Re-formatting a USB Stick to FAT32

Hi BrianLaseby,

I'm Paul, a Microsoft Community Member, and a Windows expert. I hope I can help you with your concern

Please try to use the DIskpart.

1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. At the command prompt, enter diskpart.
3. Enter list disk.
4. Enter select disk ( flash drive letter).
5. Enter clean.
6. Enter create partition primary.
7. Enter select partition 1.
8. Enter active.
9. Enter format fs=fat32.
10. Enter exit.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and keep me posted.

Hi BrianLaseby,

Sorry about that.

Try to format the flash drive in Disk Management

1. Right-click Start.
2. Click Disk Management.
3. Choose your USB Drive, right-click, and choose [Format].
4. Click [Yes].
5. Name the Drive and select the file system as [FAT32].
6. Click [OK].
7. Click [OK].

If above method didn't work. follow other methods from this article.

https://www.howtogeek.com/316977/how-to-format-...

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask back any questions and keep me posted.

Standard Disclaimer: There are links to non-Microsoft websites.

The pages appear to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the sites that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the sites before you decide to download and install it.

Thanks again Paul,

No matter what I tried, I was only ever given the exFAT option.

However, the link you gave me is very promising.

Stay well, keep safe!

Brian

Thanks Paul,

Completed the 10 steps, opened up my drive and got the message Disk needs to be formatted before you can use it!!!!

The system started to format the drive but hung up .

The drive is now not accessible....Ouch....

What size is the flash drive it seems large flash drives don't have the option in File Explorer.

Try this link.

https://www.howtogeek.com/316977/how-to-format-usb-drives-larger-than-32gb-with-fat32-on-windows/