How to format a USB from the CMD with a Windows PC –

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The main function of a USB memory is to store information. Although it seems simple, sometimes this can play against us by keeping a malicious file hidden.

In situations like this, it is recommended to format the drive before doing anything else. In case formatting does not work for you or you simply have a problem formatting a read-protected disk , we will shortly explain the available options.

Index( )

  1. What are the advantages of resetting a USB from the Windows CMD?
    1. Recover a damaged USB
    2. Give a total cleaning of the USB
    3. Better pendrive compatibility with devices
  2. What type of format can be given to a pendrive from the Windows CMD?
    1. Fat32 USB format with 8TB limit
    2. NTFS to format up to 256TB
    3. exFat and HFS+ format for storage larger than 256TB
  3. How can you format a flash drive in Windows 8 and 10 from CMD?
  4. How to format a write-protected USB in Windows CMD?

What are the advantages of resetting a USB from the Windows CMD?

Although it seems a bit obvious, not everyone knows that the simple act of formatting a USB stick brings benefits . Note that formatting and resetting are different things. While with the first option you will erase all stored information, the other simply returns certain values ​​to their original state.

Recover a damaged USB

That is to say, it is similar to restoring a specific point in the reading of the unit and all the information that was had at that moment is restored. This means that if a file was damaged by malicious software and ended up being deleted, it is highly likely that the information can be recovered .

Of course, depending on the damage and the Windows program itself to format a USB memory even if it is protected, certain files will or will not be recovered. This cannot be controlled for sure. Now, if you want to increase your chances of recovering files, we recommend that you use specific programs to recover deleted files from memory.

Give a total cleaning of the USB

This is closely related to the previous point, for the simple reason that the reset involves returning the values ​​to their base state. This means that it is possible to clean much of the memory without affecting the integrity of the files . Of course, on certain occasions it is necessary to format a flash drive in Windows or Mac for whatever reasons.

Better pendrive compatibility with devices

Although it may seem incredible, the simple fact of resetting a memory of this type increases its compatibility with other devices, mainly computers and laptops. This regardless of whether it is a computer with Linux, Mac or Windows.

What type of format can be given to a pendrive from the Windows CMD?

After doing a restart or reset of a USB memory , it is possible to give it certain formats that, depending on the needs, will vary according to each user. Some of these formats are as follows:

Fat32 USB format with 8TB limit

It is the oldest and simplest format that exists and is obsolete, although it has the great advantage of being compatible with the vast majority of devices . So much so, that most storage devices come in this format.

Previously, files with a maximum size of 4 GB could be saved , and although this format is still used, the limit for said format is 8 TB. It is worth mentioning that this format presents a low difficulty in terms of repairing damaged USB flash drives .

NTFS to format up to 256TB

It could be said that this is the counterpart of the first format, since it is the most advanced that currently exists. In general terms, it has many advantages, one of them is that the reading level is much faster and it does not have any limitations in terms of size, all this without neglecting the fact that encryption and passwords can be implemented.

exFat and HFS+ format for storage larger than 256TB

It is known as the update of the first version or format that we mentioned. Unlike FAT32, this format has fewer limitations and greater device compatibility. It is worth mentioning that it is possible to save files with a weight greater than 4 GB.

How can you format a flash drive in Windows 8 and 10 from CMD?

The steps you must follow can be done from a computer with Windows 7, 8 or 10. The version of the operating system is the least important since the process is the same. What you should do is the following:

  • Press the Windows + R keysand then write in the enabled field the word CMD
  • After you press Enter, a black screen will appear where you will type DISCKPART and then press Enter
  • Now you have to write list disk and again Enter
  • At this point you have to do a verification of the drive you want to format. Depending on the number of disks or storage units, it will be displayed in the window.
  • In case your drive is number two, then you will type the following: select disk 2
  • Now type clean and after pressing Enter, you will type create partition primaryand finish by pressing Enter
  • Once the partition has been created, just type fromat fs=ntfs and press Enter
  • Finish the process by typing assing so that you can assign a letter to the USB drive and that’s it

How to format a write-protected USB in Windows CMD?

  • Start by activating the command prompt by the method you want.
  • Now you have to write each of the commands that we will mention below. Keep in mind that for each typed command, you have to press Enter on your keyboard
    • or diskpart
    • or list disk
    • or select disk #
    • o attributes disk clear readonly

 

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