Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery . Options:
You format the C: drive while Windows is running on it. You must boot from external media (a USB installer). how to format on windows 10
You will see a checkbox for this in Methods 1 and 2. Go to Settings > Update & Security > Recovery
USB sticks, external hard drives, and SD cards. You will see a checkbox for this in Methods 1 and 2
| Goal | Method | Can you do it while using Windows? | |------|--------|-------------------------------------| | Format a USB stick | File Explorer → right-click → Format | ✅ Yes | | Format an external hard drive | File Explorer or Disk Management | ✅ Yes | | Format a second internal drive (D:, E:) | Disk Management (or Explorer) | ✅ Yes | | Format your main C: drive | Windows 10 USB installer → Custom install | ❌ No (must boot from USB) | | Completely wipe a drive clean (remove all partitions) | Disk Management (delete volume first) | ✅ Yes (for non-C: drives) |
Formatting is a powerful tool. When used correctly, it can breathe new life into a slow PC, clean up a virus-infected drive, or prepare a disk for a new operating system. When used carelessly, it can erase years of photos and documents.