Formatting your PC might seem like an easy fix when something goes wrong with your storage device, such as your SSD or filesystem. However, this approach may not solve the problem entirely.
When you format a drive in Windows, you’re essentially rebuilding the file system structures and creating a fresh set of files that tell Windows how to store and track data. This process can temporarily hide problems but doesn’t fix underlying issues with the storage device itself.
Most modern SSDs have their own internal memory and state management systems that aren’t affected by formatting. The controller manages wear leveling, bad blocks, and other tasks in the background while you use your PC normally. Formatting only changes your OS’s perception of what lives on the drive but doesn’t rewrite the SSD’s internal history.
Reformatting can help if your filesystem is struggling with errors or crashes due to file corruption, but it won’t address problems like random freezes, file copy failures, or lost connections to the SSD. In these cases, simply reinstalling Windows might not fix the issue and could even stress the already struggling SSD.
To diagnose and fix SSD problems properly, start by ruling out external factors that may be causing issues, such as M.2 slots, BIOS updates, or RAM instability. Then, use test tools to force the drive to prove its stability under sustained load. Ultimately, there’s no harm in reinstalling Windows if you think it might help, but always back up your files with a 3-2-1 rule to prevent data loss.
Formatting won’t fix SSD problems entirely, and a more thorough approach is necessary for long-term troubleshooting and resolution.
Source: https://www.howtogeek.com/formatting-your-pc-wont-always-fix-ssd-issues-heres-what-to-do-instead