Fix 'We Couldn't Format the Selected Partition [Error: 0x80070057]' Error on Windows 11/10

There are many types of errors that a Windows user might face when trying to format their hard drive. Users often run into 'We couldn't format the selected partition' issue on their Windows. In this article, you will find the reasons behind it and a few fixes.

There are many types of errors that a Windows user might face when trying to format their hard drive. One of the most common errors, in this case, is when Windows simply denies them, saying it couldn't format their desired partition.

So, why does this happen? There's a flurry of reasons behind this error, or it could be a simple settings issue. Today's article will address this problem and explore a few fixes for you. Besides that, we'll also explore the origins of "we couldn't format the selected partition [Error: 0x80070057]." So, let's get started.

Introduction

When trying to format the hard drive, a lot of Windows users run into an obstacle. There are various reasons that Windows might deny you the format. However, one of the most common errors users face is "we couldn't format the selected partition [Error: 0x80070057]."

This error is a common occurrence, and we're going to understand why it happens. Besides that, we'll also explore the fixes that'll help you fix this issue once and for all. So, let's keep digging.

What Is "We Couldn't Format the Selected Partition [Error: 0x80070057]" Error

The issue of we couldn't format the selected partition [Error: 0x80070057] is one of the most nagging problems during partition formats. A lot of Windows users face this problem when they are formatting an existing partition.

Microsoft suggests that this issue is caused by the system partition being damaged in some way. This damage doesn't necessarily mean physical damage, as other issues play a role behind it, too, such as:

• Error in bios settings
• Bad driver or storage manager
• Bad sectors or fragmented files within that partition
• The wrong partition type (GPT or MBR) for the windows
• Virus or malware preventing the formation of that hard drive/partition
• Bad or damaged storage device, i.e., SATA SSD, HDD, or NVME SSD storage

These are some of the most common culprits in this issue. Therefore, fixing this issue also requires us to check whether any of these issues are present or not. So, if you're facing this issue during Windows installation, it's more than likely it's one of the abovementioned causes.

How Do I Fix the "We Couldn't Format the Selected Partition [0x80070057]" Error on Windows 11/10

Now that we know the basics let's talk about the fixes. In this section, we're going to use three different fixes to resolve this issue. As mentioned before, it's most likely the error within settings or partitions. So, it can be fixed with a few tweaks.

So, to fix the 'We couldn't format the selected partition [Error: 0x80070057]' error successfully, we'll use the following methods:

1. Fix 1. Use Disk Partition Formatting Software - EaseUS Partition Master
2. Fix 2. Use Diskpart
3. Fix 3. Use Windows Installation Settings

While all of these methods are viable, the first method is perhaps the best option you have. So, let's go through each one:

Method 1. Fix "We Couldn't Format the Selected Partition - 0x80070057 Error" with EaseUS Partition Master

The first method requires you to go back into Windows. Therefore, you will have to stop the Windows installation process and then reboot Windows. So, why is that? To format the partition with the help of a viable third-party tool EaseUS Partition Master.

The tool offers an exciting array of options, which will help you fix the error quite comprehensively. So, what makes it an ideal tool for formatting and partition control? Here's what you need to know:

• Convert MBR to GPT without data loss—if needed
• Extend system partition for better speed and headroom
• Create, delete, or merge partitions quite comprehensively
• It offers the ability to resize or move partitions without losing data
• Easily fix issues like "we couldn't format the selected partition [Error: 0x80070057]."

So, once you download and install this tool, here's how to use it to resolve this issue:

Step 1. Run EaseUS Partition Master, right-click the hard drive partition you intend to format and choose "Format".

Step 2. In the new window, set the Partition label, File system (NTFS/FAT32/EXT2/EXT3/EXT4/exFAT), and Cluster size for the partition to be formatted, then click "OK".

Step 3. Then you will see a warning window, click "Yes" in it to continue.

Step 4. Click the "Execute 1 Task(s)" button to review the changes, then click "Apply" to start formatting the partition on your hard drive.

Method 2. Format Partition from "We Couldn't Format the Selected Partition" Error Using Diskpart

Diskpart is a command in Windows's resident terminal called Command Prompt. This command allows you to sort the matters of your hard drive, including partitions and volumes. Thus, Diskpart is another viable way to fix this issue. So, how do you fix this issue with Diskpart? Here's how:

Step 1. Open CMD as administrator

Step 2. Type Diskpart and press enter

Step 3. Type list disk and press enter again

Step 4. Then select disk 0 (replace 0 with your hard disk with the error)

Step 5. Now type Clean to format this disk

Step 6. Type Exit to close Diskpart and CMD

Step 7. Done

Once this step is through, restart your PC to go back into the Windows installation. Now, it'll easily format the partition that had this issue. If not, head on to the next method.

Method 3. Format Partition and Fix "We Couldn't Format the Selected Partition 0x80070057" During Windows Installation

In this method, you're going to reboot your PC into the Windows installation section. This time, whether you're installing Windows 7, 8, 10, or 11, you'll wait for the "We couldn't format the selected partition [Error: 0x80070057] " error.

Once it pops up, you'll skip the process and then go back to the main installation screen. And then follow these steps:

Step 1. Under "Which type of installation do you want?" pick Custom

Step 2. Now, instead of pressing next to proceed with the installation, press the Delete button

Step 3. Confirm OK when the warning pops up

Step 4. Repeat the same for other partitions, i.e., Partition 2.

Step 5. Once disk space is unallocated, press New to create a new partition

Step 6. Create the partition

Step 7. Proceed with Windows installation

Step 8. Done

This time around, the installation process will flow through easily. However, we suggest disconnecting the rest of your hard disk drives to avoid formatting them before proceeding with this method.

Final Verdict

These are some of the methods you can use to format any selected partition that gives you the error 'We couldn't format the selected partition 0x80070057'. So, once you follow these steps, you'll be able to format your partition easily.

However, it's important that you use EaseUS Partition Master to fix this error and format your device easily. And make sure you back up your important data before proceeding with any of these methods.

FAQs about We Couldn't Format the Selected Partition 0x80070057 Error

Besides the problem given above, you may still have some other doubts. Check the questions down below to see if there's something helpful to you:

1. How Do I Fix Failed to Format the Selected Partition Error?

One of the easiest methods is to use EaseUS Partition Master to steer past this error. Considering there are a lot of intricacies behind it, using this tool will help you fix this issue easily. Other than that, you can try the "Clean" command in Diskpart on CMD.

2. How do I Fix Error Code 0x80070057 While Installing Windows?

When you're on the Windows installation screen, press Shift + F10 to open CMD. From there, use Diskpart commands to fix this error by formatting the hard drive.

3. How do you fix the error we couldn't create a new partition or location of an existing one?

You're going to need EaseUS Partition Master to fix this issue. Once you have it installed on your PC, here's what you'll do:

• Right-click on the partition with this issue
• Head into Advanced options
• Press Set Active
• Done

And this will allow you to set the partition to active. After that, try formatting again.