Windows failed to complete the format error? Fix it with these solutions

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Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Many users are receivingWindowswas unable to complete the formatmessage while trying to format their USB flash drive or an external hard drive.

SomeWindowsusers formatUSB flash drivesto change their file systems. The usual way toformatexternal storage devices inWindowsis to selectFormaton File Explorer’s context menu.

However, some users can’t always format the drives with Explorer’s Format Removable Disk tool, and they get an error message stating,Windowswas unable to complete theformat.

In this article, we are exploring ways on how you can fix this error, so keep on reading.

How can I fix the unsuccessful format on Windows 10?

1. Scan the drive with anti-virus software

As flash drives don’t usually carry any anti-virus software, they’re more likely to include a virus or malware that prevents the drive formatting. As such, an anti-virus scan might fix a USB stick that isn’t formatting.

Some third-party anti-virus software will automatically scan drives when you insert them. Most anti-virus utilities will also probably include aUSB/DVD Scanoption to scan external drives with.

There are many goodantivirus software with flash drives scanningoptions. You can find professional-level tools, but also budget-friendly and even free solutions.

2. Format USB flash storage with third-party software

There are also various third-party utilities that you canformatflash drives with. If you can’t format a storage drive with File Explorer, try a utility that makes the job easier.

Dedicated partitionformat softwarehelp you manage your partition and drives, including removable media such as USB flash. They have a lower error rate than built-in utilities, so they’re definitely worth a try.

On top of that, partition format software come with data recovery options. This means that there is a good chance that you will be able to restore important data even after formatting your USB flash.

3. Run a check disk scan

4. Remove the USB stick’s write protection

There’s no way you can format a flash drive that’swrite-protected. Some USB sticks include awrite-protectswitch to lock or unlock them with.

Make sure thewrite-protectswitch on your USB storage is switched upwards to turn write protection off.

If you can’t find thewrite-protectswitch on your flash storage device, switch write protection off with third-party software.

5. Format the USB drive with disk management

6. Format the Drive with Diskpart

And there you have a few methods that will help you format the drivers on your Windows 10 operating system. If you have other suggestions or recommendations, make sure to let us know in the comments section below.

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Windows failed to complete the format error? Fix it with these solutions#

How can I fix the unsuccessful format on Windows 10?#

1. Scan the drive with anti-virus software#

2. Format USB flash storage with third-party software#

3. Run a check disk scan#

4. Remove the USB stick’s write protection#

5. Format the USB drive with disk management#

6. Format the Drive with Diskpart#