How to Force Format SD Card on Windows 11/10? Guide Included

Updated by

Linda 

Written by

Tracy King 

Updated on April 22, 2024

Formatting an SD card is typically a simple process. You just need a card reader, or you can plug the cable into your device, like a camera or phone. Then, choose the correct options in Windows to format the SD card, erasing its data, and so on.

However, things aren't as simple when you run into an error. Or, you simply cannot format the SD card because of some error(s). Unless it's hardware damage, this sort of error can be fixed with the help of force formatting.

So, how do you format SD cards on your Windows PC? Today, we're going to delve into that and discuss a few methods to achieve this. Let's get started.

Error: Unable to Format SD Card

If you're encountering an error while formatting the SD card, it's probably due to a few issues. Sometimes, it can be a hardware problem. However, in most cases related to hardware, the SD card would just cease functioning altogether.

In other words, your PC won't be able to detect it. Hence, it's irreparable and beyond fixing. However, if you can read your SD card, copy files from it, and copy files to it, then the issue is likely one of the following:

Here are the translations for the languages you provided: 1. Hardware damage or carbon buildup on the SD card connector 2. SD card contains file system error, or the file system has become corrupted 3. SD cards might have bad sectors that hinder their formatting 4. SD cards might be infected with viruses or malware, preventing Windows from formatting it 5. SD card is formatted with an unsupported file system by Windows, e.g., AFS (Apple File System)

Here are some possible reasons why your SD card might not format on Windows. It's most likely that your SD card has a software-related problem. However, if there's a buildup of carbon on the connectors, attempt cleaning it using isopropyl alcohol or a rubber eraser until the residue is removed.

Then, try to reconnect and format it again. If that doesn't fix the problem, continue reading to learn about other viable solutions.

How Do I Force Format My SD Card to Format? Two Reliable Ways Available [Back to Top](#2)

Forcing the formatting of an SD card involves using one of two methods. It's essential to understand that various built-in tools within your Windows operating system can assist you in formatting SD cards, such as Disk Management or File Explorer.

However, those methods won't help you force format your SD card. To do that, you'll need to try one of the following two methods:

1. Format SD card with tools Partition Master software
2. Format SD card using Command Prompt (CMD)

Now, both these methods have their pros and cons. However, the latter method is a bit too intricate and quite unsuitable for a beginner or a new PC user. Here's why:

As you can see, despite being a capable and reliable method, Diskpart is not suitable for everyone. Alternatively, you can use a free tool called Partition Master, which can help you format the SD card conveniently. Therefore, it's recommended to download and utilize this tool instead of the other method.

However, before you proceed, it's crucial to back up your files. It's essential to create a backup of your SD card before formatting it. If you're unsure how to do this, you can utilize another tool to back up your files before initiating the forced format process.

Guide 1. Force Format SD Card using Partition Master Free

The first method you should try to force format an SD card with is using the tool Partition Master. It's an excellent tool that can help you resolve issues with your SD card, as well as serve as a useful utility software on your computer. Why is that?

This is because third-party formatting tools like this are immensely helpful for formatting external devices such as SD cards and USB drives. Formatting these gadgets can be a cumbersome and lengthy process, but with formatting utilities like Partition Master, the task becomes much more manageable and efficient.

Aside from that, here's what makes it an ideal tool to help you force format your SD card:

• A vast range of formatting options
• Reconstruct the Master Boot Record (MBR) if Windows is not functioning correctly
• Detect and correct file system errors to address formatting issues
• Format or wipe partitions or full volumes with just a few clicks
• Combine or delete partitions to simplify the formatting process
• Capability to clone disks or migrate your OS hard drive to another one

That's why it's the best tool you have today to force format your SD card. And, once you have downloaded the tool, here's what you'll do:

Step 1. Find your SD card and right-click the partition you wish to format, then select "Format".

Step 2. Assign a new partition label, file system (NTFS/FAT32/EXT2/EXT3/EXT4/exFAT) and cluster size to the selected partition, then click "OK".

Step 3. Click "Yes" on the pop-up window to continue.

Step 4. Click the "Execute 1 Task(s)" button on the toolbar, then click "Apply" to start formatting your SD card.

Tip: If the SD card is larger than 4 GB, you can only choose FAT32, NTFS, or EXT2/EXT3. If the partition is smaller than 4 GB, you can choose between FAT, FAT32, NTFS, or EXT2/EXT3.

Guide 2. How to Force Format SD Card Using CMD

The second and traditional method to force format your SD card is with the assistance of CMD. We'll be utilizing the Diskpart commands to format your SD card. Therefore, it's crucial that you meticulously and carefully follow each step.

But before you proceed, run Disk Management on your PC to confirm the Disk number of your SD card:

Once that's done, follow these steps:

Step 1. Open CMD as an Administrator on your PC.

Step 2. Type diskpart and press Enter

Step 3. Type list disk and press Enter

Step 4. Then type select disk 1 (replace 1 with the number of your disk as checked in Disk Management earlier)

Step 5. Type attributes disk clear readonly

Translation: Type the command

Step 6. In the Start menu, locate the Search bar, and type command prompt.

Step 7. Right-click on "Command Prompt" and select "Run as administrator."

Step 8. Type format fs=fat32 o: (replace o with your SD card drive letter)

Step 9. Wait for it to finish

Step 10. Finished

This will format your SD card, but it should only take a few minutes—depending on the size of your SD card. Once it's done, you'll be able to access the card again in File Explorer.

?Read More: How to Format SD Card Using CMD | Full Details

Final decision.

There you have it, folks, the two best methods to format your SD card. CMD is one of the methods that won't require you to download anything. However, it's complicated, and the margin for error is significant. Therefore, instead of taking the risk, we recommend using tools like Partition Master.

Not only does this method allow you to take full control over the formatting process, but it also enables you to detect any issues with the file system or bad sectors. Consequently, utilizing tools like Partition Master enables you to effortlessly force format your SD card within just a few seconds.

But, regardless of the method you use, be sure to back up your files from the SD card first.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Formatting SD Card on Windows

This section will address your additional questions:

1. Why won't an SD card format on Android?

There are instances when Android phones are unable to format an SD card if it has bad sectors or file system errors. Other times, it might simply be formatted in the wrong file system, such as NTFS or Fat32. In such cases, connecting it to your PC and forcefully formatting it will resolve the problem.

You can attempt to force format it using a tool like Partition Master. However, before doing that, try the disk check option to see if there are any file system errors present. Afterwards, you can proceed to format it through your file explorer.

3. How to format SD card using Command Prompt forcefully?

To do that, you'll need to use the Diskpart command in Command Prompt. Here's how:

Translate the following text into English:
1. Type diskpart
2. Type list Volume
3. Type select volume # (replace # with your volume number)
4. Type format fs=fat32 (replace fat32 with NTFS if you wish)
5. Done
Translation:
1. Type diskpart
2. Type list Volume
3. Type select volume # (replace # with your volume number)
4. Type format fs=fat32 (replace fat32 with NTFS if desired)
5. Finished

4. How can I force my SD card to format as FAT32?

When using Diskpart to format your SD card, if you enter the command `Format fs=NTFS`, replace `NTFS` with `FAT32` to format your SD card in the FAT32 file system.