Here’s how to do it.

This file system determines how files are named, stored, and accessed.

The Disk Management tool in Windows makes it very easy to format drives.

A formatting warning dialog on a computer screen, cautioning that all data will be erased, with a backdrop of hardware.

Zoomik/Shutterstock

Before proceeding, however, see to it the drive does not contain any important data.

If it does, ensure youback up that data to a safe location.

Alternatively, you’re able to pressWin + Xto launch the Power Menu and then clickDisk Management.

Screenshot of disk management main screen

Windows would then recognize these partitions as separate drives (such as C: and D:).

Similarly, you could combine multiple partitions into one.

However, you should considerpartitioning your drivefor better organization.

screenshot of the disk management context menu with format highlighted

Linux drives are typically labeled EXT4.

Right-punch the drive and selectFormat.

Be absolutely sure that this is the drive you want.

screenshot of the disk management format screen

Formatting the wrong drive could have disastrous consequences, ranging from lost personal data to an inoperable system.

You cannot format the Windows system drive (typically the C: drive, but not always).

Formatting the Windows drive requires more complex methods, which are beyond the scope of this article.

screenshot of disk management displaying the pre-format warning

you might name it anything you prefer, as long as you use letters and numbers only.

For theFile System, you’ll want to choose NTFS.

Don’t worry aboutAllocation Unit Sizeand leave it onDefault.

It’s best to uncheck thePerform a quick formatoption.

Leaving it enabled means Windows will assume the drive is error-free.

Unchecking the option will initiate a standard format, which will overwrite the entire drive with zeros.

The only downside is that it takes longer.

We also recommend unchecking theEnable file and folder compressionoption, as it can negatively impact your day-to-day drive performance.

There areother methods to format a driveas well, but the Disk Management tool is the most straightforward option.