FAT32 has a 4GB limit and isn’t optimal in modern computing environments. Use the latter if you plan on using the drive on macOS and Windows. There are three file systems to choose from- FAT32, NTFS, and exFAT. File System: This represents the data structure that defines how data is stored on a drive.Note that the formatting process takes up some space on the drive. Capacity: The max data capacity of the hard drive once it’s formatted.

Next, choose from the following options in the Format menu to format your drive: Right-click the drive you want to format under the Devices and Drives section, then click Format from the context menu that appears. It’s also worth noting that you can open File Explorer by clicking the folder icon on the taskbar.Īfter File Explorer opens, click on This PC from the column on the left. Next, right-click on Start and click File Explorer from the menu that comes up. To get started, make sure the disk you want to format is connected and recognized by Windows 11. Make sure to back up any critical files and folders before beginning the format process. Note: Formatting a drive will scrub all of the data on it. Here’s how to format a drive using File Explorer in Windows 11. Whenever you format a drive, whether it’s a solid-state drive or a classic hard drive, you’ll be able to choose a compatible file system like NTFS, FAT32, or exFAT. The formatting process also helps you ensure a drive uses the correct settings for your PC to avoid any compatibility issues.

How to format usb drive windows 11