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#HOW TO FORMAT A EXTERNAL DRIVE WITHOUT LOSING DATA HOW TO#

But that’s not always the case if you know what happens when you format a flash drive.Ī quick format deletes the filesystem identifier or link to the data but the files can still be retrieved.

MacOS can read and write the HFS+ and APFS file system, and only read NTFS.ĭoes formatting a flash drive erase the data?Īt first glance, it may seem that there is no way to format a USB without deleting everything.

Windows can read and write the following file systems: FAT32 and NTFS.

To change the default file system, formatting USB flash drives is required.Ī file system simply defines how a device organizes and stores data, and both Windows and macOS support different file systems. These devices run on unique file systems that must be compatible with your OS. A full format, on the other hand, not only erases files but also checks the device for bad sectors, or storage space that is defective or damaged.īut freeing up space is not the only reason to format USB drives. Let’s understand what happens when you format a flash drive using these two options.Ī quick format simply deletes the files on a USB so they are not visible again upon reuse.

If you’re a Windows user, you have two options ― quick format and full format. On the surface, reformatting thumb drives means erasing all the data it holds, including temporary files, hidden documents, and malware.

#HOW TO FORMAT A EXTERNAL DRIVE WITHOUT LOSING DATA HOW TO#

Hence, learning the art and science of how to format a flash drive without losing data can save you not only headaches but also valuable time. However, this convenience comes at a risk ─ permanent loss of data if something goes wrong. Being extremely portable, these devices provide an efficient means to share and transfer data quickly.

Reading Time: 7 minutesDespite the growth of cloud storage, USB flash drives remain useful tools.