4 Different Ways to Format a MicroSD Card to FAT32

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The best formatting methods for your microSD card
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If you have a microSD card that you need to format to FAT32, you may be wondering how. MicroSD cards are way too small to fit into an SD card reader, or maybe you're not seeing the FAT32 option when you attempt to format. In this article we'll teach you exactly how to format your microSD card to FAT32 on Windows and Mac. Keep reading to learn more.

How to Format Your MicroSD Card to FAT32

Before you can format your microSD card, you'll need a microSD card adapter. Insert the microSD card into the adapter, then insert that into your computer. You can then format it to FAT32 using built-in tools if it's smaller than 32GB, or third-party tools if it's bigger.

Section 1 of 4:

File Explorer (Windows)

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  1. If your microSD card has 32GB or less of storage, you can format it to FAT32 using File Explorer in Windows. If you have a microSD card with more than 32GB of storage, jump down to our section on using third-party tools .
    • Before you begin, insert your microSD card into a microSD card adapter (which is the same size as a standard SD card), then insert the SD card into your computer's SD card reader.
      • Your microSD card should come with an adapter, but if it doesn't, you can purchase one online. For example, if you have a SanDisk microSD card, use this SanDisk microSD card adapter to insert it into your computer.
      • If your computer doesn't have an SD card reader, you can purchase an external one .
  2. You can either do this directly from the sidebar, or you can click This PC and right-click your microSD card from the main pane of the File Explorer window.
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  3. This will open a pop-up window where you can continue with the formatting process.
  4. If you don't see this option, skip to the next section to use third-party tools to format your microSD card instead.
  5. As soon as you click OK , your computer will begin formatting the microSD card. It may take a few moments for the formatting to complete.
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Section 2 of 4:

HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool (Windows)

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  1. Download the HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool . Due to limitations of the operating system, Windows can't format microSD cards with more than 32GB of storage to FAT32. In order to do this on a Windows computer, you'll need a third-party tool, such as the HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool. To do this:
    • Click Free download .
    • Select the download source that's closest to your region.
    • Save the file somewhere you can find it easily.
    • Right-click HPUSBDisk.exe and select Run as administrator .
  2. Make sure your microSD card is inserted into a microSD card adapter and then inserted into your computer before you begin. If you have multiple storage devices inserted into your computer, ensure you're selecting the correct one before continuing.
  3. Ensure that the Quick format option is also checked.
  4. As soon as you click Start , your computer will begin formatting the microSD card. It may take a few moments for the formatting to complete.
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Section 3 of 4:

Command Prompt Partition (Windows)

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  1. To do this, type "cmd" into the taskbar search bar, right-click "Command Prompt," and click Run as administrator .
    • This method works whether your microSD card has more or less than 32GB of storage. However, if your microSD card has more than 32GB, this method will create a 32GB partition that will be formatted to FAT32. The rest of the storage space on the microSD card won't be changed.
  2. Press Enter to run the command. [1]
  3. Press Enter to run the command.
  4. Replace the # with the disk number from the disk list in step 3.
  5. Press Enter to run the command.
  6. This will create a 32GB partition on your microSD card. Press Enter to run the command.
  7. Replace [letter] with the drive letter you want to give the partition. Press Enter to run the command.
  8. Press Enter to run the command.
  9. Replace the # with the partition number from the partition list in step 8. Press Enter to run the command.
  10. Press Enter to run the command. The 32GB partition on the microSD card will be immediately formatted into FAT32.
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Section 4 of 4:

Disk Utility (macOS)

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  1. The fastest way to do this is to open Spotlight (either by clicking on the icon in the dock, or by pressing Cmd+Space ) and type "disk utility."
    • Before beginning, ensure your microSD card is inserted into a microSD card adapter, which is then inserted into your Mac.
  2. It will be under the "External" heading in the left hand sidebar.
  3. This button is located in the upper-right part of the window.
  4. This option is the same as FAT32 on a Windows system.
    • According to Garnik Ovsepyan, computer technician, only Windows PCs can read and write from a FAT32. "The Mac can read from it but cannot write to it." This should not affect your ability to format a microSD card to FAT32 on your Mac.
  5. The microSD card will immediately be formatted.
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      Tips

      • If your microSD card has under 32GB of storage and is brand new, it is more than likely already formatted to FAT32. [2] To check, insert the microSD card into your computer, open the microSD card's properties, and check which file system is listed.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/administration/windows-commands/diskpart
      2. ↑ https://support-in.wd.com/app/answers/detailweb/a_id/25242/~/format-a-usb-flash%2C-memory-card-or-external-drive-with-the-original-file-system

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