Windows is supposed to automatically recognize new disks that you connect to a computer. But often that is not the case because of the disk formatting. Brand new external harddisk (or internal harddisk) are mostly not formatted by the manufacturing company and the user has to format it correctly for Windows Operating System to recognize the disk and use it to store files and folders.

Format New Disk

Follow these steps to format new harddisk connected to the computer running Windows.

  • Power on the harddisk and connect the USB or Firewire cable to the computer port. Wait for the short beep sound that Windows uses to notify that new device has been connected.
  • Go to Start ? Run and type in compmgmt.msc and press enter.

    • compmgmt

  • In the Computer Management window on the left Tab click on Disk Management This shows you the existing disks on the system or connected to the system. Your new unformatted disk should appear as an empty expanse at the bottom of the right side of the window.

    • comp-mgt

  • Right click on the new disk and click Format

    • format-disk

  • In the subsequent Wizard Windows select NTFS Quick to easily format the new harddisk and enjoy your newly expanded disk space on your computer.