Formatting a Pendrive using the Command Prompt (CMD) can be a quick and effective way to erase all data and start afresh. This method is particularly useful when the traditional formatting options in Windows Explorer are not working correctly or when you want to perform a low-level format. In this step-by-step guide, we will walk you through the process of formatting a pendrive using CMD.

Step 1: Open Command Prompt as Administrator

To access CMD with administrative privileges, right-click on the Windows Start button and select "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "Windows PowerShell (Admin)." This will open the Command Prompt with elevated permissions.

Step 2: Identify the Pendrive's Drive Letter

Once the Command Prompt is open, you need to identify the drive letter assigned to your pendrive. To do this, type the following command and press Enter:

diskpart

The DiskPart utility will open, and a new prompt will appear. Type the following command and press Enter:

list disk

This command will display a list of all connected storage devices. Note down the disk number that corresponds to your pendrive.

Step 3: Select the Pendrive

To select the pendrive, type the following command, replacing 'X' with the disk number you noted earlier:

select disk X

For example, if your pendrive's disk number is 2, the command will be:

-select disk 2-

Step 4: Clean the Pendrive

To remove all partitions and data from the selected disk, type the following command and press Enter:

clean

This command will wipe out all data on the pendrive.

Step 5: Create a New Partition

Now, you need to create a new partition on the pendrive. Type the following command and press Enter:

create partition primary

Step 6: Format the Pendrive

To format the newly created partition, type the following command and press Enter:

format fs=ntfs quick

Note: Replace 'ntfs' with 'fat32' if you want to format the pendrive with the FAT32 file system.

Step 7: Assign a Drive Letter

Once the format is complete, you need to assign a drive letter to the pendrive. Type the following command and press Enter:

assign letter=X

Replace 'X' with any available drive letter you want to assign to the pendrive.

Step 8: Exit DiskPart

To exit the DiskPart utility, type the following command and press Enter:

exit

Step 9: Close Command Prompt

Finally, close the Command Prompt window.

Congratulations! You have successfully formatted your pendrive using CMD. Your pendrive is now clean and ready to use. Remember to safely eject the pendrive before removing it from the computer to avoid data corruption.