How to format a micro SD card

One of the most common user questions is how to format a memory card. These compact storage devices have recently become incredibly popular. For example, a Micro SD memory card is used in mobile phones, digital cameras, wireless modems, etc.

how to format a memory card
You can buy it literally on every corner: even a store is not needed. But what to do next, how to prepare it for work with the device? There are several ways, so the user can only make his choice. Some are incredibly simple, while others require the use of specialized programs. Among the methods there are no β€œright and wrong” - it all depends on a number of factors.

Sometimes you can find the expression "flash drive Micro SD." There is no mistake here. Indeed, between the usual flash drives and memory cards are more common than differences. All of them are based on an array of solid-state memory cells (flash) with their own control controller. And the main obvious difference is the interface used to pair with other devices. That is why the problem of how to format a memory card is solved equally.

The easiest way is to take advantage of the capabilities of the device itself. For example, if the card is used in a digital camera, then there should be an item in the device menu with which you can easily figure out how to format the memory card.

micro sd memory card

The same applies to mobile phones. The advantages of this method include automatic selection of the correct file system, cluster size, creation of the necessary folders, which in general means better compatibility with the device. Therefore, before looking for the answer to the question "how to format a memory card", it is worth taking this opportunity. For example, camera developers recommend just doing this.

However, in some situations, this method does not work. The reasons can be very different. So, errors when partitioning for a built-in utility can be insurmountable. In this case, the only solution is to use a computer. Effectively enough, but less convenient.

micro sd flash drive
It is recommended to insert the card into the card reader. In laptops, it is usually built-in. Once connected, a new device appears in the My Computer drive list. Right-click on its properties, then go to the "Formatting" section. Here you need to select the desired file system. For cards larger than 2 GB, select FAT32. But NTFS should be abstained, since not all portable devices work correctly with this system.

However, sometimes this method does not give the desired results. In this case, you can try to start formatting in the previously downloaded and installed HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool. Very often, this method allows you to restore the "dead" memory cards, although, of course, not always. The interface is simple: choosing a card - file system - indicating a label. One of the features is the ability to select FAT for flash drives larger than 2 GB, which gives a chance to overcome the limitation of some portable devices.


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