Alex Ruben
How to Fix “Windows Detected That the EFI System Partition Was Formatted as NTFS”
If you encounter the error message “Windows detected that the EFI system partition was formatted as NTFS” while trying to install Windows, this guide provides two effective methods to resolve the issue. Following these steps will help you successfully install Windows by making the necessary adjustments to your system’s partitions.
Step 1: Format the EFI System Partition as FAT32
Formatting the EFI system partition from NTFS to FAT32 is often the first fix to try. Follow these steps to perform the format:
- Note the size of the EFI system partition. During the Windows installation, all partitions including Recovery and EFI will be displayed. Make a note of the EFI partition size.
- When you reach the Windows installation screen, press Shift + F10 to open the Command Prompt.
- Type
Notepadand hit Enter to open Notepad. - In Notepad, go to File then Open to access File Explorer.
- Select This PC and find the EFI system partition, which should match the size you noted earlier.
- Right-click on the EFI system partition and choose Format.
- In the Format window, select FAT32 from the File System drop-down menu and proceed with formatting.
- Close File Explorer, Command Prompt, and Notepad when you’re done.
- Return to the installation screen and click on Refresh. You can now continue with the Windows installation.
Step 2: Delete All Critical Partitions
In some cases, deleting all critical partitions might be necessary to clear the error. Here’s how to do it:
- On the Windows installation screen, identify the system partition along with any Recovery partitions or other critical partitions that do not have a drive letter.
- Select these partitions—usually the sizes are in MB—and proceed to delete them.
- Once deleted, you should see unallocated space available for installation.
- Select the unallocated space and proceed with the Windows installation.
Extra Tips & Common Issues
Here are some additional tips and common issues to watch for:
- Ensure you are selecting the correct partition when formatting, as incorrect selection can lead to loss of crucial data.
- Keep a backup of your important files before attempting to make changes to partitions.
- If you continue to face issues, verify your BIOS settings and ensure that the UEFI mode is enabled.
Conclusion
By following these methods, you should be able to resolve the “Windows detected that the EFI system partition was formatted as NTFS” error during installation. This guide not only helps you troubleshoot the installation process but also educates you on how to manage EFI partitions effectively. For more troubleshooting tips or guides on Windows, consider exploring other resources available on WindowsBasic.
