How to Clear a Flash Drive on PC or Mac

How to Clear a Flash Drive on PC or Mac

Clearing a flash drive is a necessary step when you want to securely erase the data on your device and start anew. Whether you're using a PC or Mac, you can easily clear your flash drive and get a clean slate.

PC

To clear a flash drive on a PC:

• Connect the flash drive to your computer's USB port.
• Go to My Computer or This PC. Your flash drive should be listed in the Devices and drives section.
• Right-click your flash drive and select Format.
• Choose a File system. FAT32 is typically the preferred option.
• If you want to ensure that the data on the drive is completely gone, enable the Quick format checkbox.
• Click Start. The formatting process should start automatically.

Mac

To clear a flash drive on a Mac:

• Connect the flash drive to your computer's USB port.
• Open the Applications folder from the Dock.
• Select Utilities.
• Open the Disk Utility app.
• Locate your flash drive in the list on the left.
• Click the flash drive's name and select the Erase tab.
• Choose a File system. FAT32 is typically the preferred option.
• Click the Erase button. The flash drive will be formatted and cleared automatically.

Clear Your Flash Drive on a PC or Mac

Your flash drive stores information ranging from sensitive business documents to your favorite photos – so it’s important to know how to clear its contents. On a PC or Mac, formatting your flash drive is an easy process. Read on for instructions on clearing a flash drive, to help keep your important information safe.

PC

• Connect your flash drive to your computer via the USB port.
• Open the Start menu, then select Computer.
• Right-click your flash drive icon, then select Format.
• Choose your preferred file system. FAT or FAT32 are the best choices for Windows, but if you are transferring files to a Mac, select MS-DOS (FAT).
• Check the Quick Format box, then select Start.
• After a few moments, when the process is completed, click OK.

Mac

• Connect your flash drive to your Mac.
• Open Finder, then select your flash drive from the left pane.
• Ctrl+click, or right-click, your flash drive icon, then select Erase.
• Choose your format. The Mac OS Extended (Journaled) format is best for Macs, but if you are transferring files to a PC, select MS-DOS (FAT).
• Name your drive in the Name text box.
• Click Erase to confirm.

Once you’ve completed either of the above processes, your flash drive will be cleared of its contents. Your drive is now ready to store new information safely.