Windows 7: Deleting partitions VS. formatting during fresh install

philip0871 · 07 Nov 2012

I recently installed a fresh copy of Windows on my SSD. During setup I opted to delete all my old partitions on the drive, however I did not format the drive. Will this decision have an impact on the performance of the drive? Should I have reformatted the unallocated space on the drive to get better performance?

ignatzatsonic · 07 Nov 2012

Confusion.

Windows will not install on an unformatted partition. So you can be sure the C partition is formatted, even though you say "I did not format the drive". It takes place automatically.

The rest of the drive may or may not be formatted. We'd have to see a picture of Windows Disk Managment to tell.

whs · 07 Nov 2012

For top performance of a previously used SSD I recommend to apply a Secure Erase before installing a new system.

bobkn · 07 Nov 2012

I've done this a few times.

If you use the Advanced features of the Windows installer to delete the existing partitions on the drive, the installer will then create the appropriate partions and quick format them.

On an SSD, it's almost instantaneous.

gregrocker · 07 Nov 2012

It isn't necessary to apply format during install, even after correctly deleting partitions not needed. The installer will format for you if you don't.

Likewise it's a waste of time to format using a 3rd party manager before install unless you have some reason you dont' want the System Reserved partition which is not really worth thinking twice about.

Windows 7: Deleting partitions VS. formatting during fresh install

Deleting partitions VS. formatting during fresh install problems?