How to Quick Format a Drive or Removable Media in Windows

It is easy to quickly format a drive or some sort of removable media, such as a floppy disk or USB flash drive, in Windows. It only takes a few simple steps.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Quick Format

1. Make sure to copy anything you need before formatting, which erases everything on whatever media you format.

2. Click on the “Start” menu and click “My Computer.”

3. Right-click in the “My Computer” window the item you wish to format and select “Format...”

4. Pull down the menu under “File System” and select “FAT.”

5. Make sure “Quick Format” is checked (if your drive has never been used).

6. Click “Start” at the bottom of the window. Windows will format the drive. When it is finished, click “Close” and your drive is ready to use.

Tips & Warnings

• You can find articles on more advanced formatting right here on eHow.