Description

The steps to follow to initialize Solidigm SSDs if secure erased or new out of box device to be added as an extra storage.

How to initialize a Solidigm SSD in Windows*, whether it is new or Secure Erased

These steps apply to Client that are connected with a SATA port, M.2 slot, or a PCIe* slot. In cases where the Solidigm SSD uses the PCIe* interface, you need to have an NVMe* driver installed in the OS before proceeding.

On Windows 8.1* or higher (it comes with a native In-Box driver) you don't need to do anything.

Some products may not be supported, confirm in the driver release notes for specific support. There are benefits to use Solidigm driver for your Solidigm SSD, if you are not satisfied, use default NVMe* Microsoft driver.

There are 3 steps to initialize --> partition--> format your Solidigm SSD:

Open: "Disk Management tool"

Run: Press the "Windows Key + R" to open the Run prompt.

Type: "diskmgmt.msc"

Note	Quick Link - Press "Window Key + X", this brings up the image to the right.

Click: "Disk Management" Initialize the disk. Once Disk Management has launched, you should see this pop-up: If not, Right-click the left section of your new disk. It will display "Not Initialized."

Click: "Initialize Disk" You now have the pop-up (Un)Select Disks and select "Partition Style", then click "OK". GPT is newest, MBR is legacy.

Note	If you intend to clone from an existing drive, make sure you choose the partition style that matches that drive. This avoids problems during cloning. Disk is initialized but is Unallocated Partition and format the disk.

Right-click: anywhere in the Unallocated Sector and Select "New Simple Volume New Simple Volume Wizard"

Click: "Next" Select "Format:File System = NTFSNTFS" is typical for WindowsAllocation = DefaultVolume LabelDisplay name of the drive/partition Leave checkboxes as is Unless you know otherwise.

Click: "Next" review and confirm selections.

Click: "Finish".

Now, your SSD is ready to use.

Navigate to "This PC", with File Explorer, and you will see you have a new storage device.

Questions? Check out our Community Forum for help.

Issues? Contact Solidigm™ Customer Support:
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