How to fix "Windows could not format a partition on disk 0. The error occurred while preparing the partition selected for installation. Error code: 0x80070057

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How to fix "Windows could not format a partition on disk 0. The error occurred while preparing the partition selected for installation. Error code: 0x80070057

Judah Amanwa 0

So i was trying to download windows 10 from a USB after using the windows media creation tool and ran into this error: "Windows could not format a partition on disk 0. The error occurred while preparing the partition selected for installation. Error code: 0x80070057" . I don't know what to do. I tried the running the command prompt and did the list disk and create thing but it came up with another error. I need help please.

20251018_193109

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Answer 1

Lychee-Ng 9,045 Microsoft External Staff Moderator

Hi Judah Amanwa,

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A!

I’m really sorry to hear you’re running into 0x80070057 error during your Windows 10 installation. Normally, running disk list command would be the best option, but you mentioned it hadn't worked but only introduced another error. It'd be extremely helpful if you can share the exact message for that here!

In case the additional error from DiskPart was "The request could not be performed because of an I/O device error” (or similar), this is likely a hardware-level problem. Your best option is to stop trying to fix it as it will lead to more frustration and potential data loss (if any). Consider physically replacing the storage drive or/and consulting professional repair.

While waiting for the exact error, I have some suggestions:

1 - Recreate the Installation Media

Sometimes the installation media itself is corrupted. Recreate the USB using the Windows Media Creation Tool on a different PC (and try running it there if possible)

Use a different USB drive, preferably 8GB or larger, and re-download Windows 10 ISO
Run the tool and choose “Create installation media for another PC”
Let the tool format and prepare the USB automatically.

2 - Run a full disk check:

Boot into Command Prompt from the USB installer.
Run chkdsk X: /f /r (Replace X: with the correct drive letter)

Disclaimer: Running chkdsk can check the file system and file system metadata of a volume for logical and physical errors. To avoid any trouble for you, do not cancel or interrupt chkdsk, and back up important data. More information please refer to chkdsk | Microsoft Learn.

3 - Use BIOS settings to check disk mode

Restart your PC and enter BIOS/UEFI (usually by pressing Del, F2, or Esc during boot).
Look for SATA Mode or Storage Configuration
If it’s set to RAID, change it to AHCI > Save and exit BIOS.

If you still encounter errors after trying these steps, feel free to share the exact command that failed and the error message you received. I’ll be here to help troubleshoot further.

If the answer is helpful, please click "Accept Answer" and kindly upvote it. If you have extra questions about this answer, please click "Comment".

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Judah Amanwa 0 Reputation points

2025-10-19T11:54:10.8866667+00:00

Hello, thank you for taking the time to respond to me. Somethings have changed from yesterday, before i could see the drive partitions but now theres nothing there so i cant proceed with the installation
Judah Amanwa 0 Reputation points

2025-10-19T12:01:20.44+00:00

These are some images of the problem and some others I think

may help
Lychee-Ng 9,045 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-10-19T14:12:47.91+00:00

Hi, from the screenshots it seems like your hard drive is failing or there's an issue with your laptop, overall, it's more likely a physical issue than setting-based.

Try turning your laptop off, then unplug anything not important (including the bootable USB) and the charger. Press and hold the power button for about 15 seconds for a hard reset and (physically) shake up the laptop a little bit. Then reconnect the charger and turn the laptop on, press ESC repeatedly and F2 at the prompt, then run a system test.

If it still returns that there's no hard drivers found (and you heard weird sounds from the laptop when shaking it), you may have to open up your laptop. Check every corner, part and plate to see if anything's broken or out of place. If you're not comfortable with unscrewing your laptop, consider bringing it to a repair shop so a professional can take a look at it for you.
Lychee-Ng 9,045 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-10-21T07:15:04.33+00:00

Hi, how's it going? Did you successfully figure out what went wrong with your laptop yet?
Judah Amanwa 0 Reputation points

2025-10-21T08:42:39.6633333+00:00

I bought a new SSD and in the process of seeing if it still works
Judah Amanwa 0 Reputation points

2025-10-21T09:46:29.38+00:00

The new SSD fixed it. I have no clue what happened to the other one since it was new as well. 40 quid down the drain
Lychee-Ng 9,045 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2025-10-21T10:34:37.6+00:00

Sorry to hear the old drive is gone, but I'm glad at least your laptop is working now.

If you have any other questions, feel free to update! If you think my answer helped in any way, consider marking it as accepted. Warm thanks!

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How to fix "Windows could not format a partition on disk 0. The error occurred while preparing the partition selected for installation. Error code: 0x80070057

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