Formatting is a complete cleanup process that can be used to quickly delete all files on both your hard drive and flash drive. Let's consider the procedure for formatting a USB flash drive in the Windows operating system.
Instructions
Step 1
First, take a close look at the USB flash drive. Some manufacturers provide protection against accidental deletion of data in their USB drives. Usually this is a small notch on the body of a flash drive with a switch inside, the positions of which are marked as an open and closed lock. If you find such a switch, make sure that it is set to remove protection from removal, and insert the USB flash drive into the USB port of your computer.
Step 2
Formatting can be done in several ways. Let's consider the simplest of them. Open Windows Explorer (right-click on the Start menu) or click on the My Computer icon. In the contents of your computer that opens, find the connected USB flash drive. It will be labeled “Removable Disk”.
Step 3
Right-click on the flash drive icon and select the "Format" command from the context menu. In the dialog box, you will only be interested in two items: "File system" and "Formatting methods". If your flash drive is less than 4GB, set the FAT value for the "File system" item, and if it is more than 4GB, then select the exFAT value. For Formatting Methods, check the box next to Quick (Clear Table of Contents).
Step 4
Click "Get Started". The system will issue a warning about the loss of all data on the flash drive and the irreversibility of the process. Agree by clicking the "Yes" button. Formatting will be performed and your flash drive will take on its original appearance.
