How to Format a Flash Drive?

20/02/2024

How to Format a Flash Drive?

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How to Format a Flash Drive?

Formatting your Flash Drive may be a task of ease, but on the other hand, if you are unaware, then this article is for you!

This article has been carefully compiled to explain how a Flash Drive should be formatted to be used on a Windows computer. If you are using any other operating systems, the instructions may differ.


For the purpose of this guide on how to format a Flash Drive, we will be using the following:

 

  1. We have a Windows 11 computer.
  2. SanDisk Cruzer Force 16GB Flash Drive.

File System Structures:

Let’s learn about the type of File System structures that are available to you during this process of Formatting your memory stick.

  1. NTFS – We tend to find this File System to be more appropriate on a Windows Device, its known to work effectively for storage, organisation and efficiency.
  2. FAT32 – Prior to the revolution of NTFS, FAT32 was the most commonly used File System, however, its use case today also provides benefits for cross platform usage with limitations of file size transfer up to 4gb.
  3. exFAT – Another commonly used File System in comparison to NTFS, it more commonly used for cross platform usage with no limitation on transfer size.
Learn more about File System Structures?

How to Format a Flash Drive?

We are ready to get into the action now, which explains how to format your Flash Drive!


**Step 1:**
Insert your Flash Drive into the USB port on your device.


**Step 2:**
Generally, you will find your computer will automatically detect it. If you open File Explorer and, on the menu located on the left-hand side, the drive should be visible.


**Step 3:**
Using your mouse, right-click on the drive and select the Format option.


**Step 4:**
A new window will prompt on your screen. We will go ahead and make sure we have everything selected correctly for the formatting of your Flash Drive.

1. Capacity – No changes need to be made to this option; it will auto-populate accordingly to the type of storage capacity your Flash Drive has.

2. File System – As previously explained, we would recommend exFAT for its cross-platform use case; however, if you only intend to use it on a Windows device, you may select NTFS.

3. Allocation Unit Size – We would recommend you select Default Allocation Size if it’s not already auto-populated from the drop-down list.

4. Volume Label - Input a drive name; this would be the name used to identify the drive moving forward.


**Step 5:**
Under the Format Options, ensure the Quick Format box has been ticked. If you have selected and set everything correctly, it should look like this.

**Step 6:**
If you are ready to begin with the Format, go ahead and press the Start Button.


**Step 7:**
A confirmation prompt will appear on your screen with two options, OK & Cancel. If you are ready to proceed, Select OK.


**Step 8:**
Allow the format to complete; you can monitor the progress via the progress bar. If everything goes well, you will have a Format Complete prompt, and in such a case, you will just need to press OK on the Windows prompt that appears.

Congratulations, you made it through our guide explaining how to Format your Flash Drive; your drive is now ready to start storing files!

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