How to Format a USB Drive in FAT32

USB, or flash, drive

When choosing the formatting for a USB drive, you have three options: FAT, FAT32 and NTFS. FAT32 is the enhanced version of FAT that allows formatting for flash memory and other devices above 4 GB but no greater than 32 GB. If you're using Windows 7, the exFAT format will also be a choice. The exFAT format supersedes FAT32. You can format a USB hard drive, however, with FAT32 using most versions of Windows.

Instructions

1. Insert the USB drive into an open USB port on the computer. The computer should automatically recognize the drive. If it is the first time the drive has been connected to the computer, Windows will attempt to install drivers to support the USB drive.

2. Click the "Start" button to bring up the Start menu. Click "Computer" to explore the computer and the drives attached to it.

3. Find the drive letter designation for the connected USB drive listed under the Computer heading on the left side of the window. Right-click the USB drive listed here and click the "Format" option.

4. Select FAT32 formatting under File system. Choose either quick format or regular format by checking or un-checking the Quick Format box. Click "Start" to start the formatting process. Most Windows versions will give you a warning that all of your data will be erased. Click "OK" if you want to continue formatting the USB drive.

Tips & Warnings

• Formatting the USB drive will erase all the data on the drive. Verify that all data that is needed later is backed up.

• If the drive is larger than 32 GB, Windows will not allow FAT32 formatting. Use an aftermarket formatting utility or check the documentation that came with the drive for a recommendation.

References

• Microsoft Windows: Formatting Disks and Drives - Frequently Asked Questions