How to Format a Flash Drive or Memory Key in Windows

USB flash drives such as Jump Drives or memory sticks reformat quickly.

The manufacturer normally formats a flash drive for you before shipping. Formatting quickly removes files you no longer need before reusing or giving away a flash drive or memory key. Drives being used on other operating systems may also require reformatting to use them in Windows. Avoid reformatting flash drives and memory keys on a regular basis. Frequent reformatting reduces the longevity of flash drives and flash-based media.

Instructions

1. Insert your flash/memory key into an available USB port. Click the "Computer" icon in the "Start" menu. Windows XP users should click "My Computer" instead.

2. Right-click the drive letter of your flash/memory key and click "Format." This drive letter may or may not stay constant from computer to computer.

3. Click the "Start" button. Click the "OK" button to accept the warning and continue.

Tips & Warnings

• The warning box in step five is not 100% true in all cases, but treat it as such.

• Reformatting a flash drive or memory key erases all the data it contains.