Most USB flash drive users do not ever think to format their drives. Most do not even realize it is possible to manipulate their file storage in this way. However it is an easy way to make the most out of your data storage experience. You don’t have to be a technological wiz to reformat your USB Drive; you just need your drive and your computer.
We’ve provided step by step instructions for both PC and MAC users below!Why does an average user need to format their USB drive? We cover the subject pretty well in a previous blog but in short, formatting your USB drive erases data, restores the drive to full capacity, and increases efficiency. Who wouldn’t want that?In general, most people are going to choose their file system based on capacity and performance. The size and quantity of files you need to transfer or store will help you decide which filing system to choose when you reformat your USB drive. A filing system is a system that organizes data into a specific way so it’s not just one big pile of incomprehensible data. Much like physical storage, individuals have preferences and requirements for storage of important information. A user may tailor their flash drive so that it can work with their needs.
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File System OptionsBefore you begin to format your drive, you should know which file system option you wish to use. Keeping in mind that most users will be looking at storage and performance, we’ve summed up for you the major ones you’ll likely come across: NTFSNTFS is not recommended for flash drives, even if you’re working with large data.
Click the section 'Erase Now' to select your flash drive to start. Click 'Erase Now' button to process, after complete erase you can reboot the system. Most people find it difficult to believe that Stellar BitRaser for File can erase flash drive in a single pass.
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It’s preferably only used for Windows system drives. This is the default system that recent Windows version utilize. It stands for “New Technology File System.” It has a limited compatibility with other OS besides modern Windows. It’s meant to transport files larger than 4GB. It’s great for working with Operating Systems because of its modern features not found in the FAT group. Typically found with regular sized hard drives. It can be easily restored in case of failure.
FATThis system is quite old; it was introduced in 1977! It’s no longer the default for Windows. Practica de preparacion de soluciones empiricas. It stands for “File Allocation Table.” You won’t see FAT or FAT32 if your drive is larger than 32GB. Unlike NTFS types, FAT file systems cannot be recovered or restored in case of failure.
Technically, all FAT types are referred to as FAT in one big umbrella term. FAT and FAT 32 use less memory and work faster than NTFS.
FAT32Don’t use this for internal drives; it doesn’t have the components and other safety features you want to do that. Use it instead for a removable drive that requires high compatibility but with small files (less than 4GB each).
You won’t see FAT or FAT32 if your drive is larger than 32GB. It used to be the standard before NTFS came along.
This is a highly compatible system as it works with all versions of Windows. However, it limits transactions at 4GB so you won’t be able to transfer large files like movies. ExFATYou should use this format when you need high compatibility with large file sizes. It’s great for flash drives. This file system incorporates FAT32 in a more light weight system that avoids all the messy overhead of NTFS.
It manages space better and with less fragmentation that FAT and FAT32. ExFAT is often preferred over NTFS. It can read and write files larger than 4GB.
Note that exFAT is not backwards compatible with other FAT systems.This quick guide to file systems is not exhaustive; there are lots more details about each that you might want to compare between. These file systems all have their pros and cons. However, most people won’t need to bother with those details. Instead, let’s focus on how to reformat your USB drive.