Windows was unable to complete the format

Formatting a USB flash drive or SD card is a routine process, whether to erase data, change the file system, or prepare it for a new device. However, many users are caught off guard when Windows displays the dreaded error message:

“Windows was unable to complete the format.”

Chapter 1: Error

1.1 What Does the Error Mean?

When Windows fails to format a drive, it’s signaling an inability to perform low-level formatting tasks such as:

Creating or deleting partitions

Writing a new file system (FAT32. NTFS, exFAT)

Reinitializing the device structure

1.2 Devices Commonly Affected

USB flash drives

SD cards

External hard drives

Memory sticks

Some SSDs or other removable storage devices

Chapter 2: Common Causes

Understanding the root of the problem helps determine the correct solution.

2.1 Write Protection

The storage device may be locked physically or by software. In either case, no changes—including formatting—can be made.

2.2 File System Corruption

A corrupted or RAW file system can prevent Windows from formatting a drive correctly.

2.3 Bad Sectors

Defective memory sectors can interfere with formatting processes.

2.4 Virus or Malware Infection

Some malware may lock the drive or interfere with Windows utilities.

2.5 Incompatible or Missing Drivers

Incorrect or outdated USB drivers may cause format attempts to fail.

2.6 Hidden or Inaccessible Partitions

If partitions are hidden or improperly configured, formatting may fail.

Chapter 3: Preliminary Steps

3.1 Try Another USB Port or PC

Sometimes the port itself or a specific PC configuration is the problem.

3.2 Scan for Malware

Run a full scan using reliable antivirus software.

3.3 Safely Eject and Reconnect

Unplug the drive, restart your computer, and plug it back in to refresh the connection.

Chapter 4: Use Disk Management

Disk Management offers more control over your drives than File Explorer.

Steps:

Press Windows + X and click Disk Management.

Find your flash drive in the bottom list.

If the partition is corrupted:

Right-click and choose Delete Volume.

Right-click again and select New Simple Volume.

Follow the formatting wizard.

If the format fails or the partition is RAW/unallocated, proceed to advanced tools.

Chapter 5: Format via Command Prompt (DiskPart)

DiskPart is a powerful command-line utility that bypasses the Windows UI.

Steps:

Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

Type the following commands:

pgsql

CopyEdit

diskpart list disk select disk X ← Replace X with your drive number clean create partition primary format fs=ntfs quick assign exit

You may substitute ntfs with fat32 or exfat, depending on your needs.

Chapter 6: Remove Write Protection

6.1 Physical Switch

Some USB drives or SD cards have a physical lock switch. Ensure it’s turned off.

6.2 DiskPart Method

bash

CopyEdit

diskpart list disk select disk X attributes disk clear readonly exit

6.3 Registry Editor (Advanced)

Press Windows + R, type regedit.

Navigate to:

sql

CopyEdit

Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\StorageDevicePolicies

Set WriteProtect to 0.

Reboot your system.

Chapter 7: Check for Errors (CHKDSK)

CHKDSK can identify and fix logical errors or bad sectors.

Steps:

Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

Type:

bash

CopyEdit

chkdsk E: /f /r /x

Replace E: with your flash drive’s letter.

If CHKDSK fixes the errors, try formatting again.

Chapter 8: Use Third-Party Tools

8.1 HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool

Simple and effective

Compatible with most USB drives

Supports FAT32 and NTFS

8.2 Rufus

Popular for bootable USB drives

Can format even RAW and corrupted drives

8.3 SD Formatter

Ideal for SD cards

Developed by the SD Association

Reconstructs logical structure

8.4 MiniTool Partition Wizard

Offers partition recovery

Force formatting and partition creation

Chapter 9: Use GParted via Linux Live USB

Linux often bypasses Windows-specific issues.

Steps:

Download a Linux ISO (Ubuntu or Mint).

Create a bootable USB using Rufus or BalenaEtcher.

Boot into Linux.

Open GParted.

Delete the problematic partition.

Create a new partition table (msdos or gpt).

Add a new FAT32/NTFS partition.

Apply changes.

Chapter 10: Low-Level Formatting

Low-level formatting rewrites all drive sectors and restores factory defaults.

Tool: HDD Low Level Format Tool

Download and install the utility.

Select the drive.

Perform a low-level format.

Recreate partition and file system in Disk Management.

Warning: This will erase everything and may reduce drive life.

Chapter 11: Try Manufacturer Utilities

Some flash drives need proprietary tools to be fixed.

Examples:

SanDisk – SanDisk Format Tool

Kingston – Kingston Format Utility

Transcend – JetFlash Online Recovery

Samsung – Samsung USB Tool

Check your flash drive brand’s official website.

Chapter 12: Recover Data Before Formatting (Optional)

If the drive holds important data, consider recovering it first.

Panda Data Recovery

Scans RAW, inaccessible, or corrupted drives

Deep scan mode retrieves more file types

Preview feature before restoring

Easy export to a safe location

Steps:

Open Panda Data Recovery.

Select the faulty flash drive.

Choose Deep Scan.

Select files to recover and save them elsewhere.

Chapter 13: Reinstall or Update USB Drivers

Corrupt drivers can prevent formatting.

Steps:

Press Windows + X > Device Manager

Expand Disk Drives or Universal Serial Bus controllers

Right-click the flash drive and choose Uninstall

Remove the USB drive and restart your PC

Plug it back in to reinstall drivers automatically

Chapter 14: Hardware Issues – Final Resort

Signs of Physical Damage:

USB drive not recognized at all

Capacity shows 0 bytes

Drive heats up rapidly

Constant disconnections

If you suspect hardware failure:

Use a different PC for confirmation

Consult a professional data recovery service

Chapter 15: Prevention Tips

15.1 Always Safely Eject

Avoid removing the drive during data transfer.

15.2 Don’t Overuse Low-Cost Drives

Cheap or no-name USB drives often fail sooner.

15.3 Avoid Full Capacity Usage

Always leave 10–15% of the drive free.

15.4 Backup Important Files

Regularly back up flash drives to avoid future data loss.