How to Format a USB From the CMD with a Windows PC – The Whole Process

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

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

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

Although it seems a bit obvious, not everyone knows that the simple fact of formatting a USB memory brings benefits. Keep in mind that formatting and rebooting are different things. While with the first option you will erase all the 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 corrupted by some malicious program and ended up being deleted, it is highly likely that information can be retrieved.

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 file recovery, 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 restart implies returning the values ​​to their base state. This means that it is possible to clear much of the memory without affecting the integrity of the files. Of course, on certain occasions it is necessary to format a pendrive in Windows or Mac for whatever reasons.

Better compatibility of the pendrive with devices

Although it seems incredible, the simple fact of resetting a memory of this type increases the compatibility of the same 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 reboot or resetting 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 the following:

USB Fat32 format with 8TB limit

It is the oldest and simplest format that exists and is obsolete, although this 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 they could save files with a maximum size of 4 GB, and although this format is still used, the limit for this format is 8 TB. It should be mentioned that this format presents a low difficulty in terms of repairing damaged USB memories.

NTFS to format up to 256TB

You could say 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 limitation in terms of size, all this without neglecting the fact that the encryption and passwords are possible to implement.

ExFat and HFS + format for storages greater 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 better 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 pendrive 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 since the process is the same. What you should do is the following:

• Press Windows + R keys and then write in the enabled field the word CMD
• After you press Enter, a black screen will appear where you will write DISCKPART and then press Enter
• Now you have to write list disck 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 write the following: select disk 2
• Now type clean and after hitting Enter, you will write create partition primary and finish by pressing Enter
• Once the partition has been created, you just have to write fromat fs = ntfs and press Enter
• Finish the process by typing assing so that you can assign a letter to the USB drive and voila

How to format write-protected USB in Windows CMD?

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