how to force format external hard drive win 10

You should probably pick exFAT If you don’t know which file format you need, or you don’t have any specific use in mind. (For example, you should run a full format to securely erase any sensitive data before disposing of or giving away a USB drive.) Since flash memory has a limited number of writes, you should avoid full formats unless it is absolutely necessary. A full format will overwrite the entire USB drive.

A quick format won’t actually wipe any data, it’ll just allow it to be overwritten. Format Options – You can choose between quick format and a full format.Volume Label – This is just the name of the drive.Leave it alone unless you have a specific need. Smaller units result in less wasted space, but at a mild performance cost. Allocation Unit Size – The allocation unit size is basically how the space on the USB drive is divided up.They each have different properties that determine maximum file sizes, maximum storage volume, and operating system compatibility. File System – This lets you pick between a handful of file systems.Capacity – This tells you the size of the drive you have selected.For the most part, you can leave them alone, but here is a breakdown of what each option means if you want to change something: Right-click the USB drive and click “Format.” RELATED: How to Never 'Safely Remove' a USB Drive Again on Windows 10 The “This PC” window updates whenever there is a hardware change, so you’ll be able to spot it when Windows recognizes the device. If you aren’t sure which drive is the USB drive, just unplug it and plug it back in again. You will see a list of your connected drives under “Devices and drives” when it opens. You can also open File Explorer and click “This PC” in the left pane.

How to force format external hard drive win 10