Error: Could Not Create or Locate an Existing Partition During Windows 10 Installation

Many users encounter the error "Could not create a new partition or locate an existing one" when installing Windows 10. This issue may arise due to various factors, such as incorrect BIOS settings, improper disk format, outdated drivers, or conflicting disk partitions. In this guide, we’ll explore the main causes of this issue and offer steps to help resolve it.

Common Causes of the Error

  • Incorrect Disk Partition Type: The system may not support installation on disks with MBR formatting if UEFI mode is enabled in the BIOS.
  • BIOS Settings Issues: Improperly configured boot mode (Legacy or UEFI) can cause the installer to fail to recognize valid partitions.
  • Partition Conflicts: Hidden partitions on the disk may prevent Windows 10 installation on the intended drive.
  • Unformatted or Incorrectly Formatted Partitions: The system may fail to recognize a partition if it is not formatted in a supported file system, such as NTFS.

Solutions to Fix the Issue

1. Verify BIOS Settings

Enter the BIOS and ensure that the boot mode matches your disk’s partition type:

  • MBR: Use Legacy mode.
  • GPT: Use UEFI mode.

Save your changes, reboot, and then try starting the Windows installation again.

2. Use “Command Prompt” to Clean the Disk

If the first solution didn’t work, you can use the diskpart command to clean the disk and create a new partition:

  1. Press Shift + F10 on the installation screen to open the Command Prompt.
  2. Type diskpart and hit Enter.
  3. Enter list disk to display all available disks.
  4. Select the target disk by typing select disk X, where X is the disk number.
  5. Clean the disk by entering clean and pressing Enter.
  6. Create a new partition with the command create partition primary.
  7. Close the Command Prompt and restart the installation.

3. Format the Partition in the Required File System

Ensure that the partition intended for the system installation is formatted as NTFS:

  • Select the partition and choose the Format option on the installation screen.
  • Confirm the action and wait for the formatting to complete.

4. Disconnect Any Connected Devices

External devices can sometimes interfere with installation. Disconnect any USB drives, external hard drives, or peripheral devices, then try installing again.