Windows could not format a partition on disk 0

To help you completely get rid of the problem of «Windows could not format a partition on disk 0. The error occurred while preparing the partition selected for installation. Error code: 0x80070057», we gathered the three most effective methods for you.

What’s Error code: 0x80070057 — Windows Could Not Format a Partition on Disk 0

If you come across error code 0x80070057, it means there was a problem with your storage solution, whether it’s a hard drive or SSD. Since error code 0x80070057 is typically related to storage problems, it usually appears when you’re attempting to install a new application or run a Windows update. It’s also possible for it to appear when you upgrade to Windows 10 from an older version of Windows, like Windows 7 or 8.1.

«Windows could not format a partition on disk 0» is one of the most commonly seen errors related to the error code 0x80070057. Do you know what this error implies, or how to remove the error and continue installing the Windows operating system?

Similar Issues with «Windows Could Not Format a Partition on Disk 0»

Making an installation media, backing up all important data, you have done all the preparation job and started to reinstall Windows, but just getting stuck during the process because Windows could not format the partition while preparing the partition selected for installation? This will finally result in «Windows cannot be installed to disk 0 partition 1» error. You are not the only one. Many other users have such an unpleasant experience in Windows 10/8/7. 

Oftentimes, in different Windows versions, you may get different error messages. For example:

• Windows was unable to complete the format
• windows could not create a partition on disk 0
• Failed to format the selected partition in Windows 7
• Windows cannot format the system partition on this disk
• We couldn’t format the selected partition in Windows 8/10

Following these messages, there are different error codes like 0x80070057 or 0x8004242d. Next, let’s learn how to fix the error step by step.

How to Fix «Windows Could Not Format a Partition on Disk 0»

Quick navigation of all 3 solutions to Windows could not format a partition on disk 0:

1. Fix 1. Format partition from bootable partition manager
2. Fix 2. Format partition during Windows installation
3. Fix 3. Format partition from the command prompt

Fix 1. Format Partition Using EaseUS Bootable Partition Manager 

EaseUS Partition Master is a relaible bootable format tool that you can download and install on your PC. It can fully help you efficiently fix the ‘Windows cannot format partition on disk 0’ error in simple clicks.

With it, you can select «Create WinPE bootable disk» on the main window.  Connect the bootable USB and open EaseUS Partition Master, then follow the steps below:

Step 1. Run EaseUS Partition Master, right-click the hard drive partition you intend to format and choose «Format».

Step 2. In the new window, set the Partition label, File system (NTFS/FAT32/EXT2/EXT3/EXT4/exFAT), and Cluster size for the partition to be formatted, then click «OK».

Step 3. Then you will see a warning window, click «Yes» in it to continue.

Step 4. Click the «Execute 1 Task(s)» button to review the changes, then click «Apply» to start formatting the partition on your hard drive.

Fix 2. Format Partition During the Windows Installation Process

To fix the issue, you can first choose to delete the existing partitions, create a new partition, and continue with the formatting. 

Step 1. Boot from the Windows installation DVD, click Install Now. 

Step 2. At the setup screen, click Custom (Advanced).

Step 3. Delete all the partitions on disk 0.

Step 4. Create a new partition of the unallocated space on disk 0. 

Step 5. Select the partition to install Windows on and then continue with the install.

Sometimes, you may get the error «We couldn’t create a new partition» in step 4. When it occurs, move on and try to format the partition in Command Prompt Window or bootable partition manager to solve the problem.

Fix 3. Format Partition Using Diskpart in Command Prompt

Windows command prompt is a comprehensive and reliable method for users to solve most of the hard drive issues. To be able to format a system partition on disk 0, you must create a Windows 10 or Windows 7 installation media in advance. For example, to solve the Windows 7 could not format a partition on disk 0, you should do like this:

Step 1. Boot the computer with the Windows 7 installation USB or DVD. Instead of selecting «Install Windows 7», select «Repair Your Computer» and then select «Use Recovery Tools…»

Step 2. In the next windows, select Command Prompt (admin)

Step 3. In the command prompt, type the following command lines and press Enter after each line:

• diskpart
• list disk
• select disk 0
• clean
• create partition primary
• select partition 1
• active
• format fs=ntfs

Finally, exit the Command Prompt and try to install Windows again.

Which Way Do You Prefer to Solve the «Windows Could Not Format a Partition on Disk 0»?

This article offers three full solutions to the full error message «Windows could not format a partition on disk 0…error code 0x80070057» that you encountered during the Windows 7/8/10 installation. You can apply the solutions to solve the other similar errors like [Windows could not format the system partition on this disk], [failed to format the selected partition], [Windows could not create a partition on disk 0], etc.

The first solution is handy and direct, you can start all over to install the Windows operating system by just deleting all the partitions and create new ones. 

The second command prompt solution is effective, though it’s recognized as the most complicated method among the three. Many average users would be afraid of attempting at the first stage of creating a Windows installation media.

The final partition manager solution from third-party is relatively easier than the command prompt one, and safer than the first installation fix. You don’t have to delete all partitions nor apply the sophisticated diskpart command lines, but effortlessly fix the problem of not being able to install Windows due to the format failure procedure.

FAQs About Windows Could Not Format a Partition on Disk 0 Issue

Here in this part, we listed some hot topics that many users asked online and if you have more questions about Windows could not format a partition on Disk 0 issue, follow and find answers here:

1. How do I fix Windows 10 cannot be installed on drive 0 partitions 1?

Here is a list of solutions that you can apply to fix Windows 10 cannot be installed on drive 0 partition 1 error:

• Delete existing partitions on Disk 0 by using CMD or Disk Management.
• Convert disk 0 from GPT to MBR with reliable disk conversion software like EaseUS Partition Master.

For a detailed guide, you can refer to this page for help: Windows Cannot Be Installed to Disk 0 Partition 1. 

2. Why Windows cannot be installed to disk 0 partition 1?

Mostly, when you come up with the ‘Windows cannot e installed to Disk 0 Partition 1’ error while installing Windows, the main reason is the target computer is not set with UEFI boot mode, but the disk is bigger than 2TB. When this issue comes up on your PC, the best solution is to convert the target disk 0 from MBR to GPT. You can follow this guide to convert MBR to GPT in simple clicks. 

3. How do I fix Windows could not format?

Multiple reasons can result in the ‘Windows could not format’ issue. You can turn to the following listed methods to fix this issue:

• Use format software like EaseUS Partition Master to complete the format.
• Use CMD to format.
• Use Disk Management to format.
• Scan and clear malware or viruses.

For more details, you can refer to this page for help: 7 Fixes for Windows Was Unable to Complete the Format. 

Trying to install Windows but receive an error message saying that Windows was unable to format a partition on disk 0? To go through the installation process smoothly, you can try on the 3 formatting solutions explained in this article as well as more suggestions that have been proved useful by some users.

We Receive Error 0x80070057 When Trying to Reinstall Windows 7

Sometimes we need to reinstall Windows 7. Then we should first of all prepare an installation media, back up important data on the local drive, and then reinstall Windows 7. If the process is successful then naturally we have solved the problem smoothly. Unfortunately, there are times we get stuck during the process. The following error message which reads: «Windows could not format a partition on disk 0. The error occurred while preparing the partition selected for installation. Error code: 0x80070057» may appear…

Another possible error code that can occur is:»

Failed to format the selected partition. Error: 0x80070057«.

In fact, this is a very common error that can occur to anyone of us. After searching the internet, we find this problem is all over the internet. Below is a typical example:

«Hey everybody, I am trying to do a clean install of windows 7 onto my laptop, and I keep getting the error, «windows could not format a partition on disk 0. The error occurred while preparing the partition selected for installation. Error code: 0x80070057″. I have reformatted the hard drive and tried clicking next from there. This is the 64-bit version of windows 7, any help would be grateful.»— from sevenforums

Have you ever encountered this problem? Are you troubled by this error code now? What caused this error? And what should we do to address this problem? Let’s see the details.

Solutions to «Windows Could Not Format a Partition on Disk 0»

Solution 1: Format Partition under Startup Mode

Since Windows could not format a partition on disk 0 and sends out error code 0x80070057, we have to find other reliable ways to do this job. For example, we can turn to MiniTool Partition Wizard Bootable Edition for help. The reason why we list it here as top recommendation is that this tool is rather user-friendly to use for Windows 7/8/10 users. Please note that this is a paid feature in Partition Wizard, and you need to buy a license if you do not have one to activate this feature.

Preparatory work:

• Build Boot CD/DVD Discs and Boot Flash Drive with Bootable Media Builder.
• Set computer to boot from the bootable media in BIOS.
• Boot computer to enter MiniTool Partition Wizard.

Step 1. On the main interface of MiniTool Partition Wizard, click the partition that you are installing Windows 7 to and select «Format Partition«.

Step 2. Confirm that you want to continue and hit «Apply» on the toolbar.

Now you can exit MiniTool Partition Wizard, disconnect the bootable media of Partition Wizard, and then try to reinstall Windows 7 once again.

Solution 2: Format Partition in Command Prompt Window

Windows command prompt is a rather reliable method when you need to format a partition. But to format system partition, you will need the help of Windows installation disk. Here is how you can do this:

Step 1. Boot the computer with windows 7 installation DVD, then instead of selecting «Install Windows 7«, select «Repair Your Computer» and then select «Use Recovery Tools…«;

Step 2. In the next window select «Command Prompt«;

Step 3. Type «diskpart«. This may take some time for it to pop up and it will ask you for Administrative privileges. Go ahead and click «Yes«;

Step 4. Type «list disk«. It will show a list of disks;

Step 5. Type «select disk [n]» to select your disk out of the list above. For example: «select disk 3«;

Step 6. Type «clean» to clean the drive;

Step 7. Type «create partition primary«; Step 8. Type «select partition 1«;

Step 9. Type «active» to activate the partition on the disk;

Step 10. Type «format fs=ntfs» to do a full format into NTFS. Depending on the size of the disk, this will take some time to complete.

Step 11. Type «exit» when the format is finished. We need to type «exit» for two times. One to exit from diskpart, and the other one for command prompt.

Step 12. Repeat installing Windows 7.

Solution 3. Format Partition during Windows 7 Installation Process.

Accroding to Microsoft support, this error code will appear when the system reserved partition is damaged. (System reserved partition is an area reserved for the BitLocker encryption and the restoration of Windows.) Microsoft suggests that we need to delete the system reserved partition as well as the system partition at first, then create a new partition, and continue with the formatting during the installation process.

To do these, please follow the detailed steps here:

Step 1. Insert the Windows 7 installation DVD, set your preferences and click «Install now«.

Step 2. After reading the Microsoft license agreement, click «I accept the terms of license«, and then click «Next«.

Step 3. When you see the following window, click «Custom (advanced)«.

Step 4. Select «Disk 0 partition 1«, and click «Delete«. Then click «OK» to confirm the deletion on the pop-up window.

Maybe you are looking for: 10 Cases: External Hard Drive Not Showing up & Best Fixes.

Step 5. Repeat Step 4 to delete Disk 0 partition 2. Then the whole disk becomes an unallocated space. Now you can click «New» to create a new partition.

Step 6. Define the size of the disk, and then click «Apply«. If you don’t make any change of the new partition size, then the default value is the maximum size of the disk.

Step 7. At this time Windows will prompt that «To ensure that all Windows feature work correctly, Windows might create additional partitions for system files.» Click «OK» when prompted.

Step 8. Then you can see two partitions are created again. Select Disk 0 partition 2, and then click «Format«. Click «OK» when prompted.

Step 9. Formatting should be completed correctly. Click «Next» to continue. you can now complete the installation without problems.

«These solutions help me to cope with «Windows could not format a partition on disk 0, error code 0x80070057″, and I hope you can also benefit from these solutions to get out of this trouble…» Click to Tweet

However, if these three solutions do not help, please try the following solutions to take your chance…

Solution 4: Reinstall RAM

RAM is a form of computer data storage which stores frequently used program instructions to increase the general speed of a system. When error 0x80070057 appears, you can try removing the RAM and installing RAM again, for the RAM may get wrong. How to do this? Please refer to PCWorld guide — How to install new memory in your PC — to complete. After that, repeat the 3rd solution.

Solution 5: Reinstall Hard Disk Driver

Another possible reason for error code 0x80070057 is that the System Has Lost Hard Disk Driver and Needs Installation. At this time, you can insert the Windows 7 installation DVD and follow the steps listed in Solution 3. When it comes to selecting where you want to install windows, you are expected to select «Disk 0 Partition 2«, and then click «Load Driver«. It will automatically install the disk driver.

Solution 6: Replace the SATA Cable or SATA Port

If you still get the same error code, you should consider SATA cable fault. Here is a specific example on answers.microsoft that gets to the point. Just have a try.

I recently bought components to build a new Win 7 64bit PC. I’ve built many PC’s in the past so wasn’t expecting any problems I couldn’t deal with. I had this exact same error message and have been pulling my hair out for the last two weeks trying to solve it. I even bought a new motherboard, CPU, and HD and got the same error. Urgghh!
Well when I finally figured out what it was I was so relieved and so angry at the same time! IT WAS THE SATA CABLE! I’ve never had a problem with a SATA cable before so I never even thought about replacing it. The one that turned out to be faulty was one of the thin ones, but I’ve used many of these in the past without incident. This may or may not be the cause of your problem, but try it. Have a great Xmas and all the best for the new year!— from answers.microsoft

Solution 7: Modify User Permission

Sometimes, when we try to format a partition before installing Windows, Windows is unable to complete the format. This error might be caused by insufficient user permission, and what we are expected to do is to modify user permission. Follow the instructions below.

Step 1. Open Windows Explorer, drop down «Organize» and choose «Folder and search options«.

Step 2. Remove the tick before «Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)» under «View» board. Immediately you will receive a warning window saying «These files are required to start Windows. Deleting or editing them can make your computer inoperable. Are you sure you want to display these files?» You don’t need to worry about it and click «Yes«.

Step 3. After that, find the folder that cannot be deleted. Right click on it and select «Properties«. Switch the board to «Security» and press «Advanced«.

Step 4. Switch the board to «Owner» and press «Edit» button.

Step 5. Press «Other users or groups» to assign ownership to Administrators. Then you can format the hard drive without block.

Very Similar Issue — Windows Was Unable to Complete the Format

«Hello,
I’m new to these little things. How can I open my flash drive when it says «You need to format the disk before you can use it». But when I format it, a pop up message appears saying «Windows was unable to complete the format». How can I open it when I can’t format it? Hope you’ll help me.
Thanks.» — from CCM

Disk formatting is quick and efficient in cleaning up disk partition files, and is usually adopted by us when we are asked to format before we can use it, or when we are creating a bootable USB flash drive or empting an external hard drive. However, sometimes Windows will give us a prompt saying «Windows was unable to complete the format«, just as shown in the figure below.

If you encounter such a situation when formatting a removable disk or USB flash drive, what should you do to overcome this? Do you know what caused this error and how to avoid this error message in the coming days?

To get detailed explanations, please refer to our previous post: How Do I Fix Windows Was Unable to Complete the Format, there you will find the possible reasons that lead to this issue as well as the best solutions.

Bottom Line

Here comes to the end of this post. In this article, we have talked so much about why Windows could not format a partition on disk 0 and explained the most feasible solutions for error code 0x80070057.

In addition, we mentioned another very similar error — Windows was unable to complete the format, and also listed the solution immediately. If you are suffering from the same issue, try these methods to get out of the trouble. We expect your success.

For any questions or suggestions, please leave it in the comment zone or send email to [email protected], thanks in advance!

Negosentro | Fixed: Windows Could Not Format A Partition on Disk 0 | To help you completely get rid of the problem of “Windows could not format a partition on disk 0. The error occurred while preparing the partition selected for installation. Error code: 0x80070057”, There are  three most effective methods for you.

What’s Error code: 0x80070057 ?

If you come across error code 0x80070057, it means there was a problem with your storage solution, whether it’s a hard drive or SSD. Since error code 0x80070057 is typically related to storage problems, it usually appears when you’re attempting to install a new application or run a Windows update. It’s also possible for it to appear when you upgrade to Windows 10 from an older version of Windows, like Windows 7 or 8.1.

“Windows could not format a partition on disk 0” is one of the most commonly seen errors related to the error code 0x80070057. Do you know what this error implies, or how to remove the error and continue installing the Windows operating system?

How to Fix “Windows Could Not Format a Partition on Disk 0”

Solutions 1. Format Partition During the Windows Installation Process

To fix the issue, you can first choose to delete the existing partitions, create a new partition, and continue with the formatting. 

Step 1. Boot from the Windows installation DVD, click Install Now. 

Step 2. At the setup screen, click Custom (Advanced).

Step 3. Delete all the partitions on disk 0.

Step 4. Create a new partition of the unallocated space on disk 0. 

Step 5. Select the partition to install Windows on and then continue with the install.

Sometimes, you may get the error “We couldn’t create a new partition” in step 4. When it occurs, move on and try to format the partition in Command Prompt Window or bootable MiniTool partition wizard to solve the problem.

Solutions 2. Format Partition Using Diskpart in Command Prompt

Windows command prompt is a comprehensive and reliable method for users to solve most of the hard drive issues. To be able to format a system partition on disk 0, you must create a Windows 10 or Windows 7 installation media in advance. For example, to solve the Windows 7 could not format a partition on disk 0, you should do like this:

Step 1. Boot the computer with the Windows 7 installation USB or DVD. Instead of selecting “Install Windows 7”, select “Repair Your Computer” and then select “Use Recovery Tools…”

Step 2. In the next windows, select Command Prompt (admin)

Step 3. In the command prompt, type the following command lines and press Enter after each line:

diskpart

list disk

select disk 0

clean

create partition primary

select partition 1

active

format fs=ntfs

Finally, exit the Command Prompt and try to install Windows again. Feel it is too difficult for you to operate the command line? Here MiniTool partition wizard is coming to help!

Solutions 3. Format Partition Using MiniTool partition wizard

Download and install MiniTool partition wizard, select “Create WinPE bootable disk” on the main window.  Connect the bootable USB and open MiniTool partition wizard, then follow the steps below:

Step 1. On the main interface of MiniTool Partition Wizard, click the partition that you are installing Windows 7 to and select “Format Partition”.

Step 2. Confirm that you want to continue and hit “Apply” on the toolbar.

Now you can exit MiniTool Partition Wizard, disconnect the bootable media of Partition Wizard, and then try to reinstall Windows 7 once again.

Final Words:

this article offers three full solutions to it. You can apply the solutions to solve the other similar errors like [Windows could not format the system partition on this disk], [failed to format the selected partition], [Windows could not create a partition on disk 0], etc.

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