Tips to fix USB not formatting error very quickly!

Normally, to format a USB Flash Drive on a Windows computer, users just need to right-click on the connected USB drive on their computer and select Format to start the USB formatting process.

However, in some cases when formatting USB, many users reported that the USB could not be formatted and an error message 'Windows was unable to complete the format' appeared on the screen during the formatting process. So why do you encounter this error, how to fix it? Today's article will explain and guide you through some ways to fix the error of not being able to format USB.

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Reasons why USB cannot be formatted

USB cannot be formatted due to virus infection

Some viruses will attack the memory of the USB and make the USB unformattable . This is a common problem when you plug in the USB at photo shops or computers that are already infected with viruses, used on many different computers.

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USB is in read-only mode

Some USBs will have a write-protect lock, maybe you have not unlocked the write-protect lock so the USB cannot be formatted.

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USB cannot be formatted due to firmware error

It is possible that your USB firmware is corrupted so the computer cannot format the USB. You can reload the firmware at home because it is quite simple.

Unknown capacity error

The unknown capacity error can appear when you suddenly unplug it from the computer, causing the flash storage to be shocked and cause an error. At this time, when you format it again, Windows will report the error 'Windows unable to complete format' and also cannot copy data due to unknown capacity.

How to fix USB not formatted error

1. Format USB to another format

First, try formatting the USB with another format. To do this, go to 'File System' -> Select 'FAT 32' or 'NTFS' format -> select 'Quick Format' -> click 'Format'. This method is quick, but the USB formatting process will take a bit of time. But it will minimize errors.

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2. Use Disk Management tool to Format USB

In case the USB cannot be formatted, you can use the Disk Management tool built into Windows to fix this error. This is a tool to manage and customize drives connected to the computer, it is very powerful and safe so you can rest assured when using it.

First, right-click on 'My Computer' or 'This PC' -> Select 'Manage' -> select 'Disk Management'

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Then right-click on the USB drive with the error 'Windows was unable to complete the format' and select 'Format'.

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You continue to choose the USB format according to your needs using NTFS/FAT32/exFAT in File System, then uncheck the box 'Perform a quick format' and finally click 'format'. This is a quite effective way to fix the problem of USB not being formatted .

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3. Use HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool when USB cannot be formatted

Or you can also use the HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool to fix the USB not formatted error. This is a powerful and very safe tool, it can format USB quickly.

First you need to download the HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool to your computer. After installing, run it as administrator. Then select the USB drive that is having the error and format it.

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4. Use Command Prompt to Format USB

The last way you can apply is to use CMD. This is a method that uses computer command lines to format the USB. This method is a bit manual and complicated but will definitely help you fix the error 'Windows was unable to complete the format'.

First, check what the USB is plugged into the computer (G:, I:, H:,…). Then press the key combination 'Windows + R' to enter 'Run' -> type 'cmd' -> and press 'Enter'

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The 'Command Prompt' window appears, here you type the command 'format /q /x drive letter' and press 'Enter'. For example: format /q /x G:

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Then a command line appears and you '…and press ENTER when ready…'. Continue pressing 'Enter' to proceed with formatting the USB.

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Then there is a command line at the end that says 'Volume label (32 characters, ENTER for none)?'. Now enter the name of your USB drive and press 'Enter'.

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After the formatting process is complete, the command line 'Format Complete and storage device capacity' will appear.

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Above are the most effective ways to fix the error of USB not being formatted. Hopefully, through the article, TipsMake has brought readers valuable and useful knowledge. Readers who need to find information about USB products and storage devices can contact TipsMake via hotline 1900 1903!

Jessica Tanner

Update 16 January 2025