Format USB to use FAT32

FAT32 is a common option you’ll hear because it’s recognised by both Mac and Windows operating systems, but it offers no security and caps files at 4GB in size. Most USB flash drives will have a FAT32 file system out-of-box. It is the most compatible file system for older/modern computers (PC and Mac) plus gaming consoles and other devices with a USB port.

 

Formatting drives in Windows

1. Insert a USB drive into a USB port.
2. Open File Explorer.
3. Click on This PC from the left pane.
4. Under the "Devices and drives" section, right-click the flash drive and select the Format option.
5. Use the "File system" drop-down menu and select the FAT32 option.
6. In the "Allocation unit size" drop-down menu, use the default selection.
7. In the "Volume label" field, confirm a drive name that will appear in File Explorer. 
8. Under the "Format options" section, select the Quick format option or don’t depending on the use case.
9. Click the Start button.
10. Click the Yes button.
11. Once the format is finished, the USB flash drive will be all set to store documents, pictures, videos, and other files on the removable drive.

 

To Format USB (Mac OS 10+)

 

1. Insert a USB drive into your USB port.
2. Launch “Disk Utility” (from Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility).
3. Select the USB drive from the list on the left.
4. Select “Erase” at the top.
5. Type in a “Name” for the drive, then select a “Format” (file system).
6. Select “Erase”.
7. Once complete, select “Done”.
8. Once the format is finished, the USB flash drive will be all set to store documents, pictures, videos, and other files on the removable drive.