If you're trying to format your SSD and wondering, "Why does my SSD keep showing 'Formatting Failed' no matter what I try?" you're not alone, and you've come to the correct spot.

This problem can come out of nowhere, even if your SSD was performing flawlessly only a day before. Tools like GUI Format can be used to fix obstinate drives, but they may fail if the problem is deeper.

It typically appears when prepping the drive for a fresh OS installation, switching file systems, or erasing it for reuse.

In some circumstances, the problem is minor, but in others, it indicates deeper driving issues. Let's walk through why this happens and how to repair it step by step. 

Why Does SSD Formatting Fail?

1. The SSD Is Write-Protected

If write protection is activated (by software or the controller), the system will not allow formatting. 

Symptoms: “Disk is write-protected,” or format stuck at 0%.

2. Corrupted Partitions or Bad Sector Mapping

Unlike HDDs, SSD sectors hardly ever "go bad." However, corruption of the mapping table might result in inconsistent file systems. 

Symptoms: Windows Disk Management fails instantly, Linux mkfs errors, and macOS Disk Utility cannot erase.

3. Incorrect File System Selection

Selecting incompatible file systems or advanced settings may result in errors, particularly when formatting an SSD for consoles, NAS, or dual-boot configurations. 

4. Running Apps Blocking the Drive

Background apps like antivirus scanners, disk utilities, or open file explorers can lock the SSD and interrupt the format.

5. Faulty Cable, Port, or USB Enclosure

External SSDs are especially prone to formatting errors due to loose connections or deficient USB bridges.

6. SSD Firmware Issues

Outdated firmware can create file system errors, performance drops, and formatting failures.

7. The Drive Is Failing

If the SSD is near its write limit or the NAND is degrading, formatting becomes difficult or impossible.

How to Fix “Formatting SSD Failed”

1. Remove Write Protection

The system won't format your SSD if it is locked in read-only mode until this limitation is lifted. This problem frequently arises following abrupt shutdowns or corrupted file systems. 

Try these steps:

- Use Diskpart to clear the read-only attribute.
- Check whether any third-party tools are enabled to write-protect.
- Ensure the SSD’s hardware switch (if any) isn’t locked.

2. Use Disk Management or Disk Utility (Fresh Format)

Reliable built-in utilities can correct minor formatting issues caused by transient system malfunctions. Additionally, compared to forced command-line attempts, they reconstruct the formatting structure more cleanly. 

Do this:

- Open Windows Disk Management → Right-click SSD → Format.
- On macOS, use Disk Utility → Erase → Choose format.
- Reboot once and retry if it fails the first time.

3. Delete All Partitions & Start Fresh

Mismatched or corrupted partitions can prevent formatting attempts and lead to recurring failures. The drive configuration is reset, and hidden partition problems are eliminated when everything is removed. 

Follow this approach:

- Use Diskpart → clean to wipe the drive.
- Create a new primary partition.
- Format using NTFS, exFAT, or another desired file system.

4. Try a Different File System

Specific file systems fail due to compatibility issues or corrupted metadata structures. Switching formats forces the operating system to recreate the file system from scratch, which frequently solves complex problems. 

Try switching to:
- NTFS → exFAT for external drives.
- APFS → HFS+ on macOS.
- ext4 → FAT32/exFAT for cross-platform use.

5. Use a Third-Party Formatting Tool

Advanced partitioning tools can manage difficult drives that built-in utilities cannot fix. These tools work with the SSD at a higher level, automatically fixing latent problems. 

Recommended tools:
- MiniTool Partition Wizard
- AOMEI Partition Assistant
- EaseUS Partition Master

6. Update SSD Firmware

Slow performance, sluggish disk behavior, and formatting issues can all be caused by outdated firmware. Firmware updates increase drive stability and resolve controller-level issues. 

Do this:
- Install the official SSD software (Samsung Magician, Crucial Executive, etc.).
- Check for firmware updates.
- Apply the update → restart → try formatting again.

7. Change Ports, Cables, or USB Enclosures

Particularly with external SSDs, the formatting process may be interrupted by a weak or erratic connection. During formatting, even a slightly slack cable can result in unexpected disconnections. 

Fix it by:
- Try a different USB port (preferably USB 3.0/3.2).
- Replace the USB/Type-C cable.
- Removing hubs, adapters, or low-quality enclosures.

8. Check the SSD Health

If formatting continues to fail frequently, there can be physical or NAND-level problems with the SSD. Before the drive becomes totally unreadable, a health assessment can help you identify early indicators of failure. 

Check using:
- CrystalDiskInfo (Windows)
- smartctl (Linux)
- DriveDx (macOS)

When to Replace the SSD

1. Formatting Fails on Multiple PCs: If the SSD refuses to format even on other machines, the issue is probably internal and cannot be resolved by software.

 
2. S.M.A.R.T. Shows Warning Signs: Errors such as waiting sectors or reallocated indicate that the drive is getting unstable and may soon fail. 

3. Write Speed Drops Significantly: A significant decrease in write speed typically signifies deteriorating drive health and worn-out NAND cells. 

4. SSD Disconnects Randomly: Internal hardware problems are indicated by frequent disconnections or abrupt system disappearance.

 
5. Low-Level Tools Can’t Detect or Format It: The hardware is probably malfunctioning and has to be replaced if firmware or partition tools are unable to even identify the SSD. 

Final Thoughts

A "Formatting SSD Failed" message is often the result of write protection, corrupted partitions, or limited access, rather than a permanent drive failure.

Most of the time, you can recover your SSD by methodically following all of the preceding methods. On the other hand, recurring malfunctions or hardware alerts may indicate the need for a replacement.

Important data should always be backed up to prevent unanticipated loss. You should also regularly check your SSD's health to avoid future problems. 

About the Author

I'm Wilford Conrad, a tech enthusiast and web developer who enjoys investigating storage problems and device peculiarities.

I create user-friendly manuals to help consumers solve practical issues without making things overly complicated.

When I'm not debugging drives, I like to test new tech devices and offer advice on improving daily computing. 

Ref:

Cygnus. (2022, December 27). SSD failed after format. no longer can be initialized. Super User. http://superuser.com/questions/1759639/ssd-failed-after-format-no-longer-can-be-initialized