How to Format iPod to Windows

Format your iPod on your Windows PC.

Formatting for your iPod is used for changing the configuration settings, as your iPod is configured for a Windows PC or Macintosh computer when it is first plugged into you computer. Although you can plug the iPod into a different computer for charginging, you'll need to format the device in order to sync it to your Windows PC or Macintosh computer. The process of formatting your iPod to a Windows configuration requires erasing the hard drive of the iPod, which clears its contents and resets the configuration settings to the current computer.

Things You'll Need

• iPod USB cable
• iTunes

Instructions

1. Open the iTunes program on your PC by double-clicking the iTunes icon on your desktop, or select "Start" on the task bar and click "Programs," "Apple" and "iTunes."

2. Insert the iPod USB cable into the bottom of the iPod and the USB port on the computer.

3. Click the iPod tab under the Devices section located in the iTunes source list, and click the Summary tab in the iTunes window.

4. Select the "Restore" button under the Version section, and click "Restore" on the pop-up box.

References

• Apple Support: Restoring iPod to Factory Settings
• "iPod & iTunes For Dummies"; Tony Bove; 2010
• Apple Support: How to Determine Your iPod's Disk Format