How To Fix Windows Could Not Format a Partition on Disk 0 (Error Code 0x80070057)

Here are the 4 effective methods to assist you in dealing with this error code.

What Is "Windows could not format a partition on disk 0."

You may occasionally have to update Windows to a newer version or install a new program on your computer. If the process is successful, you have naturally solved the problem. Unfortunately, there are times when you become stuck in the process. You may receive the message

“Windows could not format a partition on disk 0. The error occurred while preparing the partition selected installation. Error code: 0x80070057.”

This “Windows could not format a partition on disk 0” error is mostly affiliated with storage issues, whether a hard drive or an SSD. It appears when you try to install a new application or run a Windows update. Another reason for error code 0x80070057 occurs is that the partition reserved for the Windows operating system is damaged.

windows could not format a partition on disk 0

Some Similar Issues for "Windows Could Not Format a Partition on Disk 0"

You've made installation media, backed up all valuable data, and begun reinstalling Windows. Still, you are stuck in the process because Windows couldn't format the partition while preparing the selected partition for installation. Inevitably, this error message will show up.

Listed below are the different error messages that will appear in different Windows versions:

  • Windows was unable to complete the format
  • We couldn't format the selected partition (Windows 8/10)
  • Failed to format the selected partition (Windows 7)

4 Methods to Fix "Windows could not format a partition on disk 0"

Here is the quick overview of all four solutions to repair the error code 0x80070057 on Windows.

Solutions Type
Solutions
Ease of Use
Application
Exploration of the Windows operating system Delete the existing partitions, make a new partition, and resume the formatting process Easy Ideal for all user levels
Windows’s built-in CMD Tool Use the command line tool DiskPart to format a partition Hard Ideal for professionals or IT experts
Third-party Free Partition Format Software Format the partition for free via AOMEI Partition Assistant Standard Easy Ideal for all user levels
Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (SATA) Fix the error by assessing the SATA cable or SATA port Easy Ideal for all user levels

Method 1: Delete the Existing Partitions, Create a New Partition, and Continue With the Formatting

The first solution is convenient and straightforward. You can delete all existing partitions and create new ones to reinstall the Windows operating system. Follow these steps to accomplish this:

Step 1. Set up the Windows installation DVD and begin the installation process.

set up the windows installation dvd

Step 2. Input the needed requirements and press Next.

input the needed requirements

Step 3. Now select Install.

select the install button

Step 4. Tap I accept the terms of license, then click Next.

accept the terms of the license

Step 5. Select Custom (Advanced).

select custom (advanced)

Step 6. Click Delete after selecting Disk 0 partition 1.

select disk 0 partition 1 and delete

Step 7. When prompted, tap OK.

select the ok button

Step 8. Click Delete after selecting Disk 0 partition 2.

click the delete button

Step 9. When prompted, click OK.

tap the ok button

Step 10. Select New.

select the new option

Step 11. Set the disk size, and press Apply. Please keep in mind that the default value is the maximum size of the disk.

set the disk size

Step 12. When prompted, click OK.

press the ok button

Step 13. Click Formatting after selecting Disk 0 partition 2.

click the formatting option

Step 14. When prompted, click OK.

click the ok button

Step 15. You should finish the formatting process correctly. To proceed, click Next.

finish the formatting process

Method 2: Format Partition Using Diskpart (Command Line Tool)

The Windows command prompt is a comprehensive and dependable way for users to resolve most hard drive issues. The second command prompt solution is effective but is recognized as the most difficult of the four methods. Many ordinary users would be hesitant to attempt the first stage of creating Windows installation media.

To format a system partition on disk 0, you must first create Windows 10 or Windows 7 installation media. Next, follow the steps:

Step 1. Tap Shift+F10 to open the Command Prompt window.

open the command prompt window

Step 2. Type diskpart to open the Diskpart command prompt with administrative privileges. Run the following commands in sequence.

  • list disk (it will display a list of the disks on your computer)
  • select disk [n] (to choose your disk from the list above)
  • clean (to clean the disk)
  • create partition primary (to make a new partition)
  • select partition 1
  • active (to make the disk partition active)
  • format fs=ntfs (to perform a full format into NTFS file system)

After the formatting process, exit the command prompt, and you can reinstall Windows 10.

Method 3: Format Partition Using Free Third-party Partition Software

Suppose you want a more simple and more convenient process. You can use AOMEI Partition Assistant Standard to create a bootable media and fix "Windows could not format a partition on Disk 0". The following are specific steps:

Step 1. Connect the external hard drive. To make a bootable disc, use Make Bootable Media.

make a bootable disc

Step 2. Then, connect the bootable media to the computer that needs to be reinstalled. In BIOS, configure the computer to boot from the bootable media. Start the computer to launch AOMEI Partition Assistant. Right-click the partition where you want to install Windows and choose Format Partition.

format the partition

Step 3. Select the appropriate file system and click OK.

select the appropriate file system

Step 4. Then it will return to the main interface, and you will see that the partition has been formatted. To submit the operation, click Apply. After formatting, you can close AOMEI Partition Assistant, remove the bootable media, and reinstall Windows 10.

apply the operation

Method 4: Check Your SATA Cable or SATA Port

If you continue receiving the same error code on your desktop computer, you should suspect the possibility that your SATA cable or SATA port is not functioning properly. Follow the steps below:

Step 1. Disconnect all of your SATA cables EXCEPT the driver into which you want to install Windows. You only leave the SATA connected to that drive.

disconnect all sata cables

Step 2. Try installing Windows again.

install windows again

If the issue continues, try replacing the SATA cable with a new one to see if that helps.

Conclusion

This article presents 4 complete solutions to the error "Windows could not format a partition on disk 0 (error code 0x80070057)" that you experienced during the Windows installation or when having storage issues and a damaged operating system. You can use these options to fix other similar problems mentioned above.

Free Download

For Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10/11

Free Download

For macOS X 10.10 or later