Quickly Format a USB Drive with File Explorer

Written by Eric Wyatt (last updated June 21, 2021)

A handy tool for any computer user is a portable USB drive. USB drives are an easy way to take data from one computer and transport it to another computer or device. USB drives can come in a wide range of sizes and speeds. While the majority of USB drives come preformatted for Windows computers, there could be a whole set of reasons why you might want or need to reformat one. For instance, you may want to remove all the contents of the drive quickly or change the file system used to store information on the drive. Whatever the reason, Windows allows for quick formatting through File Explorer.

To reformat your USB drive, insert it into an available USB slot on your computer, open a File Explorer window, then follow these steps.

  1. Right-click on the USB drive's icon. A Context menu is displayed.
  2. Click on "Format..." from the Context menu. This opens the formatting window.
  3. From the File System dropdown, choose the File System format you want to use for the USB drive.
  4. If you wish, you can choose to change the Allocation Unit Size. However, we recommend you leave this set to its default value.
  5. Under Volume Label, enter the name you want the USB drive to display when it is plugged into a computer.
  6. Press Start to begin formatting your USB drive. If your computer displays a confirmation box, press OK to authorize the formatting.

When Windows completes the formatting process you will see a dialog box alerting you that your USB drive has been formatted. In File Explorer, you will now see the USB drive with the name you entered in step 5. Formatting your USB drive will allow you to set up your USB drive to handle your data the way you want.

 This tip (13875) applies to Windows 10.

Author Bio

Eric Wyatt

Eric Wyatt is a swell guy (or so his friends tell him). He is a formally trained designer and branding expert, bringing a wide range of skills to his Tips.Net articles. ...

MORE FROM ERIC

Use Cmd to Find Your Computer Serial Number

You can access your computer's serial number without looking all over on the outside of the box. Use the Command prompt ...

Discover More

Commands for Better Dictation

The Dictation feature in Windows 10 Fall Creators Update provides a quick way to enter text without typing. Knowing ...

Discover More

Checking for Compromised Passwords with Edge Chromium

Compromised passwords can put your information at risk. Check for compromised passwords with Edge Chromium.

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Lock Your Computer With Your Phone

Sometimes you have to get up quickly from your computer before you have time to lock it. With a paired phone and Dynamic ...

Discover More

Setting Data Usage Limits

Windows 10 allows you to set Data Usage limits for your computer. This is helpful when your computer has a metered ...

Discover More

Changing Explorer Navigation Controls

Every time Windows updates the operating system, it seems that they leave out or remove something that somebody loved in ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is 9 + 7?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)

Newest Tips
Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.