How do I format a flash drive?

Question

How do I format a flash drive?

Answer

1. Insert the flash drive into a USB port on a computer.
   Note that if you haven't used it with this particular computer before,
   it may need to install as a plug and play device.
2. Once the drive is ready, find the drive letter using My Computer.
3. Right-click the drive letter icon/name for the device 
4. Click Format and the Format USB Disk window similar to the below picture will be shown.

Select an available choice for each option shown (these will typically be preset to the best options available for the drive, and some may not have any additional choices). The options available are Capacity, File system, Allocation unit size, Volume Label, and Format options.

Click Start to format the flash drive.

Additional information

• See our jump drive definition for further information on this term and related links.