If you try to format the USB drive or SD card and cannot access it or anything else, the format procedure could fail, resulting in an error message stating that Windows could not complete the formatting. This error message is not easy to find any details regarding what went wrong. Because USB flash drives and SD cards are convenient to carry around for information storage and transmission, it’s crucial to be aware of the best way to fix this problem.
Is it impossible to find the partition on the disk because Windows could not complete the formatting? If you’re still receiving the warning message saying “Windows could not format the external disk,” or similar. You should seek the solution as quickly as you can before it’s already too late. The first thing to do is to backup your entire data from disks that are not accessible using data recovery software.
The error messages that state it’s impossible to format the flash drive are the inevitable result of the messages you’ve received earlier. The system will constantly remind you that you need to format your Drive. If Windows is unable to format your SD card and is unable to format USB as well, then this guide is perfect for you! This guide will assist you in gaining a better understanding of the causes behind these errors and the best ways to fix them.
Possible reasons for Windows Not Being able to Format Pen Drive
Before we go to options, we’d like to identify the probable causes of this error. This way, you can be able to avoid getting the error. The usual five reasons that cause Windows to fail to complete the file:
A malware or virus infection
If your storage device is infected with a virus or malware, it is unable not to access your saved data or Format the Device in a typical fashion. It is necessary to eliminate the virus first and then finish your formatting.
Write protects the Drive.
Because designing is a composting process, getting rid of the compose security before placing it is essential. What can you do to ensure that it’s been written and guaranteed? Copy something to it. If you get the warning: “The plate is composed of guaranteed. Take away the compose security, or use a different plate” If so, it’s compose guaranteed to be used.
The Drive suffers from the virus Infection.
Because USB drives are frequently carried by users and connected to computers of various types, They are more likely to contract virus infections than other drives. The virus usually fills USB drives with harmful files and then takes them unusable.
The Drive is empty
The reason that Windows could not format removable disks is that there’s no partition for the disk. However, there is a drive number to it. So, you’ll be able to access the removable disk through Disk Management and then receive the suggestion for formatting. Since formatting is based on partitions, not unallocated areas, Windows cannot finish the composition.
What can I do to solve “Windows could not finish the”?
There are many reasons why Windows failed to format a drive; explore various options to solve this issue. Since formatting drives erases all the files, it contains ensures that you back up important files if you’re unable to format the USB drive (USB flash drive or an external hard drive pen drive, SD card, and so on.) as per the standard procedure Try formatting your Drive using the following techniques.
Remove the virus and complete The Format of Windows.
It applies to Resolving the “Windows was unable to finish the formatting” problem on locked devices because of malware or virus infection.
When your gadget is unlocked or affected by viruses or another unknown virus, the Windows computer won’t be capable of formatting it. USB, SD card, or any other storage device. The most effective way to fix this issue is to install the virus removal software and unblock the Device.
- Connect your storage device to your computers, such as a USB or SD card.
- Utilize a virus removal tool or malware removal tool, or an antivirus program on your personal computer, and select the Device that you wish to remove the malware or virus.
- Once you have done this, you can restart the Device with Windows File Explorer or the earlier three formatting tools.
Utilizing Command Prompt
Windows Command Prompt is the easiest method to format external drives, such as USB pen drives, USB, etc.
- Start Command Prompt using the Windows menu.
- Type in the following command using a specific drives letter as well as file system, and hit enter:
Eg. 1 1. Format C: /fs
Eg. 2 Format J: /fs
Remove the Write Protection from the Device and complete the Format.
It applies to: Remove the protection against writing and enable Windows to finish the Format of USB, SD card, external hard drive, and others. Devices.
If the Device you want to format is locked or protected with a password or other, the use of third-party software Windows cannot format your Device’s storage. You must open the Device; then, you can complete the formatting:
Utilizing Third-Party Tools
It is also possible to get help from third-party software for this. The benefit of using this option is that you’ll use tools specifically designed to meet the requirements.
If the Windows tools listed above did not resolve this issue, a better option would be to allow these programs to perform for you. Make sure that the programs that you install on your system are secure. The ones listed below have been tested by us and are safe.
Try formatting on a different OS.
Before you leave your Drive, an alternative method to remove the problem. If you can access a computer operating macOS or Linux, try your hand with those frameworks to build your own outer Drive.
Although you’ll need to format the drive to work with Windows, It will assist you in determining if the problem is related to your hardware or Windows.
Still Can’t Format? Need to Re-format Your Drive
If you’ve completed all of the above steps but still encounter an error with the Format, the Drive is most likely not working. However, flash drives, as well as SD cards, are limited in their amount of uses. Cheap or outdated drives are more prone to being discarded. It is also the case when your Drive has been damaged by physical harm.