New install - formatting questions


  1. Posts : 426
    Windows 10 64-bit Ver 1909, OS build 18363.535
       #1

    New install - formatting questions


    Does Windows 10 give me the option of doing a full format at the time of installation? I see lots of conflicting information about quick vs full. Some say a full format doesn't write zeros. Some say it does. Some say it doesn't check and mark bad sectors. Some say it does. Some say you don't need to do it for a new drive. Some say you should to stress-test it and mark the bad sectors. Some say 2TB could take 1-2 days. Some say 8-10 hours.

    I don't know what to believe. I'll be installing a fresh copy of Windows 10 using an official retail Windows 10 USB thumb drive on my new 2TB drive tomorrow, and I still don't know if I should do a full format or quick format. I don't mind waiting for the full format if it's 8-10 hours, and not 1-2 days. My CPU is a Skylake 6700k if that makes any difference in formatting speed. Also I like the idea of it marking bad sectors right away and plus if the drive is bad and likely to fail right away this should be a good stress test for it, no? Any thoughts?

    - Also, should I format my 2TB OS drive in GPT or MBR? Does Windows 10 even give the choice or does it automatically select the right option?

    - Also, is there any benefit to splitting my drive into 2 partitions? Some say the OS will run smoother on a smaller partition instead of a full un-partitioned drive (short stroking). Is this still true with Windows 10?
      My Computer


  2. Arc
    Posts : 1,626
    Microsoft Windows 10 Home
       #2

    During installation, the windows installer will do a quick format. But that will be good enough for the purpose of a clean installation.

    If you want to write zeros there: SSD / HDD : Optimize for Windows Reinstallation - Windows 7 Help Forums
    I personally dont think it is very necessary.

    As far as the disk is not throwing a real issue, there is apparently no reason for a disk test. But if the user wants, he can do it anytime.

    If I have been in your place, I would have performed the formatting that the windows installer offers.
    There is no adequate reason to go for a disk check right now, still if you want: SeaTools for DOS and Windows - How to Use - Page 3 - Windows 7 Help Forums

    2 GB disk size is not falling within the definition of a must to be formatted as GPT. So the choice is on you, again.
    But it is not totally on you. If the motherboard is set to UEFI, then it will automatically prefer GPT formatting. On the other hand, it the motherboard is set as Legacy BIOS, then it will go for MBR formatting at its own.

    It is always better to partition the large disks. Allot 150-200 GBs for the C drive, and keep the rest for data. If it is formatted to MBR, dont let it have more than four partitions (including one hidden); otherwise you will be in trouble.

    At a glance:
    • No need to go for a disk check right now. But if you want, you may go for it.
    • Make it sure that you have set the motherboard as UEFI. If you have any doubt, boot to the setup and load optimized defaults.
    • Run the windows installer. Allow 150-200 GB for C. Keep the rest as it is right now (format it latter in disk management; when the installation is done).
    • Windows installer will want to create some other partitions, allow it.
    • Complete the installation. Windows 10 - Clean Install - Windows 10 Forums

    That's all IMHO.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 18,424
    Windows 11 Pro
       #3

    This is what I do:

    When installing Windows 10, select the custom install option. On the list of disks/partitions that shows up next delete any existing partitions on the drive you want to install to so that it is only 1 big unallocated space. Select the unallocated space and click NEXT not new. Let Windows 10 do the disk partitioning the way it wants. Windows 10 will make it GPT or MBR depending on the mode (legacy bios or UEFI) that you booted the Windows 10 install USB from. Windows 10 will make the partitions it wants.

    After the install is done, if you want a data partition(s), then shrink the C: drive partition to make room for the data partition(s) you want.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 15,027
    Windows 10 IoT
       #4

    NavyLCDR said:
    This is what I do:

    When installing Windows 10, select the custom install option. On the list of disks/partitions that shows up next delete any existing partitions on the drive you want to install to so that it is only 1 big unallocated space. Select the unallocated space and click NEXT not new. Let Windows 10 do the disk partitioning the way it wants. Windows 10 will make it GPT or MBR depending on the mode (legacy bios or UEFI) that you booted the Windows 10 install USB from. Windows 10 will make the partitions it wants.

    After the install is done, if you want a data partition(s), then shrink the C: drive partition to make room for the data partition(s) you want.
    That's what I do too. If you already have a DATA partition, just leave it as is and delete all the others. Then install into the unallocated space as mentioned above.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 426
    Windows 10 64-bit Ver 1909, OS build 18363.535
    Thread Starter
       #5

    Thanks guys. I got everything going okay now.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 15,027
    Windows 10 IoT
       #6

      My Computer


 

  Related Discussions
Our Sites
Site Links
About Us
Windows 10 Forums is an independent web site and has not been authorized, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Microsoft Corporation. "Windows 10" and related materials are trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

© Designer Media Ltd
All times are GMT -5. The time now is 02:00.
Find Us




Windows 10 Forums