How To Initialize New SSD?

Initializing is a process of preparing your Solid state drive for future use. Initializing allows users to give the drive a new partition table (MBR or GPT). This partition table can then store one or more file systems (FAT32, NTFS, APFS, etc).

Formatting vs Initializing

Formatting and Initializing are not the same. More often than not I’ve seen people use these terms interchangeably. While Initializing helps the drive get a partition table, formatting will help that partition table get a file system

MBR Vs GPT Partition styles

There are 2 major Partition tables, MBR and GPT

MBR-(Master Boot Record)

• Allows up to 4 primary partitions and a total of 2TB in storage.
• Compatible with older BIOS systems.
• Stores one copy of data, if the MBR gets damaged or corrupted, the chances of recovery are lower when compared to GPT.

GPT-(GUID Partition Table)

1. Allows an unlimited number of partitions (in theory) and supports storage drives well above 2TB
2. Mostly compatible UEFI systems which are the norm when it comes to the latest computers.
3. Stores multiple copies of data in a decentralised manner offering better data security and a chance to recover lost data during an emergency.

Methods To to Initialize New SSD

Below, we have 3 effective and straightforward methods that you could use to initialize your new SSD.

1. Initialize New SSD Using Disk Management
2. Initialize New SSD Using Command Prompt
3. Initialize New SSD Using PowerShell

Please read and understand all the steps before proceeding with the solution.

1. How to Initialize New SSD Using Disk Management?

Step 1: Use the Windows+R shortcut to open Run.

Step 2: Type in diskmgmt.msc and click on OK to open Disk Management.

Step 3: The Disk Management window will open and present all the available volumes and partitions.

Step 4: Right-click on the SSD drive and click the Initialize Disk option from the drop-down menu.

Step 5: Select the partition style for the selected disk (MBR or GPT) and click on OK to confirm.

Note:
GPT partition style: for better compatibility, storage options, and support for modern features are recommended.
MBR partition style: better suited to older OS like Windows 7 or below

2. How to Initialize New SSD Using Command Prompt?

If you are not familiar with command prompts or computers in general make sure to take the assistance of someone who does before proceeding.

Important: Make sure to learn about your SSD storage before proceeding as it would help you identify the disk number during the process.

Step 1: Search for the CMD application using the Windows search bar. Right-click on the application and select Run as Administrator.

2. In order, type a command and click on Enter.

• diskpart

• list disk

• select disk 3 (replace 3 with your respective disk number. Or select a )

• clean

• convert gpt

• create partition primary

• format quick fs=ntfs

• assign

• exit

3. How to Initialize New SSD Using PowerShell?

If you are not familiar with Powershell or computers in general make sure to take the assistance of someone who does before proceeding.

Important: Make sure to learn about your SSD storage before proceeding as it would help you identify the disk number during the process.

Step 1: Search for the PowerShell application using the Windows search bar. Right-click on the application and select Run as Administrator.

Step 2: Type in Get-disk and click on Enter.

Step 3: Type in initialize-disk 2 Get-disk and click on Enter. ( If you are initializing a new SSD it would be stated as RAW in the Total Partition Style selection)

Also Read: Guide to Partition Management

Conclusion

As this article draws to a close I hope that you were safely able to Initialize your SSD using the steps mentioned here. Utilizing an SSD will result in you losing the data on it, If you wish to recover your data after initializing your SSD, a professional recovery tool such as Rikvr Recovery Software is the best option. If you have any queries or suggestions regarding this article please feel free to reach out.

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