Updated by

Sherly

Written by

Tracy King

Updated on April 23, 2024

Key Takeaways: These are the main points or important conclusions to remember from a given text or discussion.

1. HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool is offered by HP and it's free of charge. However, it is no longer being updated. 2. For a full format of your USB drive on Windows 11 or earlier Windows OS, you can utilize an alternative to HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool - the tools Partition Master. Click here to immediately discover the advantages of using this formatting utility.

What is HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool? Is it safe to use HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool? What advantages can users gain from employing this application? This page provides a comprehensive review of this formatting utility, addressing all the information you need to know about it. Continue reading to learn if it's secure to utilize on your computer.

HP USB disk storage format tool

What is the HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool?

HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool, also referred to as HP USB format tool, is a complimentary and portable formatting tool used for formatting USB drives on Windows 10/8/7 and Windows Vista/XP computers. Developed by Hewlett-Packard Development Company, commonly known as HP, this tool was released on September 18, 2017.

HP USB disk storage format tool

Here is a list of fundamental information about the HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool:

  • Price: Free
  • Owned by: Hewlett-Packard
  • Released on: October 2, 2013
  • Latest Version: V2.2.3
  • Last Updated: November 15, 2018
  • Supported Operating Systems: Windows 10/8/7, Windows Vista/XP

Features of HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool: 1. User-Friendly Interface: The tool boasts an intuitive and straightforward interface, allowing users with varying levels of technical expertise to easily navigate and utilize its functions. 2. Compatibility: It is compatible with various Windows operating systems, such as Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10, ensuring a wide range of users can benefit from its capabilities. 3. Formatting Options: Users can choose between different file systems like FAT, FAT32, NTFS, or exFAT, depending on their specific needs and compatibility requirements. 4. Quick Formatting: The tool offers a quick formatting option, which enables users to format the USB drive swiftly without the need for a thorough scan of bad sectors. 5. Secure Erase: For enhanced privacy and security, HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool provides a secure erase function that overwrites data on the drive, making it difficult to recover. 6. Support for Large Capacity Drives: It supports USB drives with large storage capacities, ranging from a few gigabytes to several terabytes. 7. Error Checking: Before formatting, the tool can perform a quick error check to identify and resolve any issues with the USB drive. 8. Virus Protection: The formatting process can help remove viruses or malware that may have infected the USB drive, ensuring a clean and safe storage device. 9. Language Support: The software is available in multiple languages, catering to a diverse user base globally. 10. Standalone Application: HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool is a lightweight, standalone application that doesn't require installation, allowing users to carry it on a USB drive itself for on-the-go formatting tasks. Remember, this translation is provided for informational purposes only, and the original tool's features might vary slightly.

What can HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool do for you? Here's a list of features that most Windows users can utilize for free on their USB drives:

  • Format any USB drive to NTFS, FAT32, or FAT file systems.
  • Create a DOS startup disk using system files.

Is HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool safe?

Yes, HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool is developed by HP and serves as a portable utility that allows you to run the application on any computer without the need for installation.

It's virus-free and ad-free for any Windows users to run and set up a new file system on their USB storage devices.

HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool Review | Pros & Cons

In this section, you'll learn how to:

  • Pros of HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool
  • Cons of HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool
  • HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool Free Download

Am I able to download the HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool from its official website? What are the advantages and disadvantages of this utility? Please provide the details.

优点 of HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool:

    • 100% free
    • Lightweight and portable
    • No software installation required
    • Automatically detects all existing USB drives on the computer
    • Free formatting to NTFS and FAT32
    • Supports most Windows operating systems
 Editor's review:
"HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool is a small, free software utility specifically designed for the HP Drive Key or DiskOnKey USB devices. Its installation poses no issues, as it is very lightweight and can be run directly, meaning no actual installation is needed." - posted by Elena Opris from
SOFTPEDIA

Cons of HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool: 1. Limited compatibility: The tool may not work with all types of USB drives or external storage devices, especially those from non-HP manufacturers. 2. No advanced formatting options: It lacks advanced formatting options such as choosing between different file systems (e.g., NTFS, exFAT, or HFS+) or setting allocation unit sizes. 3. No error checking or repair functions: The tool does not have built-in features to check for bad sectors or repair damaged USB drives before formatting. 4. Lack of user-friendly interface: Some users might find the interface outdated and not very intuitive, especially for those unfamiliar with technical software. 5. No data recovery: The tool does not provide any data recovery options or warnings before formatting, which can lead to accidental loss of important files. 6. Windows-only: It is exclusive to Microsoft Windows operating systems and does not support macOS or Linux. 7. Single-purpose application: HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool serves only one function – formatting USB drives. For other tasks like disk management or backup, you would need additional software. 8. No technical support: There might be limited or no official technical support available from HP for this specific tool. 9. Security concerns: Formatting a drive erases all data, but the tool does not offer secure erase options to protect sensitive information from potential recovery. 10. Frequent updates: Some users report that the tool requires frequent updates, which can be inconvenient for those who prefer a stable and less intrusive application.

    • Does not support popular file system formats such as exFAT and EXT2/3/4.
    • Does not support the latest Windows 11 operating system.

Obviously, HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool is not available on Windows 11, and new Windows users may require a USB format tool for Windows 11. If you're one of them, you can consider an alternative to HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool - the recommended Partition Master Free tool, which can be found at the bottom of this page for assistance.

Free Download HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool for Windows 10 with Step-by-Step Guide

Windows 10 and older Windows users may still want to give this USB formatting tool a try, and we've found a secure download link for you.

HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool Free Download

Please note that the HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool is no longer available on the official HP website: https://www.hp.com/. We have tested and thoroughly searched the site, and we were unable to find any access to view or download the HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool.

Fortunately, it can still be found on certain third-party download websites. If you're interested in downloading this tool for Windows 10/8/7, simply open one of the following links in your browser, and you'll be able to access the download:

    • Download from cnet: https://download.cnet.com/HP-USB-Disk-Storage-Format-Tool/3000-2094_4-10974082.html
    • Download from filehippo: https://filehippo.com/download_hp-usb-disk-storage-format-tool/
    • Download from bleepingcomputer: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/hp-usb-disk-storage-format-tool/

HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool User Guide

Before beginning, please back up any important files as this tool will format your USB drives.

How do I use the HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool? Here's a guide on formatting your USB drives using the HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool: 1. **Download and Install**: First, visit the official HP website or a reliable source to download the HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool. After downloading, install it on your computer. 2. **Connect the USB Drive**: Plug in the USB drive you want to format into one of your computer's USB ports. 3. **Launch the Tool**: Once the installation is complete, locate and open the HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool from your Start menu or desktop shortcut. 4. **Detecting the USB Drive**: The tool should automatically detect the connected USB drive. If not, ensure the drive is properly inserted and click on "Refresh" or "Rescan" to search for it. 5. **Select the Drive**: From the list of available drives, select the one corresponding to your USB drive. Make sure you choose the correct drive, as formatting will erase all data. 6. **Choose Format Options**: In the Format options section, you can choose the following: - **File System**: Select the file system you want to format your USB drive with (e.g., FAT32, NTFS, exFAT). Choose wisely based on your needs, as different systems have different compatibility. - **Allocation Unit Size**: This setting usually doesn't need to be changed, but if you're working with large files, consider increasing it. - **Volume Label**: Give your USB drive a custom name or leave it as default. 7. **Format Confirmation**: Before proceeding, review your selections and ensure they're correct. Click on "Format" to begin the formatting process. 8. **Wait for Formatting**: The tool will now format your USB drive. This process may take a few minutes, depending on the size of the drive. 9. **Completion**: Once the formatting is finished, the tool will display a message indicating completion. You can now safely eject the USB drive and use it for your desired purpose. Remember, always backup important data before formatting any storage device.

Step 1. Connect the USB drive you want to format to your computer.

Step 2. Double-click the HPUSBDISK.exe file to open the HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool on your computer.

Launch HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool

Step 3. Choose the USB drive you want to format, assign a new file system (NTFS or FAT32), and click "Start".

Format USB

Once the process is complete, your USB will be good as new, and you can repurpose the drive for something else.

Recommended Alternatives to HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool in 2024

With HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool not supported in Windows 11, many new computer users might find themselves frustrated. Additionally, numerous users express concerns over using software that no longer receives updates or technical support.

Below, we will present you with 3 reliable alternative formatting tools that effectively replace HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool for all Windows users:

Tools File Explorer Disk Management Partition Master Free
Pros
  • Free
  • User-friendly
  • Supports all Windows OS
  • No installation required
  • Free
  • Supports all Windows OS
  • No installation required
  • Free
  • Easy to Use
  • Supports all Windows OS
  • Supports formatting to Linux EXT2/3/4
  • Supports converting USB between NTFS and FAT32 without formatting
  • Free USB cloning feature
Cons
  • Does not support formatting USB for Linux EXT file system
  • Does not support formatting USB for Linux EXT file system
  • Not suitable for beginners
  • Requires software installation
Reasons to Recommend
  • Best for beginners
  • Completely free
  • Free & Advanced USB formatting tool

It's evident that the above three tools can format USB drives perfectly with just a few simple clicks. All you need to do is backup all your USB drive data and seek assistance from any of these tools.

For the simplest USB formatting tool, or if you merely need to switch between NTFS and FAT32 file systems, Partition Master stands out. You can easily utilize its "Convert to NTFS" or "Convert to FAT32" feature to perform the operation.

Translate the following text into English, focusing only on translation: "Transform USB from NTFS to FAT32 using Partition Master tools"

Step 1. Right-click the target device partition and select "Advanced" > "Convert to FAT".

Step 2. When the checking process is finished, click "Proceed" to start the NTFS to FAT32 conversion.

Step 3. Click "Apply" to save all changes.

Format USB to NTFS/FAT32/exFAT/EXT

Step 1. Launch AOMEI Partition Assistant, right-click the partition you plan to format, and choose "Format".

Step 2. In the new window, enter the Partition label, select the FAT32/EXT2/EXT3/EXT4 file system, and set the cluster size as needed, then click "OK".

Step 3. Next, you'll see a warning window. Click "Yes" to proceed.

Step 4. Click the "Execute 1 Task(s)" button in the top-left corner to review the changes, and then click "Apply" to begin formatting the partition to FAT32/EXT2/EXT3/EXT4.

While HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool is no longer updated, you have a better option.

On this page, we provided an overview of the HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool and discussed its advantages and disadvantages. If you wish to give it a try, you can proceed to download and utilize it on your PC through the available links.

If you don't trust it due to HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool no longer being updated, you can opt for alternatives like Partition Master, which allows you to format various types of USB drives, HDDs, SSDs, and more with just a few simple clicks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool

If you still have questions about HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool, follow the tutorials below for assistance:

**1. Can HP USB Storage Format Tool fix the "disk is write protected" error?**

Well, not exactly. Some review sites claimed that HP USB Storage Format Tool supports removing write protection from USB drives. However, after testing, we found no access or function to perform this operation. If you need guidance on fixing the "disk is write protected" error on a USB drive, you can refer to this page for assistance: Remove Write Protection from USB.

**2. How do I force a USB drive to format?**

Step 1. Connect your USB to your computer.

Step 2. Open File Explorer, right-click on the USB drive, and select "Format."

Step 3: Choose NTFS, exFAT, or FAT32 as the file system for your USB drive. Check the box for "Perform a quick format" and then click "Start."

Step 4. Choose "OK" to finish the process.

3. How do I remove write protection from HP Disk Storage Format Tool? To remove write protection from the HP Disk Storage Format Tool, follow these steps: 1. Ensure that the USB drive or storage device you're trying to format is not physically locked with a switch or slider. Many USB drives have a small switch on the side that, when engaged, enables write protection. 2. Check for any software-based write protection: - On Windows, open File Explorer and navigate to the USB drive. Right-click on it and select "Properties." - In the Properties window, go to the "General" tab, and if the "Read-only" checkbox is checked, uncheck it and click "Apply" followed by "OK." 3. If the "Read-only" option is grayed out and cannot be unchecked, it's possible that there's a registry issue. Proceed with caution as modifying the registry can be risky: - Press `Win + R` to open the Run dialog box. - Type `regedit` and press Enter to open Registry Editor. - Navigate to `HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\StorageDevicePolicies`. - If the key doesn't exist, create it by right-clicking on "StorageDevicePolicies," selecting "New," then "Key," and naming it "WriteProtect." - In the right pane, look for a value named "WriteProtect." If it exists, double-click it and set its value data to 0 (zero). If it doesn't exist, create a new DWORD (32-bit) Value named "WriteProtect" and set its value to 0. - Close Registry Editor and restart your computer. 4. After restarting, try formatting the USB drive using the HP Disk Storage Format Tool again. The write protection should now be removed. If the issue persists, it might be a hardware problem, and you may need to contact HP support for further assistance.

When HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool displays a warning that your USB drive is write-protected, you can follow the guidance provided here to remove the write protection:

    1. Turn off the lock switch on the USB from the On position to the Off position.
    2. Connect the USB to your PC and open Diskpart.
    3. Type the following command lines one by one, pressing Enter after each:
    4. list disk
    5. select disk *
    6. attributes disk clear read-only
    7. exit