How to Format NVMe Windows 11 Without Losing Data?

[Brayan]

I want to format my NVMe drive on Windows 11 but I’m unsure about the correct method. What’s the safest way to do it using Disk Management or during a clean OS install?

 

[rebeccareed]

In the event that today you have Windows installed on your NVMe you cannot format it in Windows that you will have to boot into a USB installer.
In the installation of Windows 11, select Custom Install - Delete the partitions - Create new ones.
However... in case you do not want to lose information, it is best to transfer your files to another drive beforehand. Formatting = data wipe. There is no safe format that can save files.

 

[AnnP111966]

Assuming it is simply a second NVMe (not your one), then you are all right.
Open Disk Management - Drive- Right-Click format.
Select NTFS, default allocation size and that is it.
You just have to be careful that you are installing the correct disk, window is malevolent and it will not prevent you wiping the wrong disk.

 

[Ragnar Lothbrok]

data is lost forever in bro format. When you do a format where you do not lose data, then you are pleading with wizardry.

 

[TaylorTravels]

It is not so, when all he wants is to do a quick format partitions are not lost and files can be restored with tools.

 

[Ragnar Lothbrok]

Recoverable =/= safe. Backup it in case he is concerned about the data. End of story.

 

[megamind]

It is possible to, by no means, format your NVMe and lose data...
...so long as the information is stored in another drive.
Actually, save a copy of yours elsewhere and then create partitions with the help of installer of windows. It's the cleanest method.

 

[Lisa]

Safest path is:

1. Store the data that is significant to an external SSD or cloud.
2. Make a USB installer of windows 11 with Media Creation Tool.
3. Boot from it - "Custom Install."
4. Only windows partitions on the NVMe should be deleted.
5. Rebuild them and install clean.

Such is the manner in which you are formatting the OS partitions, leaving the secondary data drive untouched.