How to Format Local Disc C in Windows

The C Drive of our computer is the place where the operating system of the machine is stored. Formatting the C Drive is also not an easy task. To format the drive, we have to format it outside of Windows, i.e., other than the Windows installation. This task is done by booting the operating system through CD/DVD/BD drive, flash drive, or floppy disk.

This may sound a little exhausting, but it is quite easy to do. Here are a few methods mentioned below to help you with the formatting of the Local Disk C in Windows.

How to Format Local Disk C in Windows

Let’s see the methods of formatting the drive:- 

Using a Windows 7 Installation Disc or Drive

1. First, insert any Windows Installation Drive in your drive reader. 
2. Now, restart the PC. A prompt window appears on the screen after the PC turns back on.
3. Select the preferred language on the page and click Next.
4. Now, click on Install Now on the next page. The installation setup will initialize.
5. A window will appear, asking to agree on the license terms. Accept it by check-marking in the box next to the phrase: “I accept the license terms.”
6. On the next page, click on the Custom  (Advanced) option. It will lead to a page with a list of installation options. Choose the preferable option and proceed.
7. Click on the Drive(Advanced) option. Select the C Drive and click Format. Click Ok to format the drive.

Using a System Repair Disc or Drive

1. First, insert a Windows system repair drive in the drive reader.
2. Repeat the steps mentioned in the earlier method up to the selected language.
3. Select the option “Use Recovery Tool That Can Help Fix Problems Starting Windows.” Click Next.
4. Click Command Prompt in the System Recovery option’s window.
5. Enter the command format c:/ fs: NTFS (or FAT32) and press Enter.
6. Press Y key and Enter simultaneously to erase all the data from Local Disk C.
7. Keep the name of the drive and press Enter.
8. Now, remove the system repair drive and insert the installation drive for your desired operating system. Your Format is completed.
9. Reboot the PC to begin the installation.

Conclusion

Different Windows version comes with little different moderation in their settings. Like in place of an NTFS file, you may use the FAT32 file. You must note that while it is advisable to keep the name of the system repair drive related to the operating system but you may keep as you wish.