There are several ways to clear a USB flash drive. The choice depends on why you need it. If you are sure that there are no useful files on it, then the easiest way is to format the removable media or simply delete all files. Use these methods for your regular “daily” cleaning. In case you want to securely delete all files, please use full format and overwrite.
Instructions
Step 1
Removing information
Connect the USB flash drive to your computer.
Go to "My Computer", then to removable media.
Select all files with the left mouse button or press ctrl + A.
Press "Delete" on your keyboard.
The PC didn't actually erase your files, but marked them as deleted for itself. The flash drive looks empty, but the files can be restored using a special program.
Step 2
Quick formatting will lead to the result described in the first case, which can be done in this way:
go to "My Computer".
Right-click on the image of the flash drive.
In the menu that appears, select the "format" item.
Check the box next to "Fast".
Click "Get Started".
The program will ask: "Attention, all data will be deleted, should you continue formatting?"
Click Yes.
Step 3
For deep cleaning of the flash drive, select the "Full" mode in the formatting program. All other steps are the same as quick format.
This method will delete all files, but it will still be possible to restore them in a specialized service center.
Step 4
If you need to delete the contents of a removable media without the possibility of recovery, even by specialists, use a special program for cleaning the flash drive, or after full formatting, fill its entire volume with extraneous files, for example, music, and then format it again.
