fix ssd can’t be formatted when reinstalling windows

28 September 2025

4 menit membaca

For many users, SSD can’t be formatted when reinstalling be a confusing big problem. During the Windows installation process, an error message often appears that the partition cannot be formatted, or even an SSD is detected in the BIOS but cannot be used. This condition not only hinders the reinstallation process, but can also signal a more serious problem with the drive.

This article will discuss general causes, solution steps, to recommendations for tools that can be used. All explanations are arranged based on references from credible sources such as Microsoft, Kompas, EaseUS, to Tom’s Hardware.

Common Causes of SSD Cannot Be Formatted

Before trying different ways of fixing, it is important to understand the possible reasons why SSD Write Protected Cannot Be Formatted or the partition failed to be deleted.

Some of the most common factors are:

Corrupt partition: The partition structure is not read by the installer.
BIOS/UEFI mode is not suitable: wrong choice between MBR and GPT.
Write protection: SSD is locked so that it cannot be changed.
NVMe Driver Not Detected: Special NVMe SSD, Windows installation can fail if the driver is not available.
Baca Juga
- Tips for choosing a MacBook according to your needs, avoid selection mistakes
  26 August 2026
- MediaTek Tiers: Chipset Order from Helio to Dimensity
  26 August 2026
SSD physical damage: worst condition, SSD cannot be formatted because it is permanently damaged.

According to EaseUS, format failure during reinstallation is often caused by corrupted partitions or corrupted ISO files of Windows. Meanwhile, according to Kompas, the conversion between MBR and GPT is often a solution when the installer refuses to format the partition.

Symptoms that appear when reinstalling

Here are some typical symptoms that show SSD detected in BIOS but can’t be formatted:

Error message: Windows could not format the partition.
SSD appears as RAW format.
The installer detects the SSD but can’t create a new partition.
Tools such as Disk Management failed to delete the partition.

According to Wondershare Recoverit, these errors usually appear because there are disk attributes that prevent formatting or because of damage to certain sectors.

Practical Solutions to Overcome SSD Cannot Be Formatted

There are several methods that can be tried, ranging from the default way of Windows to using third-party applications.

1. Use Diskpart via Command Prompt

Microsoft recommends using tools Diskpart To clean the problematic SSD. How:

Pressure Shift + F10 When installing windows to open a command prompt.
Type Diskpart then press enter.
Type list disk to see the list of drives.
Select SSD with Select disk x (replace X according to disk number).
Type CLEAN Then enter.
Close the cmd window, continue the installation.

Note: Clean all will permanently delete the entire contents of the SSD (light secure erase).

2. Remove write protection

If a message appears that SSD is write-protected, use the following steps:

Go to CMD → Diskpart → Select Disk → Type Attributes Disk Clear ReadOnly.
Try reformatting the SSD afterwards.

3. Convert MBR to GPT

Kompas wrote that the difference in the MBR and GPT partition schemes is often a problem for reinstalling. To convert:

Use DiskPart → Select disk x → CLEAN → GPT convert.
Continue the installation with UEFI mode on.

4. Secure Erase with Vendor Tool

According to Tom’s Hardware, SSD cannot be formatted in the traditional way because the internal system is different from HDD. SSD manufacturers usually provide software such as:

Samsung Magician (for Samsung SSDs)
Crucial Storage Executive (for crucial SSDs)
Intel SSD Toolbox (for Intel SSDs)

This software has a more effective “Secure Erase” feature.

5. Use third-party applications

If the above method fails, use third-party software such as:

GParted Live USB
EaseUS Partition Master
Aomei Partition Assistant

Based on the DiskGenius article, third-party applications can delete RAW partitions, fix formatting errors, and disable write-protection.

Problem Summary Table and Solutions

Symptom	Common causes	Suggested solution
SSD detected in BIOS but can’t be formatted	Incorrect partition mode (MBR/GPT)	Convert partition via diskpart
Error Windows Could Not Format Partition	Corrupt or RAW partition	Use Diskpart `CLEAN` or gparted
SSD Write-Protected	The readonly attribute is active	Remove attributes with `Clear Attributes`
Nvme Unreadable in Installer	no driver	Add NVMe drivers during installation
Format failed even though it was deleted repeatedly	SSD internal protection	Use Secure Erase from Vendors
failed in all methods	Hardware damage	Replace the new SSD

Prevention Tips So that SSD is no longer a problem

After successfully repairing, it is better to take precautions so that similar cases do not recur.

Always use the official Windows installer To avoid ISO errors.
Activate trim To keep the SSD healthy.
Don’t format it repeatedly, use the Reset or Secure Erase feature if necessary.
SSD firmware update from the official website of the manufacturer.
Check the SATA/NVME cable and slot when reinstalling.

According to HP, doing Secure Erase according to vendor recommendations is safer than the standard format, because the internal SSD system works differently from conventional hard disks.

When to replace the SSD?

If all the steps have been taken but the SSD still cannot be formatted, it is likely that physical damage will occur. The signs include:

SSD is not detected at all.
Click sound (although rarely on SSD).
Reading capacity is not as per specifications.

In this case, replacing an SSD is more advisable than forcing a fix.

Conclusion

Problem SSD can’t be formatted when reinstalling It’s quite common, but that doesn’t mean there’s no solution. Starting from the use of Diskpart, deleting write protection, converting MBR to GPT, to using the vendor tool for secure erase, everything can be tried according to the symptoms that appear.

Based on Microsoft, Diskpart is the first step that is safe to try. Meanwhile, Tom’s Hardware and HP emphasized the importance of Secure Erase so that the SSD returns to normal. EaseUS and Compass added that problems often arise due to differences in partition schemes or broken installers.

With an understanding of the cause and the right solution, users can fix the problematic SSD without having to rush to buy a new device. However, if all the steps fail, replacing an SSD can be the wisest decision.

Reference: