Electronics manufacturers are trying in every possible way to convince us that we live in a world wireless technologies. However, nothing is better than the old proven flash drive.
For fast data transfer from one device to another, for communication on different operating systems, for reliable data storage, it is still convenient to use external drives information.
The only problem is to properly format the flash drive or disk. Now we will tell you how to make sure that both macOS and Windows can work with such a flash drive without problems in the future.
Which file system to choose
Among the many existing file systems on this moment The most popular are considered to be: FAT32, NTFS, exFAT, APFS (Apple File System), HFS+ (Mac OS Extended).
From the box Windows fully supports FAT32, NTFS and exFAT, and macOS– FAT32, exFAT, HFS+, and APFS (with macOS High Sierra and above).
Using third-party drivers and utilities, you can teach Windows to work with HFS + and APFS, or add NTFS support to macOS.
Attention! When formatting a flash drive or other drive, all data on it will be deleted, save everything you need in advance.
The solutions available today are very different in terms of stability and data transfer speed. In order not to load the system with unnecessary software and not waste time when copying or transferring files, it is better to use a file system that is supported by both Windows and macOS.
The choice is between FAT32 and exFAT.
The main disadvantage of FAT32 is the file size limit. On such a disk will not work write file size over 4GB. Given the presence of large databases, backups, projects or video files, it is better not to bind to the outdated FAT32 file system and choose exFAT.
How to format a flash drive in macOS
1. Launch the application disk utility through Spotlight or Launchpad.
2. In the left pane, select the drive you want to format.
3. Click the button Erase.
4. Specify file system exFAT and confirm the action.
How to format a flash drive in Windows
1. Open File Explorer.
2. Select the drive you want to format.
3. AT context menu select item Format…
4. Specify file system exFAT, set other formatting options as needed.
5. Confirm the procedure.
A finished flash drive in exFAT format will be recognized by both a Windows computer and any Mac. In this case, it will be possible to both read data from the drive and write to it without a file size limit of 4 GB.
many advanced users formatting seems trivial, which makes them ugly important nuances. Beginners should definitely understand how such an operation takes place.
Formatting a flash drive is the preparation of the media for use by the operating system by deleting all data and then creating a file system. There are 2 key aspects:
- Available information will be destroyed. Before formatting, the user always asks if he confirms the cleaning of the flash drive. It is not possible to accidentally perform this procedure. Under certain conditions, formatted data can be recovered.
- The file system determines a lot. It's like markings and road signs that tell the motorist where to go next. For Windows users choosing a file system is a simple task, there is not much to choose from.
How to choose the right file system?
Common file systems are NTFS and FAT 32. In most cases, the first option will do for the following reasons:
- FAT32 cannot write a file larger than 4 GB. OS image or movie in high resolution not saved in full size;
- NTFS is a journaling file system, so in case of force majeure it will provide increased reliability of data storage;
- FAT32 does not work well with a large number of small files. On NTFS, file size has little effect on read/write speed;
- NTFS allows you to close access with encryption. It's easy to set a password for a folder.
Today, there is only one significant advantage of FAT32 - compatibility with almost any device that has USB. At the same time, the choice of a file system for data stores is an extensive topic. NTFS is not a milestone. For example, if you have Windows 10 and need to format a microSD card for a smartphone, then it is rational to use the exFAT file system.
What is the best cluster size?
This option sets the smallest amount of information that can be set for a single file. Let's take a very hypothetical example. Let's say we have a 10 GB flash drive that has a 1 GB cluster size. If you write a song of 10 MB (0.01 GB) to it, then the file will take 1 GB - the computer "does not know" that information on the drive can be stored in smaller portions.
In practice, the cluster size is set in much smaller volumes. It depends on the file system and Windows versions. The following details are important:
- the larger the cluster, the faster data is read and written;
- for storage huge amount small files, use a small cluster size to free place used rationally on a flash drive;
- the larger the files are planned to be stored on the drive, the more profitable it is to use the increased cluster size.
Almost always don't worry about the cluster size - use the default settings.
How to format a flash drive?
It's easy to figure out how to format a flash drive in a standard way on Windows:
- connect the drive to the PC;
- open "My (This) computer";
- if there is a flash drive important information, then copy it;
- click right click mouse on the drive icon and select "Format";
- Specify the file system and click on "Start".
You can also do this via the command line. After launching it, enter the command "format / fs: NTFS X: / q", where X- the letter under which the OS identified the drive, and instead of "NTFS" specify other file systems, if required.
Programs for formatting a flash drive
Consider the features of popular utilities:
- "MiniTool Partition Wizard". Simplicity and functionality are the advantages of this free program. She "knows how" to create folders with different file systems on one flash drive, including exotic ones for Windows ext2 or ext3 users. The interface is easy to understand, but even advanced users will find where to dig into it.
- HDD Low Level Format Tool. The application performs a full format, during which it is possible to eliminate the physical errors of the drive. Bottom line - you can "revive" a flash drive that seemed completely out of order. The utility was originally developed for hard drives, but perfectly supports USB drives.
- "HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool". An elementary program that almost completely repeats the interface of a regular Windows tool. It is worth stopping at this tool if the OS is buggy and “does not want” to format the media. Advantage over competitors - does not require installation, runs from a downloaded file.
- SD Formatter. Especially for SD, microSD and similar memory cards. Works with regular USB flash drives. Worth using if you don't have the best simple map memory. Let's assume it's a fast SD UHS-II. In order not to bother and get the highest possible write / read speed at the output - do everything through SD Formatter.
Regarding this, there are the following tips:
- Format on the device where this drive will be primarily used. For example, if you need to format a memory card for an Android smartphone, then do it on the phone itself. Specifically in this example, FAT32 or file systems under Linux (ext4 and the like) are preferable. On Android, not everything is smooth regarding compatibility with NTFS.
- Quick and full formatting are designed for different purposes. For example, in Windows window with the formatting settings, a tick was checked in the line "Quick (clearing the table of contents)". In this case, the information will not be physically deleted - the reformatting process will end faster. If it is important that the data be 100% destroyed, then stop at full formatting, although it will take longer. This procedure is also preferable if the OS often “swears” that the flash drive has errors.
Many users mistakenly believe that formatting a flash drive is a procedure for deleting data from a digital medium. In fact, this operation has a wider purpose, which is identical to formatting hard drive. And if, as is often the case, you do not pay attention to this, then such carelessness can adversely affect the operation of the memory card. That's why we decided to analyze the topic in which format to format a flash drive for Android
SD cards are available in almost every Android device. And this is quite understandable - it is not entirely logical to store all the available content on the internal drive, especially since the amount of internal memory in most devices is very small, but with the help of a flash drive, the device’s memory can be increased from two to 32 gigabytes and even more, it’s just your desire and financial possibilities.
True, it is not uncommon for an Android device to start to work incorrectly with a memory card due to various problems, which you can get rid of by formatting the memory card.
Under the formatting of a memory card, you need to understand the procedure for processing any digital storage device (information). The purpose of this procedure is to streamline or completely change the structure of the drive.
As mentioned above, you can format all storage media, be it hard drives, USB flash cards or SD memory cards.
Attention! Before proceeding with formatting, you need to pay attention to the fact that as a result of the procedure, all information on the drive will be erased and it is often not possible to restore it.
On the other hand, during the formatting process, the system detects and corrects damaged fragments of the structure.
There are several types of file systems, for example, NTFS, FAT,FAT32, exFAT etc. All of them have both their pluses and minuses. Let's talk about this in more detail.
Most Android devices support FAT32. The main advantages of this system can be called good speed and compatibility. For example, in a household DVD player, photo printer or media player, if you insert such a drive, all files will be available and read normally.
Another file system designed for flash drives is exFAT. It was created relatively recently by the same Microsoft and, in my opinion, this is an ideal option for both flash drives and memory cards, since it is a FAT32 file system in which restrictions have been lifted. That is, the size of files, as well as sections in it, can be of any size, and the number of files stored in one folder is practically unlimited.
*Note: for some household appliances and computers on Windows XP, this format is irrelevant.
Considered modern and reliable NTFS- the file system that replaced in modern PCs, described above, FAT32. An absolute plus NTFS can also be called ensuring a higher level of information security.
What you need to pay attention to is the size of downloaded files. The point is that, in FAT32 the file size is limited to 4 GB, so when downloading a movie or any application of a larger size, the system will give an error “Not enough space in the device’s memory”, although in fact there is still plenty of space:
So, in order for your Android smartphone to see the flash drive, we need to change the format on it. There are several ways to do this, read on.
Using device OS functions
On some phones it is possible to seamlessly change the file system. To do this, through the main "Settings" open the "Memory" section. We find the item "Memory settings", then the line "Format memory card", open and change the file system from FAT32 to NTFS. Now you can click "OK" and wait for the process to complete.
Not all models of Android devices have a tool that allows you to change the file system. In this case, we will use the PC tools.
Using a computer
OS windows function formatting is standard and does not present any special difficulties. So, we connect our Android device to the computer using a USB cable, do not forget to enable USB debugging:
Now on the PC, click "Start", then "Computer" (or "My Computer"). Among the displayed disks we find the removable media of our device, in the screenshot it is disk “E”, I called it MAIN, so as not to be confused with internal memory phone, since, by default, both of these disks will be called "removable media", differing only in the letter ("E", "F" or otherwise). We right-click on the "E" drive, in the drop-down list of actions, select "Format":
In the window that opens, click the arrow in the field with the current FAT32 format and select the NTFS format. Then activate the "Start" button:
*Note:
- Make sure your phone is the only removable drive connected to your computer.
- To make sure that it is the SD card that will be formatted (drive “E” in the screenshot), check its contents.
If you have selected the format for your flash drive exFAT, then, guided by the action shown in the screenshot above, instead of FAT32 select not NTFS, but exFAT.
Using the convert function
This method allows you to perform the file system conversion procedure without losing data on the flash drive. Nevertheless, my advice is to take care of saving information just in case. So.
We connect the smartphone to the PC, as described above. Don't forget to enable USB debugging. On the PC, in the lower left corner, click on the "Start" button, in the search, enter " cmd", upon completion of the search for the program, press the key " Enter»:
Now, in the command prompt window that opens, enter convert E: /fs:ntfs, where " E"- the letter of the removable disk (SD card) that will be formatted:
The command line field may look different (depending on the operating system), which does not change the applied actions:
There is another way to get to the command line: On the computer, press " Start", then " All programs”, at the bottom of the list, select “ Standard", find the item" Command line ”, right-click on it. From the list that appears, open " Run as administrator". We answer the program's request for changes in the affirmative, after which it will be possible to make changes, as described above.
*Note:
- Programs running from the disc to be converted must be closed.
- Before starting the formatting procedure, make sure that the battery charge is at least 50 - 70%.
- Be sure to save important data.
We told you in what format to format a flash drive for Android in order to change the file system. But, as mentioned above, the formatting procedure can also be used to clear the memory card. About it .
In this article, we have an interesting topic - in what format to format a flash drive for android. We will look at some important aspects that every user should be aware of before using an SD memory card on Android smartphone.
We recently received a message from a reader that reads as follows:
Good afternoon! I have Galaxy smartphone S5 with Android 5.0 operating system, and a new 64 GB SD card. What is the best format for a flash drive on a smartphone?
What format to use for a flash drive on Android?
Now let's take a closer look at this situation. As you know, mobile operating android system does not support the NTFS format, so you can immediately discard this option.
Some flash drives use the FAT32 format, but in this case, the file size will be limited to 4 GB. If you have a flash drive or SD memory card with more than 4 GB, then this format is also undesirable to use.
What options remain? The most suitable format for a flash drive on an Android smartphone is exFAT. If this option is not available, then you can try Ex2, Ex3 or Ex4. However, their operation depends on the firmware and hardware of your smartphone. Also, if you format an Android flash drive in Ex4 format, a Windows computer will only be able to read it, not write it.
How to format a flash drive for android?
The Android operating system is able to independently format a USB flash drive for Android. This is the fastest and easiest way, and you don't have to think about the format for the flash drive. To do this, follow these steps:
1.Insert flash drive(SD memory card) to an Android smartphone or tablet.
2. Format the flash drive using your phone. To do this, go to Settings - Storageor Memory, then select the appropriate option, such as Erase SD card.
3. The flash drive will be formatted in the most appropriate format for your mobile device. This will provide the best performance on your android smartphone.
Thus, the android system will independently format the flash drive in the most suitable format for your smartphone or tablet, and you do not need to bother with questions, such as in what format to format the flash drive for android.
Today, flash drives are called both ordinary removable USB media and memory cards for mobile devices. They are used everywhere. But sometimes, for the first use or restoration of the operability of such devices, the media must be formatted. This is where a completely logical question arises - in what format to format a USB flash drive? Let's take a look at some of the main options and compare their advantages and disadvantages.
Factors affecting which format is better to format a USB flash drive
Before proceeding with formatting, it should be clearly defined for what purposes the drive will be used, and what kind of information will be stored on it.
In this case, special attention should be paid to the question - in which operating system the device will be used. In addition, even with a huge number of tools for reading and writing information on modern USB drives, the size of its built-in memory has a fairly strong influence on the solution of the problem of what format to format a USB flash drive in.
NTFS or FAT32: which do you prefer?
As a rule, almost all current Windows systems, when choosing a file system for formatting, removable media suggest using several options, but among the main ones, NTFS and FAT32 standards can be distinguished.
Here you should immediately evaluate the amount of memory of the device. FAT32 can only work with devices whose memory capacity does not exceed 4 GB. Modern models of such USB devices have much larger volumes. Therefore, when deciding in which format to format a flash drive, it is from the point of view of this aspect that you should definitely choose NTFS.
On the other hand, the problem also has a downside. For example, when trying to use the device on some modern TV panels, PS3 or Xbox, the NTFS system may not be recognized.
The same applies to creating bootable media for installing Windows systems on computers and laptops, in which instead of standard system BIOS I/O uses an advanced UEFI design that the NTFS file system standard does not recognize either. Thus, the conclusion suggests itself quite obvious: formatting should be done in FAT32.
Ext4 format
Sometimes you can meet the Ext4 standard. However, it is used mainly exclusively in Linux systems. If the user works with one of these modifications and does not plan to transfer data from the drive, for example, to computers with Windows systems that do not recognize this format, it can be used. Otherwise, you will again have to choose between FAT32 and NTFS.
In what format to format a flash drive for Android
Now a few words about removable drives in the form of SD cards, which are used in mobile Android devices. Since operating systems of this type do not support NTFS to the slightest extent, this formatting option can be excluded immediately.
You will have to choose between FAT32 and exFAT. Here again, initially the question rests on the amount of memory of the drive. It is clear that with volumes of more than 4 GB, the issue is unambiguously resolved in favor of exFAT. It was possible, of course, to use systems like Ex2 / 3/4, but the problem here is that such formats are mostly perceived not as standard, but as custom Android firmware, and when formatted in Ex4, Windows systems will only be able to read information from the drive, but not write.
Brief summary
Thus, rush possible in two ways. Despite the fact that the FAT32 system cannot work with large amounts of memory, it functions somewhat faster than NTFS, and, moreover, is recognized by almost all known operating systems and devices. But NTFS is preferable for more than 4 GB of memory.
For android universal The solution is to use the exFAT system, which simultaneously combines almost all the features and advantages of both FAT32 and NTFS.