How to Format a Flash Drive in Linux

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By Stephen Lilley
eHow Contributing Writer

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Format a Flash Drive in Linux

If you're new to the Linux operating system, it may seem overwhelming at first. But you will soon realize that you can do everything you were able to do in Windows or with the Mac OS, only easier and faster. Often, the path to these tasks is similar to the ones you would take to complete them in Windows. There is a Linux equivalent to every task you could run in those other operating systems. Learn how to format a flash drive in Linux.

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Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Boot up your computer. If you're dual booting, tell your computer that you want to boot into your Linux installation. If you're not, simply let it load until you see your desktop.
Step 2

Put your USB flash drive in one of your computer's free USB ports. After a few seconds, Linux will automatically recognize it and an icon for it will appear on your desktop.
Step 3

From the "System" menu at the top of the screen, click on "Partition Editor" in the administration sub-folder. You will be prompted to enter your password. Do so to continue.
Step 4

Click on the "GParted" icon in the Linux toolbar at the top of the screen. Right-click on your USB flash drive in the "Devices" category. Select the "Format to..." option.
Step 5

Select what kind of file system you want to format your USB flash drive to. Once you've done this, select "Apply" and Linux will completely format your flash drive.