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Instructions to Format a Memory Card on Windows


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STOP Critical:

The process is Data Destructive and cannot be undone.
ALL THE DATA ON THE DRIVE WILL BE LOST!

  • Create a backup of all the data. Formatting will erase all data on the card.
  • Select the correct drive letter when formatting a memory card.


All WD memory cards are pre-formatted and do not need to be formatted out of the box. Cards are formatted using FAT32 or exFAT file systems.

SDHC/microSDHC 4 GB to 32 GB FAT32
SDXC/microSDXC 64 GB or higher exFAT


Windows 11 and 10

  1. Connect the card to the computer.

  2. Click the File Explorer icon.

  3. Windows 10
    Windows 11
  4. Right-click the drive letter of the memory card.
    Select Format.



  5. Select a File system type:

    • exFAT
    • FAT32 is supported on 32GB capacity, or less.

  6. Make sure Quick Format is checked.

  7. Type a Volume label.
    Click the Start.


  8. Click OK.
    Click CANCEL quit.


  9. Click OK.
    Click X to close.



    Use Windows Disk Management if there is a problem formatting a memory card.

    Need more help?
    Answer ID 8200: Steps to Format a Drive for Use with Windows or macOS.




Windows 8.1 and Below


IMPORTANT: Microsoft Windows 8: End Of Support

Microsoft Windows 8 support has ended.

Need more help?
Answer ID 30413: Microsoft Windows 8 and 8.1 End of Support


  1. Double-click My Computer (Windows XP), or Computer (Vista,7,8, and 8.1).

  2. Right-click the drive letter of the memory card.
    Select Format.


  3. Select a File system type:

    • exFAT
    • FAT32 is supported on 32GB capacity, or less.
     
  4. Ensure Quick Format is checked.
    Click Start.

    Use Windows Disk Management if there is a problem formatting a memory card.

    Need more help?
    Answer ID 8200: Steps to Format a Drive for Use with Windows or macOS.


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Details
Answer ID 9063
Published 08/20/2018 01:18 AM
Updated 01/31/2024 08:59 AM

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