Failed To Format the Selected Partition 0x80070057? Fix It Here with a Step-by-Step Guide

Tracy King updated on Apr 18, 2024 to Partition Manager | How-to Articles

Formatting a hard drive is a simple procedure. All you need to do is pick either explorer or disk management to format your disk drive. Format Error Code 0x80070057 is one of the most annoying issues. This article explores a few causes behind it and how you can fix it.

In this article, you'll learn:

  • Failed to Format the Selected Partition 0x80070057? What Caused This Error
  • How to Fix "Failed to Format the Selected Partition 0x80070057" Error

Hard Drive Partitions make life easier for computer users. They allow you to store data properly and keep them in separate locations. It also allows better organization and swift navigation between folder and file types.

However, sometimes creating a partition is not as easy as it seems. One of the most annoying errors that a computer user can face is "failed to format the selected partition 0x80070057." So, what is it, and what causes it? More importantly, how do you go about fixing it? Let's find out.

Formatting a hard drive is a simple procedure. All you need to do is pick either explorer or disk management to format your disk drive. However, if there are errors on it or damage of some sort, the windows will show you failed to format the selected partition 0x80070057.

This cluster of numbers and annoying errors is caused by many things. In this article, we're trying to address this issue and fix it with a few methods. So, let's keep digging to understand this issue and find its fixes.

If you are experiencing other error messages , follow the respective guide here to fix them:

Failed to Format the Selected Partition 0x80070057? What Caused This Error

Failed to format the selected partition 0x80070057 error is caused by a myriad of issues. Sometimes, it's a simple issue of bad sectors. Other times, it's caused by bad drivers or corrupted windows. In some cases, it's a hardware issue.

Microsoft itself suggests that this error usually occurs when the system partition (the one with the Windows) is damaged. So, it causes continues partition formatting failures. Therefore, if you were to sum it up, the issues might be:

  • Fragmented windows files
  • Incompatible storage driver
  • Possible virus or infected files
  • Bad sectors in your hard drive
  • Damaged setup disk, the one with the Windows
  • Incompatible storage controller (rare but possible)
  • Hardware issues, i.e., bad hard drive, SSD, or NVME

These are some of the major reasons behind this issue. However, it's most likely to be an issue with the Windows or the partition it's on.

How to Fix "Failed to Format the Selected Partition 0x80070057" Error

Now that we know the basics of this annoying issue let's talk about how to fix it. There are three possible fixes for this. The best solution is to use a third-party tool that allows you to fix these problems without diving into technicalities.

The other two options are either with Diskpart or during Windows Installation. Either, the first option is the only one that makes it easier for a common user. Besides that, you need to create a backup of your important files before you get started.

Therefore, backup all the essential files you have on the target partition so that you don't end up losing them. Once you do, try each of these methods until the issue is resolved:

#1. Fix "Failed to Format the Selected Partition 0x80070057" Error with EaseUS Partition Master

The first, and perhaps the easiest, way to fix this error is with the help of EaseUS Partition Master. As mentioned before, you need a good-quality third-party tool to stand out. So, what makes it an ideal tool to help you fix this issue? It's trusted by countless professionals, and it has an array of outstanding options built-in to help you fix partition-related issues.

    Thus, making it an outstanding option to help you fix the failed to format the selected partition 0x80070057 error. So, how do you fix it with this tool? Here's how:

    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.

    Besides that, it offers a great many features, such as:

    • Convert MBR to GPT without data loss
    • Merge partitions to extend the space
    • Resize/Move partition without data loss
    • Check file system errors—to fix failed format-related issues
    • Ability to clone OS from HDD to SSD

    #2. Fix "Failed to Format the Selected Partition -0x80070057" Using Diskpart

    Another fix is using the Diskpart to get rid of failed formatting the selected partition [Error:0x80070057] error. Diskpart allows you to fix various errors such as this through a series of commands. To fix this issue with Diskpart, here's what you're going to do:

    Step 1. Open CMD as administrator.

    Step 2. Type Diskpart and press enter key.

    Step 3. Type list disk to see your drives.

    Step 4. See which Disk has the operating system on.

    Step 5. Type select disk 0 (replace 0 with the disk with your OS, i.e., disk 1 or 2).

    Step 6. Type clean and press the enter key.

    Step 7. Wait for it to finish.

    Step 8. After that, type create partition primary size=50000 (5000 being the partition size, you can type your preferred partition size)

    Step 9. After that, type the list partition

    Step 10. Then type select partition 1 (replace 1 with your main partition)

    Step 11. Type active and press the enter key

    Step 12. Lastly, type format fs=ntfs quick

    Step 13. Done

    This is most likely to fix this issue. If it doesn't, try the next fix.

    #3. Fix Error Code 0x80070057 and Format Partition During Windows Installation

    The third method is to try and fix this error during Windows installation. This is when this error is more likely to occur as well. Therefore, you must know how to fix it while you're trying to install Windows. We're going to delete and create partitions, so make sure you back up your data before doing this:

    Step 1. On the "Which installation do you want?" screen, press Custom (advanced) options

    Step 2. Select Partition 1: System reserved and delete it

    Step 3. Do the same for Partition 2 (the one with your OS)

    Step 4. Click on the disk to select it, then press New to create a new partition

    Step 5. Select Disk 0 Partition 2 to format it.

    Step 6. Click Next to proceed with the Windows installation

    Step 7. Done

    This will fix your issue and allow you to continue on to the Windows installation seamlessly.

    Final Verdict

    These are some of the best fixes you can apply to fix the failed format issue. While all of these solutions are reliable, EaseUS Partition Master is the best option to fix the 'Failed to format the selected partition 0x80070057' error. Therefore, make sure you back up your data before you proceed with these fixes.

    FAQs about Failed to Format the Selected Partition Error

    You'll find answers to any further questions here:

    1. What Is Error Code 0x80070057 in Windows?

    This error indicates that there is some issue with your system partition. Microsoft suggests this error occurs when the system partition is damaged. However, there are many other reasons this error occurs, such as driver issues or an outdated storage controller.

    2. How Do I Fix Error Code 0x80070057?

    The best way to fix this issue is by using EaseUS Partition Master. Not only because it prevents the hassle of using Diskpart but also because it solves this issue properly. All you need to do is select the disk, then head into advanced options and click on the check file system.

    3. How Do I Fix Windows Could Not Complete the Format Error?

    The first thing you should do is scan your computer for viruses—as some of them prevent administrator privileges. Other than that, you can try to fix the issue with disk management or try using EaseUS Partition Master to format properly.