Fixed: Windows was unable to complete the format

When you try to format a removable drive on Windows and encounter an error message that says “Windows was unable to complete the format,” it can be a frustrating experience. This common issue often leaves users feeling perplexed and searching for solutions. But, fear not! In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to overcome this error and successfully format your removable drives. Let’s dive in and resolve the “Windows cannot format this drive” dilemma once and for all!

What causes the “Windows was unable to complete the format” error?

The “Windows was unable to complete the format” error can occur due to various reasons. Some common causes include:

• Write protection prevents any modifications to the data on the device.
• The file system selected for formatting may not be compatible with the storage device.
• Physical issues with the storage device, such as bad sectors or damaged components, can also lead to the formatting error.
• The storage device may contain disk errors or inconsistencies that prevent the formatting process from completing successfully.
• Malware or viruses may interfere with the formatting process and trigger the error.

8 methods to fix the “Windows was unable to complete the format” error

Solution 1:Remove write protection to fix the “Windows was unable to complete the format” error

Some people frequently inquire about issues like “Windows was unable to complete the format USB” or “Windows was unable to complete the format SD card” on Q&A forums. This is likely because they are unaware that they have enabled the write protection feature on their storage device. To resolve this, you can either look for a physical switch on the device or access your operating system settings to disable write protection. Once write protection is disabled, you should regain the ability to format the device. 

If your removable device does not have a physical switch, you can read this guide to remove write protection.

Solution 2:Use reliable software to fix the “Windows was unable to complete the format” error

If the “Windows was unable to complete the format” error persists, you can seek assistance from third-party formatting software. One highly recommended option is 4DDiG Partition Manager, which offers advanced disk management features, including the capability to format removable devices like SD cards or USB drives. 

Step 1: Start by downloading and launching 4DDiG Partition Manager on your computer. Ensure that your computer is connected to the internet and that your removable device is properly connected to the computer.

Step 2: Select “Partition Management” and locate the partition of your removable device that requires formatting. Right-click on the it and select the “Format” option.

Step 3: Choose the desired file system, such as FAT32 or exFAT, and provide a volume label for the removable device.

Step 4: Confirm your selections are correct, and click “OK” to initiate the formatting process.

Step 5: Wait patiently until your storage device is successfully formatted.

Solution 3:Use Diskpart to fix the “Windows was unable to complete the format” error

When you’re struggling with the frustrating ‘Windows was unable to complete the format USB’ error, don’t worry! Running Diskpart can help you resolve this issue and get your storage device back on track. Here’s how to use Diskpart on Windows:

Step 1: Press ‘Win + R’ and type ‘cmd’ into the dialog box. Then, launch the Command Prompt by press Enter.

Step 2: Type “diskpart” and press Enter. 

Step 3: Type “list disk” and press Enter to display a list of available disks on your computer.

Step 4: Type “select disk X” and press Enter. (Replace X with the number of the disk that corresponds to your problematic storage device.)

Step 5: Type “clean” and press Enter. Be cautious as this will erase all data on the disk.

Step 6: After the disk is cleaned, create a new partition by typing “create partition primary” and pressing Enter.

Step 7: Type “format fs=ntfs quick” (replace ntfs with the desired file system if needed) and press Enter.

Step 8: Once the formatting process finished, type “exit” and press Enter to exit Diskpart.

Solution 4:Use Disk Management to fix the “Windows was unable to complete the format” error

In addition to Command Prompt, Disk Management is also a built-in tool in Windows that helps you resolve the “Windows was unable to complete the format” issue. This is particularly helpful when your removable device appears as RAW or contains an unsupported file system, such as Linux Ext2/3/4. To complete the formatting process, follow these steps:

Step 1:Press “Win+ X” and choose “Disk Management”.

Step 2:Locate the drive where the “Windows was unable to complete the format” error occurred. Right-click on it and choose “Format”.

Step 3:In the “Format” Windows, you can select the desired file system for this removable device. 

Step 4:Review the formatting settings and click “OK” to initiate the formatting process. 

Solution 5:Repair disk errors to fix the “Windows was unable to complete the format” error

Disk checking is a valuable utility offered by Windows that enables users to scan drives for file system errors. To fix the “Windows cannot format this drive” error, follow these steps:

Step 1: Launch File Explorer by pressing “Win + E” on your keyboard.

Step 2: Right-click on the problematic drive and select “Properties” from the menu.

Step 3: Go to the “Tools” tab. Next, go to the “Error checking” section and select the “Check” button.

Solution 6: Repair bad sectors to fix the “Windows was unable to complete the format” error

When formatting a disk, a new file system structure is written to the disk. However, if there are bad sectors present, the operating system may encounter difficulties in reading from or writing to those sectors during the formatting process. Consequently, this can disrupt the formatting operation and result in the “Windows cannot format this drive” error.

To address this issue, you can use the CHKDSK utility, which is capable of scanning and repairing bad sectors on your removable drive.

Step 1: Press”Win+X” and select Command Prompt.

Step 2: Type “chkdsk [drive letter]: /f /r” and replace “[drive letter]” with the letter corresponding to the disk that displays the error message “Windows cannot format this drive.”

Step 3:Press Enter and wait for the scan and repair process to finish.

Solution 7:clean virus to fix the “Windows was unable to complete the format” error

As mentioned previously, the error message “Windows was unable to complete the format SD card” or “Windows was unable to complete the format USB” may occur due to virus infection, as the removable device lacks any installed anti-virus software for protection.

If you haven’t installed any anti-virus software, you can easily enable Windows Defender, which is capable of providing effective protection in most scenarios.

Solution 8: Use another PC to fix the “Windows was unable to complete the format” error

Trying formatting on another operating system can be a potential solution to fix the “Windows was unable to complete the format” error.

Sometimes, the issue may be specific to the Windows operating system or its compatibility with the drive. By attempting to format the drive on another operating system, you can determine if the problem lies with the Windows environment or if there is an underlying issue with the drive itself.

Now, you can bid farewell to the concerns and worries caused by the “Windows was unable to complete the format USB” or “Windows was unable to complete the format SD card” errors.

Bonus tips: Avoid the “Windows cannot format this drive” error

To avoid encountering the “Windows cannot format this drive” error in the future, Here are some useful tips for you:

• Choose high-quality and reputable storage devices from trusted manufacturers.
• Always properly eject or safely remove external storage devices before disconnecting them from your computer. 
• Perform regular virus scans on your storage devices.
• Periodically check for firmware updates for your storage devices. Manufacturers may release firmware updates that address compatibility issues or improve the drive’s performance.

Bottom Line

In summary, the error message “Windows was unable to complete the format” can stem from various causes, but there are multiple solutions available to resolve it. By following the eight methods outlined in this article, you can effectively address the problem and successfully format your removable device with ease.

FAQ about the “Windows cannot format this drive” error

Q: What does Windows was unable to complete the format mean?

A: The error message “Windows was unable to complete the format” typically appears when you are trying to format a storage device such as a hard drive, USB flash drive, or SD card using the Windows operating system, but the formatting process fails to complete successfully.

Q: How do I fix Windows unable to complete format?

A: Fix 1: Remove write protection.

Fix 2: Use third-party formatting software.

Fix 3: Run Diskpart to format the drive.

Fix 4: Use disk management.

Fix 5: Fix disk errors.

Fix 6: Repair bad sectors.

Fix 7: Clean up viruses or malware.

Fix 8: Format the drive on another PC.

Q: Why can’t I format my SD card on Windows?

A: There could be several reasons why you’re unable to format your SD card on Windows.

1. Write protection

2. File system compatibility

3. Corrupted file system

4. Disk errors or bad sectors

5. Insufficient permissions

6. Physical damage to the SD card

7. Antivirus software conflicts

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