2 Simple Ways to Erase and Format a USB Flash Drive

PDF download Download Article
A complete guide to preparing and formatting removable USB drives on a PC or Mac
PDF download Download Article

When you format a pendrive, all files and folders on the drive are removed and replaced with a new file system. This can help repair any issues with the flash drive itself or make it compatible with new files you want to transfer. Be sure to back up your files before formatting your drive. This wikiHow will teach you how to format a USB flash drive using your Windows or Mac computer.

How to Format a USB Pen or Drive

  • Connect the USB drive to a USB port on your computer.
  • Open the File Explorer and select "This PC" from the menu.
  • Right click on the USN drive and choose "Format".
  • Click on "File System" and choose the NTFS, FAT32, or exFAT format.
  • Select "Start" and click "OK" to finish formatting your flash drive.
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Using Windows

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3c\/Connect-Wireless-Keyboard-to-PC-Step-2-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-Wireless-Keyboard-to-PC-Step-2-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3c\/Connect-Wireless-Keyboard-to-PC-Step-2-Version-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Connect-Wireless-Keyboard-to-PC-Step-2-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Plug the USB into one of your PC's USB ports, which resemble thin, rectangular slots on your computer's housing.
    • If you have any files stored on your flash drive, transfer the data to a computer. Formatting a flash drive will delete all its contents and give it a new file system.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/f5\/Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-2-Version-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-2-Version-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/f5\/Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-2-Version-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-2-Version-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":346,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":547,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Open the File Explorer and click This PC . You can find this option in the left panel, next to a monitor icon.
    • On Windows 7, click Computer on the right side of the Start window.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-5-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-5-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3e\/Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-5-Version-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-5-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":350,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":554,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's beneath the "Devices and drives" heading in the middle of the page. This will bring up a drop-down menu.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d7\/Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-6-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-6-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d7\/Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-6-Version-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-6-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":348,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":550,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This option is near the middle of the drop-down menu. Doing so opens the Format window.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a8\/Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-7-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-7-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a8\/Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-7-Version-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-7-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":348,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":551,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's below the "File System" heading near the top of the page. A drop-down menu will appear with the following options:
    • NTFS - The default Windows operating system format. If you're using your drive as a secondary Windows drive, you'll need to choose this option.
    • FAT32 - The most widely compatible format. Works with most computers and gaming consoles.
    • exFAT - Similar to FAT32 , but designed for external hard drives (e.g., flash drives) and quicker use. It's a universal format that is most common across Windows, Linux, and Mac.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fa\/Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-8-Version-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-8-Version-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fa\/Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-8-Version-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-8-Version-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":346,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":548,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The option you pick will depend on what you plan on using the drive for. For example, choose FAT32 if you're formatting the flash drive for use with a gaming console , or choose NTFS if you're creating a Windows-only backup drive .
    • If you've formatted your drive before and you're positive that it isn't broken, you can also check the Quick Format box.
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e2\/Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-9-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-9-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e2\/Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-9-Version-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-9-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":346,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":548,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Windows will begin formatting the flash drive.
  8. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/63\/Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-10-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-10-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/63\/Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-10-Version-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-10-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Your flash drive has successfully been formatted.
    9. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Using Mac

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b2\/Attach-a-USB-Drive-to-Your-Computer-Step-3-Version-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Attach-a-USB-Drive-to-Your-Computer-Step-3-Version-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b2\/Attach-a-USB-Drive-to-Your-Computer-Step-3-Version-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Attach-a-USB-Drive-to-Your-Computer-Step-3-Version-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    To do so, plug it into one of your Mac's USB ports, which resemble thin, rectangular slots on your computer's housing.
    • Formatting a flash drive will delete all its contents and give it a new file system. Be sure to transfer any files to your computer or a new USB if you want to keep them.
    • Some Macs don't have USB ports, so you'll need to purchase an adapter.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ea\/Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-12-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-12-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ea\/Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-12-Version-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-12-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":342,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":541,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's a menu item in the top-left side of the menu bar.
    • If you don't see Go , you can use the Finder , which resembles a blue face in your Mac's dock.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4c\/Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-13-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-13-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4c\/Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-13-Version-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-13-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":343,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":543,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This option is in the Go drop-down menu.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/02\/Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-14-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-14-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/02\/Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-14-Version-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-14-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":346,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":547,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You'll likely find this option in the middle of the Utilities page. [1]
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c7\/Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-15-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-15-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c7\/Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-15-Version-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-15-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":349,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":552,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's on the far-left side of the Disk Utility window.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0b\/Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-16.jpg\/v4-460px-Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-16.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0b\/Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-16.jpg\/v4-728px-Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-16.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":344,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":545,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This option is at the top of the Disk Utility window.
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/01\/Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-17.jpg\/v4-460px-Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-17.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/01\/Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-17.jpg\/v4-728px-Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-17.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":348,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":551,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's in the middle of the page. This will bring up a drop-down menu with the following options:
    • Mac OS Extended (Journaled)
    • Mac OS Extended (Journaled, Encrypted)
    • Mac OS Extended (Case-sensitive, Journaled)
    • Mac OS Extended (Case-sensitive, Journaled, Encrypted)
    • MS-DOS (FAT)
    • ExFAT
  8. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/41\/Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-18.jpg\/v4-460px-Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-18.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/41\/Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-18.jpg\/v4-728px-Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-18.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You'll generally use one of the Mac OS options for a Mac-only flash drive (e.g., a backup drive), though you'd choose MS-DOS (FAT) or ExFat for greater compatibility.
  9. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/39\/Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-19.jpg\/v4-460px-Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-19.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/39\/Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-19.jpg\/v4-728px-Format-a-Flash-Drive-Step-19.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":344,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":545,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/creativecommons.org\/licenses\/by-nc-sa\/3.0\/\">Creative Commons<\/a><br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This will begin the formatting process. Once the formatting is complete, you'll see an icon for your flash drive appear on your Mac's desktop.
    10. Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search
Add New Question
  • Question
    How do I do this in Windows 10? There is no Format option when I right click on my flash drive. I've tried clicking almost everything and can't find anything that changes the format. I can't make an system image until I can change my format to NTFS.
    Community Answer
    Search for "My PC" in the bottom LHS search window. W10 responded with "This PC" and displayed a schematic which will be familiar to you. Right click on the USB drive icon and select format from the tabulation.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 8 Helpful 15
  • Question
    Where is the delete or format option located?
    Community Answer
    A format option should appear on your screen once you plug in your flash drive and it needs to be formatted. To delete a file on your flash drive, look at My Computer and you will see it listed in the list of Drives. Then delete it as you would any other file.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 6 Helpful 11
  • Question
    I know that a "Quick Format" takes just a minute or two, but how long does a "Regular Format" usually take?
    Community Answer
    It might take up to half hour, but it depends on your USB and PC.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 4
See more answers
Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      • The formatting process will likely take some time if your flash drive has a lot of information on it.
        Thanks
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      Warnings

      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to Use a Flash Drive as a Hard Drive for File Storage
      6 Ways to Repair a USB Flash Drive
      How to
      Save Files to a USB Flash Drive
      How to Make a Bootable USB Drive on Windows & macOS
      A Guide to Disabling Write Protection
      4 Simple Ways to Format and Clear an SD Memory Card
      How to
      Copy Documents to a USB Flash Drive from Your Computer
      How to Transfer Music to a Flash Drive
      How to
      Boot from an External Hard Drive
      How to
      Partition a Thumb Drive
      How to Reformat an External Hard Drive on Windows or Mac
      How to
      Remove Write Protection on an SD Card
      Easy Ways to Use a USB Flash Drive
      Easily Remove the “Read Only” State from a USB Drive on PC
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/en-ca/guide/disk-utility/dskutl14079/mac

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Connect the drive to the PC.
      2. Open the Windows search bar.
      3. Type "this pc" and click This PC."
       4. Right-click the flash drive.
      5. Click Format .
      6. Select a file system.
      7. Check the "Quick format" box.
      8. Click Start .

      Did this summary help you?
      In other languages
      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,142,152 times.

      Reader Success Stories

      • Anonymous

        Dec 27, 2016

        "The instructions and descriptions were both helpful and easy to understand. I loved the use of diagrams, which made ..." more
      More reader stories Hide reader stories
      Share your story

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement