step 1: Launch AOMEI Partition Assistant after installation and select the target partition. Right-click on it and choose "FAT32 to NTFS" from the "Advanced" options.

Step 2: Click "Proceed" on the pop-up box to continue. Then, tap "Apply" to initiate the conversion process.