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How to format a USB drive to an NTFS file system

in Windows 10 by (552k points) | 218 views

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Chances are, at one point or another everyone has tried to format your USB drive to NTFS.
How to Format USB to NTFS in Windows 10
Format USB drive to NTFS file system using command prompt
Format USB to NTFS using File Explorer

Chances are, at one point or another everyone has tried to format your USB drive to NTFS.

Although by default Windows does not allow USB stick on NTFS file system, it is always better to use NTFS (New Technology File System) file system versus old FAT (File Allocation System).

The NTFS file system has some advantages over the old FAT file systems, such as higher storage capacity, data encryption, compression option, faster and more secure drive, etc. This guide will show you a smart and fast way to format your USB stick in NTFS.

How to Format USB to NTFS in Windows 10

There are two ways to do this. The first is to use the command prompt and the second is the File Explorer. While the command prompt method is faster, you need to be very careful and precisely position the drive you want to format, otherwise you will end up losing data.

Format USB drive to NTFS file system using command prompt

Type cmd from the Start menu and choose to start with administrator privileges or in the Run dialog (Win + R) type CMD and press SHIFT + Enter to open the command prompt with administrator privileges.

Type the following command at the format J command prompt: / fs: ntfs (where J is the letter of your USB drive).

Here is the full syntax for the format command

volume format [/ fs: {FAT | FAT32 | NTFS}] [/ v:] [/ q] [/ a: unitsize] [/ c] [/ x] [/ p: pass]

Wait a couple of minutes to finish the process. After Windows finishes the formatting process, close the command prompt.

Format USB to NTFS using File Explorer

To format a USB drive to an NTFS file system in Windows 10:

  • Open File Explorer (Win + E)
  • Right click on the USB drive you want to format
  • From the context menu, choose Format.
  • In the format settings, choose NTFS for the file system.
  • Click the Start button.
  • This will format the USB drive and make it ready for use in Windows 10.

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