In what format to format an external hard drive. What file system should I format my flash drive with? How to format a flash drive: basic formatting rules, file system selection and cluster size Standard flash drive format

In what format to format an external hard drive.  What file system should I format my flash drive with?  How to format a flash drive: basic formatting rules, file system selection and cluster size Standard flash drive format
In what format to format an external hard drive. What file system should I format my flash drive with? How to format a flash drive: basic formatting rules, file system selection and cluster size Standard flash drive format

many advanced users the formatting seems trivial, causing them to miss out on important nuances. Beginners should definitely understand how such an operation takes place.

Formatting a flash drive is preparing the media for use by the operating system by deleting all data and then creating a file system. There are 2 key aspects:

  1. Available information will be destroyed. Before formatting, the user always asks if he confirms the cleaning of the flash drive. It is not possible to accidentally perform this procedure. Under certain conditions, formatted data can be recovered.
  2. The file system determines a lot. It's like markings and road signs that tell the motorist where to go next. For users Windows selection file system is a simple task, there is not much to choose from.

How to choose the right file system?

Common file NTFS systems and FAT 32. In most cases, the first option will do for the following reasons:

  • FAT32 cannot write a file larger than 4 GB. OS image or movie in high resolution not saved in full size;
  • NTFS is a journaling file system, so in case of force majeure it will provide increased reliability of data storage;
  • in FAT32, work with big amount small files. On NTFS, file size has little effect on read/write speed;
  • NTFS allows you to close access with encryption. It's easy to set a password for a folder.

Today there is only one significant advantage FAT32 - compatible with almost any USB device. At the same time, the choice of a file system for data stores is an extensive topic. NTFS is not a milestone. For example, if you have Windows 10 and need to format a microSD card for a smartphone, then it is rational to use the exFAT file system.

What is the best cluster size?

This option sets the smallest amount of information that can be set for a single file. Let's take a very hypothetical example. Let's say we have a 10 GB flash drive that has a 1 GB cluster size. If you write a song of 10 MB (0.01 GB) to it, then the file will take 1 GB - the computer “does not know” that information on the drive can be stored in smaller portions.

In practice, the cluster size is set in much smaller volumes. It depends on the file system and Windows versions. The following details are important:

  • the larger the cluster, the faster data is read and written;
  • to store a huge number of small files, do not use big size cluster, so that the free space on the flash drive is used rationally;
  • the larger the files are planned to be stored on the drive, the more profitable it is to use the increased cluster size.

Almost always don't worry about the cluster size - use the default settings.

How to format a flash drive?

It's easy to figure out how to format a flash drive in a standard way on Windows:

  • connect the drive to the PC;
  • open "My (This) computer";
  • if there is a flash drive important information, then copy it;
  • click right click mouse on the drive icon and select "Format";
  • Specify the file system and click on "Start".

You can also do this via the command line. After launching it, enter the command "format / fs: NTFS X: / q", where X- the letter under which the OS identified the drive, and instead of "NTFS" specify other file systems, if required.

Programs for formatting a flash drive

Consider the features of popular utilities:

  1. "MiniTool Partition Wizard". Simplicity and functionality are the advantages of this free program. She "knows how" to create folders with different file systems on one flash drive, including exotic ones for Windows users ext2 or ext3. The interface is easy to understand, but even advanced users will find where to dig into it.
  2. HDD Low Level Format Tool. The application performs a full format, during which it is possible to eliminate physical errors drive. Bottom line - you can "revive" a flash drive that seemed completely out of order. The utility was originally developed for hard drives, but perfectly supports USB drives.
  3. "HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool". An elementary program that almost completely repeats the interface of a regular Windows tool. It is worth stopping at this tool if the OS is buggy and “does not want” to format the media. Advantage over competitors - does not require installation, runs from a downloaded file.
  4. SD Formatter. Especially for SD, microSD and similar memory cards. Works with regular USB sticks too. Worth using if you don't have the best simple map memory. Let's assume it's a fast SD UHS-II. In order not to bother and get the highest possible write / read speed at the output - do everything through SD Formatter.

Regarding this, there are the following tips:

  1. Format on the device where this drive will be primarily used. For example, if you want to format a memory card for Android smartphone then do it on the phone itself. Specifically in this example, FAT32 or file systems under Linux (ext4 and the like) are preferable. On Android, not everything is smooth regarding compatibility with NTFS.
  2. Quick and full formatting are designed for different purposes. For example, in the Windows window with formatting settings, a checkmark was placed in the line "Quick (clearing the table of contents)". In this case, the information will not be physically deleted - the reformatting process will end faster. If it is important that the data be completely destroyed, then stop at the full format, although this will take more time. This procedure is also preferable if the OS often “swears” that the flash drive has errors.

Today, flash drives are called both ordinary removable USB media and memory cards for mobile devices. They are used everywhere. But sometimes, for the first use or restoration of the operability of such devices, the media must be formatted. This is where a completely logical question arises - in what format to format a USB flash drive? Let's take a look at some of the main options and compare their advantages and disadvantages.

Factors affecting which format is better to format a USB flash drive

Before proceeding with formatting, it should be clearly defined for what purposes the drive will be used, and what kind of information will be stored on it.

At the same time, special attention should be paid to the question - in what operating system device will be used. In addition, even with a huge number of tools for reading and writing information on modern USB drives, the size of its built-in memory has a rather strong influence on the solution of the problem of what format to format a USB flash drive in.

NTFS or FAT32: which do you prefer?

As a rule, almost all current Windows systems offer several options when choosing a file system for formatting removable media, but NTFS and FAT32 standards can be distinguished among the main ones.

Here you should immediately evaluate the amount of memory of the device. FAT32 can only work with devices whose memory capacity does not exceed 4 GB. Modern models of such USB devices have much larger volumes. Therefore, when deciding in which format to format a flash drive, it is from the point of view of this aspect that you should definitely choose NTFS.

On the other hand, the problem also has a downside. For example, when trying to use the device on some modern TV panels, PS3 or Xbox, the NTFS system may not be recognized.

The same goes for creating bootable media for installing Windows systems on computers and laptops, in which instead of standard system BIOS I/O uses an advanced UEFI design that the NTFS file system standard does not recognize either. Thus, the conclusion suggests itself quite obvious: formatting should be done in FAT32.

Ext4 format

Sometimes you can meet the Ext4 standard. However, it is used mainly exclusively in Linux systems. If the user works with one of these modifications and does not plan to transfer data from the drive, for example, to computers with Windows systems that do not recognize this format, it can be used. Otherwise, you will again have to choose between FAT32 and NTFS.

In what format to format a flash drive for Android

Now a few words about removable drives in the form of SD cards, which are used in mobile Android devices. Since operating systems of this type do not support NTFS to the slightest extent, this formatting option can be excluded immediately.

You will have to choose between FAT32 and exFAT. Here again, initially the question rests on the amount of memory of the drive. It is clear that with volumes of more than 4 GB, the issue is unambiguously resolved in favor of exFAT. It was possible, of course, to use systems like Ex2 / 3/4, but the problem here is that such formats are mostly perceived not as standard, but as custom Android firmware, and when formatted in Ex4, Windows systems will only be able to read information from the drive, but not write.

Brief summary

Thus, rush possible in two ways. Despite the fact that the FAT32 system cannot work with large amounts of memory, it functions somewhat faster than NTFS, and, moreover, is recognized by almost all known operating systems and devices. But NTFS is preferable for more than 4 GB of memory.

For android universal The solution is to use the exFAT system, which simultaneously combines almost all the features and advantages of both FAT32 and NTFS.

Electronics manufacturers are trying in every possible way to convince us that we live in a world wireless technologies. However, nothing is better than the old proven flash drive.

For fast data transfer from one device to another, for communication on different operating systems, for reliable data storage, it is still convenient to use external drives information.

The only problem is to properly format the flash drive or disk. Now we will tell you how to make sure that both macOS and Windows can work with such a flash drive without problems in the future.

Which file system to choose

Among the many existing file systems on this moment The most popular are considered to be: FAT32, NTFS, exFAT, APFS (Apple File System), HFS+ (Mac OS Extended).

From the box Windows fully supports FAT32, NTFS and exFAT, and macOS– FAT32, exFAT, HFS+, and APFS (with macOS High Sierra and above).

Using third-party drivers and utilities, you can teach Windows to work with HFS + and APFS, or add NTFS support to macOS.

Attention! When formatting a flash drive or other drive, all data on it will be deleted, save everything you need in advance.

The solutions available today are very different in terms of stability and data transfer speed. In order not to load the system with unnecessary software and not waste time when copying or transferring files, it is better to use a file system that is supported by both Windows and macOS.

The choice is between FAT32 And exFAT.

The main disadvantage of FAT32 is the file size limit. On such a disk will not work write file size over 4GB. Given the presence of large databases, backups, projects or video files, it is better not to be tied to the outdated FAT32 file system and choose exFAT.

How to format a flash drive in macOS

1. Launch the application disk utility through Spotlight or Launchpad.

2. In the left pane, select the drive you want to format.

3. Click the button Erase.

4. Specify file system exFAT and confirm the action.

How to format a flash drive in Windows

1. Open File Explorer.

2. Select the drive you want to format.

3. IN context menu select item Format…

4. Specify file system exFAT, set other formatting options as needed.

5. Confirm the procedure.

A finished flash drive in exFAT format will be recognized by both a Windows computer and any Mac. In this case, it will be possible to both read data from the drive and write to it without a file size limit of 4 GB.

Good day!

Quite often, when working at a computer (laptop), you have to deal with the operation of formatting disks, flash drives and other drives (for example, to delete all data from them, in case of various failures and errors, to change the file system, etc.) . Today's article will focus on flash drives ...

I should note that it is far from always possible to format a flash drive without problems in the first way that comes across. That is why, I decided to jot down a note with several formatting options (I think it will come in handy for everyone who can’t make this operation, or who can not decide on the file system).

Addition!

If, when formatting or trying to copy files to a USB flash drive, you see an error that the drive is write-protected, I recommend that you read this guide:

Important! Formatting will destroy all data on the drive. If the flash drive has necessary files- copy them in advance to excellent media.

About choosing a file system and cluster size

When formatting a drive (by any of the methods), you must specify the file system, cluster size, and volume name. And if it doesn’t cause difficulties to indicate the name, then many people have questions with the rest ...

In general, the following file systems are most commonly used today:

  1. FAT32- the oldest file system that is supported by almost all devices (even various game consoles!). Most flash drives are formatted with this file system by default. It has one significant drawback: you cannot write files larger than 4 GB to it!
  2. NTFS- a more modern file system supported by Windows XP and higher (read-only on Mac OS X, on Linux - there are distributions that support read-only, there are those that can write and read). File size - unlimited. As for various consoles and devices, NTFS is not supported by everyone (for example, Xbox 360 or Sony PlayStation do not support it). In general, NTFS is more suitable for disks (than flash drives) that will be used in Windows.
  3. exFAT(or FAT64) is a specially designed file system for flash drives. Supports files larger than 4 GB, disk partition size is unlimited. By the way, exFAT has one key advantage: it overwrites the same sector less during operation, which affects the life of drives (i.e., a flash drive with exFAT should work longer than with NTFS). That is why, for flash drives, it is preferable to use exFAT rather than NTFS.

conclusions: if you want maximum compatibility and plan to connect the flash drive to set-top boxes or old PCs, choose FAT32 (although you will be limited to a file size of 4 GB). In other cases, it is preferable to choose exFAT (however, I note that some TVs, for example, cannot read this file system and it is for them that you have to choose NTFS).

What about the cluster size (or it is also called the allocation unit):

this parameter is responsible for how much the flash drive will allocate space for one file. For example, if the cluster size is standard 64 KB, and your file weighs 50 KB, then it will take up 64 KB of space on the flash drive!

If you are going to store a lot of small files on a flash drive, choose the minimum cluster size. True, in this case, the speed of the drive will be lower! Most users, in my opinion, can ignore this setting, it is best to leave the default value.

Method number 1 - through "This computer" (Explorer)

Method number 2 - through disk management

Not always and not all media are visible in "This computer / My computer". This may be due to a conflict of drive letters, if the flash drive is not formatted at all, if the file system fails, and in a number of other cases. Naturally, if you don’t see it in “My Computer”, then you won’t be able to format it in this way ...

However, Windows has a special tool - disk management . It displays all drives connected to the system (even those with problems).

Universal way to open disk management :

  1. press Win+R key combination (Run window should appear in the corner of the screen);
  2. then enter the command diskmgmt.msc and press Enter.

Also, disk management can be opened if you go to the Windows control panel and use the search.

In disk management all disks, flash drives, and other media that your computer sees will be presented. Just choose desired drive from the list, right-click on it and select from the menu "Format..." .

Disk management - format drive

Method number 3 - through the command line

In some cases, for example, when the explorer freezes or the error "failed to complete formatting" appears, you have to resort to working with command line. With it, you can also format drives (important! Be careful, follow all the steps step by step, as described below).

I will show everything on a personal example. To get started, you need to run on behalf of the administrator . To do this, open Task Manager (combination of buttons Ctrl+Alt+Del or Ctrl+Shift+Esc), then press "File/new task" and enter the CMD command, remembering to check the box "Create a task with administrator rights" (as in the example below).

  1. first you need to find out the letter of the flash drive (if you have not connected the flash drive to USB port- connect!). To do this, enter the diskpart command and press Enter.
  2. then enter the list volume command and press Enter (note that in the list of drives you should see the letter of your flash drive! In my case, the letter "E" is highlighted in yellow);
  3. then, to close diskpart, type exit and press Enter;
  4. to format use the command format E: /FS:exFAT /Q /V:fleska (where "E" is the letter of your flash drive; FS: exFAT is the file system (for NTFS - enter FS: NTFS); V: fleska is the name of the flash drive, can be anything (for example, V: mydisk).

In fact, after the introduction last command the formatting process should start. Just be careful not to mix up the drive letter - many command line operations do not require confirmation!

Method number 4 - using special utilities

If all other methods failed, most likely something is wrong with your flash drive: file system failure (for example, it may be marked as RAW); infection with viruses that block work with the drive, and so on.

In this case, you need to use special utilities. Moreover, I want to note that in most cases each flash drive model will need its own utility(using a third party may damage it permanently)! Below are some links to my articles, they will help you complete this operation!

A few more tips on what you can do if the flash drive is not formatted is given in this article:

That's all, all the best!

The process of formatting a flash drive is little different from HDD formatting or SSD drives. Next, we will look at the best ones (such as the USB Disk Storage Format Tool). We will also mention a USB drive available in any OS of the Windows family.

Content:

The guide will help you understand the many formatting options. I will explain what each individual parameter is responsible for and which one is best for your USB flash drive. And if it doesn't help standard method- we will select an alternative utility for formatting a flash drive.

What is formatting?

Formatting refers to the processing of the information carrier associated with the ordering of the structure of this carrier. The source can be HDD(HDD), SSD, flash drive (usb flash drive), SD card or other solid state device. When formatting, the structure of access to digital information changes.

How to format sd memory card? SD cards have special features when formatting. We have written instructions on how to format a memory card. This is a tool SDFormatter (download), specially designed for formatting flash drives and sd cards in Windows and Mac OS.

Two facts must be kept in mind:

  1. When you format a flash drive, all data stored on it is destroyed. It will be possible to restore files only with special resuscitation utilities - in this case, a successful result cannot be guaranteed.
  2. when you format a flash drive or HDD, the system checks for structure errors and, in some cases, corrects them.

Low-level formatting of a flash drive is a type of formatting in which the surface of a USB drive is marked into sectors used for further recording of service information. Performed low-level formatting with help special utilities, which we will talk about later in the article. We will also tell you how to format a USB flash drive with their means.

As a rule, users do not want to understand the program options for formatting. But in vain: after all, the settings are responsible for the performance of the flash drive and the speed of reading / writing. The optimal parameters depend on the model of the device that will be formatted and on what you plan to do with the flash drive, what tasks to perform: run applications, use it as an OS boot, store all kinds of data, etc.

How to quickly format a flash drive in Windows 7 - Windows 10

Tip of the day. Sometimes formatting allows you to restore the flash drive, mark it correctly, copy files to it - as a result, it becomes writable even after Windows has ceased to be detected or has stopped reading data. It is especially important to consider this if Windows cannot format the flash drive and the user has to look for third-party tools.

Windows OS has a regular utility for this case, so you do not need to look for third-party formatting tools. Whether you are using Windows XP, Windows 7, 8 or Windows 10, the steps are basically the same.

  1. Insert flash drive into USB port
  2. Go to File Explorer (Start > My Computer)
  3. Right-click on the USB drive, select "Format" from the context menu
  4. Determine the file system type - FAT or NTFS
  5. To format the drive, make a selection and click the "Start" button
  6. Confirm that you really want to erase all data on the drive
  7. Flash drive formatted

You need to understand what each of these options is responsible for. Flash drive formatting options that can be changed in the standard Formatting utility:

  • Capacity: the size of the flash drive in GB. Each time you format the drive, check the volume: this will avoid an error.
  • File system. The type of file system, in many situations, is not critical. However, if you specify not NTFS, but FAT, you will not be able to write files > 4 GB in size to the USB flash drive. By choosing a rare type of file system, get ready for the fact that your flash drive will not be detected on other operating systems and computers. However, in Windows, the choice is limited to NTFS and (ex)FAT.
  • Cluster size. Read about what a cluster is and what size you need to specify here.
  • Volume label: conditional name of the flash drive. It does not affect anything, but it is desirable to assign a memorable label in order to navigate in Explorer and the operating system.
The interface of the system formatting utility for a flash drive in Windows 8

What is the best format to format a usb flash drive?

Windows 7 has four major file systems to choose from: NTFS, FAT, FAT32, and exFAT. You will not see FAT and FAT32 in the list of available file systems - if the total capacity of the flash drive or disk is more than 32 GB.

File system benefits NTFS:

  • writing and reading data larger than 4 gigabytes and up to the maximum allowed partition size.
  • the ability to create large partitions on a usb flash drive - more than 32 GB
  • formatting a flash drive in NTFS is easier than in FAT
  • effective compression of information and, accordingly, saving the space occupied on a flash drive.
  • better use of available space = less need for fragmentation.
  • support for on-the-fly file encryption thanks to the EFS encrypted file system (Windows Professional OS).

Benefits of file systems FAT and FAT32:

  • FAT is compatible with Windows, Linux, Mac OS X operating systems
  • files take up less space on a USB drive than NTFS.
  • FAT formatting is available on any OS
  • fewer disk writes/rewrites = more efficient use of available memory.

Advantages of the file system exFAT:

  • read / write to the USB flash drive large files > 4 gigabytes in size.
  • partitioning > 32 GB.
  • rational use of space = optimization of fragmentation.

So, we draw conclusions. FAT and FAT32 are suitable for drives smaller than 32 GB and if you do not need to store files larger than 2 and 4 GB.

Due to the nature of the file system, NTFS is not recommended for flash drives, even if their capacity is > 32 GB. A compromise solution would be file exFAT system. It combines the significant advantages of FAT and NTFS (supports large file sizes). Thus, the exFAT file system is optimal for formatting flash drives.

FAT and FAT32 are the only file systems that guarantee cross-platform compatibility. NTFS is not supported on Linux and needs to be installed third party applications to work on Mac. exFAT, on the other hand, is supported on Snow Leopard and later versions of Mac OS, but Linux also requires drivers.

If you choose between FAT and FAT32, choose the latter - especially if you are dealing with a 2 GB or smaller flash drive. This is useful for improving compatibility and speed.

What cluster size to specify in the settings

The "Cluster size" option in the formatting settings sets the appropriate size. The file system records the status of each cluster: free or busy. Once a file or part of a file is written to the cluster, it goes into a "busy" state - regardless of whether there is space available.

Therefore, large clusters are impractical in terms of using space on a flash drive (disk).

With smaller clusters, however, the flash drive slows down as each file is broken into smaller pieces. Copying files takes much longer.

Fortunately, the situation can be corrected using a flash drive formatter. Besides, optimal size cluster depends on the purpose of the USB drive.

Cluster size in NTFS

If you store small files on a flash drive, run programs from a flash drive, smaller size cluster will help save space. On a 1 TB external hard drive, it is advisable to choose a 64 kilobyte cluster.

Cluster size when formatting a flash drive in fat32

If you store large files on a disk, a large cluster size is preferable: the flash drive will work faster. For flash drives smaller than 500 MB, select a 512 byte (in FAT32) or 32 KB (FAT) cluster.

What label to choose for the name of the flash drive?

The volume label is just a name. It's not required, so anything will do. However, there are a few rules to follow, depending on the file system you are going to format the flash drive with.

  • maximum 32 characters
  • will be displayed in UPPER and LOWER letters as you entered.
  • maximum 11 characters
  • the label will be displayed in uppercase

Quick or full format?

In typical formatting cases, files are removed from the disk and the disk is checked for bad sectors. Full formatting will be useful for diagnosing write errors.

A quick format only deletes files and does not search. Therefore, use the quick option if you do not have time to check for flash drive errors.

Choosing a program to format a flash drive

Windows may not always format a flash drive correctly. Standard formatting is not a panacea for a flash drive if the service information on the storage device has been damaged. Unfortunately, recovering data on a flash drive with such damage is more difficult. One of the solutions to the problem is to download a proprietary program for formatting a flash drive (if any) on the memory manufacturer's website to your computer. We recommend that you contact the support service and ask the manufacturer how to clean the USB flash drive, if they have programs for full formatting.

So, how to format a flash drive? Consider best programs for formatting flash drives, more or less universal tools. If you wish, you can easily find other alternatives, free and proprietary utilities offered by suppliers.

Tip of the day. When formatting a flash drive, save important files on your computer. All data on the media being formatted will be permanently deleted.

JetFlash Recovery Tool

Jet Flash Recovery Tool is a one-stop solution. This program for formatting flash drives will be useful if:

  • errors found on usb flash drive
  • information on the flash drive is not readable
  • you need to format the flash drive

Install the JetFlash Recovery Tool and try to force format the USB drive with it. The flash drive application works with A-DATA and Transcend media, but other options are also possible. Warning: the utility is not “omnivorous” and can easily reject your usb device.

JetFlash Recovery Tool can be downloaded from the official website. Install it on your computer according to the instructions that come with the program.

USB Disk Storage Format Tool

The free USB Disk Storage Format Tool allows you to quickly and correctly format a USB flash drive under Windows. In this case, you can specify the file system of the media: FAT, FAT32, exFAT or NTFS.

The main functions of the utility:

  • Allows you to not only format a flash drive, but also erase all data on a flash drive that cannot be formatted in the traditional (system) way.
  • USB Disk Storage Format Tool removes any traces malware and viruses that could infect the flash drive.
  • Finding and fixing reading errors, bad blocks on a flash drive.
  • Creating a volume label (name) for USB drives.
  • Create a FAT32 partition larger than 32 GB.
  • Low-level formatting a flash drive required model(Kingston, HP, Sony, Lexar, Imation, Transcend, Corsair, etc.)
  • It is convenient to observe the formatting process: just check the box next to the Verbose option.

USB Disk Storage Format Tool has been successfully tested on thousands of storage devices (Compact Flash, CF Card II, Memory Stick Duo Pro, Thumb Drive, Pen Drive). USB Disk Storage Format supports brands such as SanDisk, Kingston, Transcend, Corsair, HP, Sony, Lexar, Imation, Toshiba, PNY, Verbatim, LaCie, Panda, Seatech, SDKSK9, Silicon power, IronKey and HDE.

There is also a Pro version of the USB Disk Storage Format Tool. With its help, you can create bootable flash drives, perform low-level formatting, change the cluster size.

Formatting a flash drive using the HDD Low Level Format Tool

HDD Low Level Format Tool is a utility for low-level formatting of hard drives under Windows. Allows reading SMART data, extracting service information about Data storage devices.

However, HDD Low Level Format Tool supports not only hard disks, but also memory cards and flash drives (SD, MMC, MemoryStick and CompactFlash) - you may need a card reader to connect them.

HDD Low Level Format Tool will erase data from SATA, IDE, SAS, SCSI or SSD at low access level. The utility also work with any USB and FIREWIRE external drive, as well as SD, MMC, MemoryStick and CompactFlash flash drives.

Supported Brands: Maxtor, Hitachi, Seagate, Samsung, Toshiba, Fujitsu, IBM, Quantum, western digital and others not listed here.


HDD Low Level Format Tool

HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool

Very simple utility to correctly format the flash drive in FAT32 and NTFS format. The main function is to help the user quickly select options and format the flash drive on the computer by clicking on one button.

The utility for a USB flash drive is distributed free of charge, the installer can be downloaded for Windows OS.

In addition, through the HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool, you can create a bootable Windows USB flash drive (which other similar formatters cannot).

Program interface for formatting flash drives HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool

How to format a flash drive in Mac OS

The HP USB Format Tool application allows you to format a USB flash drive in the operating Mac system. However, for this you need to perform a number of intricate actions:

  1. Install the Parallels Desktop emulator on your computer
  2. Install Windows system on MacOS
  3. Format a flash drive under Mac OS X through emulated Windows

Kingston USB Format Tool - format a USB flash drive without settings

This program does not contain any settings at all. For formatting, you need to specify the device (usb flash drive) and file system.

The developers on the site indicate that the FAT FS will avoid conflicts with other operating systems and will not affect the performance of the flash drive.

The program works under Windows 7 and Windows 10 and more early versions OS.

Therefore, if you have a Kingston flash drive and for some reason it began to work slowly, try this program: it may solve the problem.

Answers on questions

I'm having issues with my flash drive. SmartBuy 64 gig. At first, the flash drive occasionally "disappeared", then completely disappeared .... after a rest of 3 weeks - it appeared and allowed itself to be formatted (from fat32 to NTFS). It worked for 2 weeks and disappeared again..... SmartBuy technical support specialists "do not know and cannot help with the problem"... goes to the end and writes that Windows cannot complete formatting (this is usually in NTFS), and some immediately refuse (and this is in exFAT).

So: I have thoughts that the flash drive has "shortened" due to bad blocks, and therefore the programs for formatting the flash drive do not reach the very end - so they refuse to make the final recording on the media.

Please advise a program for the correct low-level formatting of a flash drive, which does not check for errors at the end. Something like the program that the Chinese "make" LARGE from small flash drives.

Answer. Try the following programs: JetFlash Recovery Tool, USB Disk Storage Format Tool, HDD Low Level Format Tool. Pay attention to utilities that perform low-level formatting. The name may state that these programs are designed for hard drives - however, some of them work similarly with flash drives, allowing them to be formatted.

There is such a flash drive Name: DT 101 II (USB2.0)

VID&PID: Vid_0951&Pid_1625
Speed: high speed

Vendor Description: Kingston
Product Description: DT 101 II
Serial Number: 000AEB91EBF5F97155120907

The capacity of the flash drive is determined by the system as 16 GB. It is formatted, but when writing a file larger than 4 GB, it says that there is no space.

Answer. You need to format the flash drive to NTFS. You can record files larger than 4 GB on it. However, as we have already noted, exFat (Extended File Allocation Table) - the best option for a flash drive.

How to format a flash drive to ntfs? Use USB programs Disk Storage Format Tool or HDD Low Level Format Tool. Embedded Windows tools also help to format the drive in ntfs.

Good day. I have a flash drive Transend, the problem is that it either works or not, formatting does not help. You drop the files on the computer from which you dropped it, it opens, you paste it into another and there is only a "shortcut" and it weighs 1 kb. Today, I formatted it in fat32, I dropped the movie, I looked at the floor of the movie on TV, I thought everything was fine, but I rejoiced early, the video stopped and that’s it, it’s no longer played. I just don't know what problem to link this to in your article. Please help, thanks in advance!!

A friend brought a Micro Sd Jeef 64GB. The flash drive worked fine. After a while, the error “The disk is write-protected” appeared. I tried all the methods of treatment, formatting does not pass, it gives the same error. On his phone, the flash drive is displayed on mine is not. All files can be pulled out but not uploaded. How to format a flash drive so that files can be copied to it?

I bought an sd card a month ago. When I put it in the connector, I went into the settings and it was shown that the amount of memory was only 128 MB, although there really was 14.7 GB of memory. I tried several times to format it differently (with the programs for formatting the flash drive described in the article), but it still didn’t fix it. Everything is fine with the device. other volumes of sd cards were shown normally.

I have a problem with the 4 GB micro sd card of the transend phone. photos and videos are no longer recorded on it, the information is not deleted. I tried to reformat to the desired format (fat 32), it is not formatted. only in ex fat, but after that the information does not disappear on the map, and the format remains the same fat 32. I tried all the options, format with the command line, various utilities, scanned for viruses, also corrected errors through Windows and bad sectors, everything remains the same. The formatting program of the company of the same name also did not help. Tell me, can I do something in this case, or is the card completely dead?

The flash drive was fully working, I tried to write windows 10 to it via ultraISO, formatted it before that, after which it is now empty (there are no files at all), nothing is left of the old 32 GB: busy, free, capacity is now 0 bytes. If you check for errors through properties / details, the inscription: The disk cannot be checked because it is not available. How to reformat a flash drive to return it to 32 GB of volume?

The problem is that even after the flash drive is completely formatted, the files remain. There is a second protected partition on the flash drive - how to delete it? Standard Tools Windows and formatting utilities do not see it. Flash drive 16 GB, 14 GB visible. This section saw AOMEI program Partition Assistant 6.6.0 but there is no way to remove it.

there is a flash drive Apacer AH223. The owner encrypted it with some kind of program. What does not know. As a result, all infa is quietly read and copied, but it is impossible to format it. HDD Low Level Format Tool, Diskpart did not help.

MicroSD 32gb - I can view the content, I can not delete and format. applied different programs for formatting. What is the best way to format the flash drive (if possible) to fix it?

My Xiaomi formatted the flash drive in the phone, now it is not readable on the phone or on the computer. Through the computer I tried to format it, now it doesn’t show anything at all, writes insert the card. What to do????

My Xiaomi formatted the SD card in the phone, now it is not readable on the phone or on the computer. I tried to format it through the computer, now it doesn’t show anything at all, it says “insert card”. What to do?

In short, I have a 32GB flash drive, and one of my friends formatted it from ntfs to fat, and plus, write protection appeared from somewhere. I have no idea how to format it back to ntfs (possible with data loss) and remove the write protection.

A two-way USB flash drive (usb-micro usb) was no longer detected both on the computer and on the phone: the chip program was considered to be: 090C and pid: 1000, I tried to format it with the flash doctor program and the process lasted 2 days, upon completion it is not even detected by the chip program, tell me the solution.