FORMAT: Formats a disk for use with Windows.
The command: "FORMAT" is on Windows 11, 10, .. available
"FORMAT" Excerpt from Microsoft Windows Help
Microsoft Windows [Version 10.0.19045.3693]
(c) Copyright 1985-2023 Microsoft Corp.
C:\\WINDOWS>
Formats a disk for use with Windows XP.
FORMAT volume [/FS:file-system] [/V:label] [/Q] [/A:size] [/C] [/X]
FORMAT volume [/V:label] [/Q] [/F:size]
FORMAT volume [/V:label] [/Q] [/T:tracks /N:sectors]
FORMAT volume [/V:label] [/Q]
FORMAT volume [/Q]
volume Specifies the drive letter (followed by a colon),
mount point, or volume name.
/FS:filesystem Specifies the type of the file system (FAT, FAT32, or NTFS).
/V:label Specifies the volume label.
/Q Performs a quick format.
/C NTFS only: Files created on the new volume will be compressed
by default.
/X Forces the volume to dismount first if necessary. All opened
handles to the volume would no longer be valid.
/A:size Overrides the default allocation unit size. Default settings
are strongly recommended for general use.
NTFS supports 512, 1024, 2048, 4096, 8192, 16K, 32K, 64K.
FAT supports 512, 1024, 2048, 4096, 8192, 16K, 32K, 64K,
(128K, 256K for sector size > 512 bytes).
FAT32 supports 512, 1024, 2048, 4096, 8192, 16K, 32K, 64K,
(128K, 256K for sector size > 512 bytes).
Note that the FAT and FAT32 files systems impose the
following restrictions on the number of clusters on a volume:
FAT: Number of clusters <= 65526
FAT32: 65526 < Number of clusters < 4177918
Format will immediately stop processing if it decides that
the above requirements cannot be met using the specified
cluster size.
NTFS compression is not supported for allocation unit sizes
above 4096.
/F:size Specifies the size of the floppy disk to format (1.44)
/T:tracks Specifies the number of tracks per disk side.
/N:sectors Specifies the number of sectors per track.
The examples for the command "FORMAT"
The
`FORMAT` command is not typically used directly in the Windows Command Prompt, especially in the newer versions of Windows (like Windows 10). This is because formatting drives is usually done through other mechanisms such as the GUI (Graphical User Interface) or specialized management tools.
In older versions of Windows, such as Windows XP or Windows 7, there may have been a
`FORMAT` command that was used to format disks. Here is an example:
Example (fictitious as the command may not be available):
FORMAT C: /FS:NTFS /V:MyVolume /Q
Description: This example formats the
"C:" drive with the NTFS file system, assigns it the volume name
"MyVolume" and performs a quick format (
`/Q` for Quick Format).
However, it is important to note that formatting drives directly from Command Prompt using the
`FORMAT` command is risky as it may result in data loss. The command should be used with extreme caution and it is advisable to ensure that there is no important data on the drive being formatted.
In modern versions of Windows, it is recommended to use the built-in GUI tool or PowerShell to format and manage drives as they provide safer and more user-friendly options.
Important information, tips for the "FORMAT" command
Yes, formatting drives is a critical action that can result in data loss. Here are some important points and considerations to keep in mind when using the
`FORMAT` tool in the Windows Command Prompt or any other formatting tool:
1.
Data Loss: Formatting a drive deletes all data on it. Make sure you have backed up all important data before formatting a drive.
2.
Proper Drive Selection: Make sure you select the correct drive to format. Formatting the wrong drive can result in irretrievable data loss.
3.
File System Selection: Select the correct file system for your drive. NTFS is common for Windows systems, while exFAT or FAT32 may be used for removable media such as USB sticks. Note that some older devices may only support certain file systems.
FORMAT C: /FS:NTFS
4.
Volume label: You can add a volume label to better identify it. This is optional, but it can be helpful.
FORMAT C: /V:MyVolume
5.
Quick or Full Format: A quick format only creates a new file allocation table, while a full format checks each sector of the drive and marks bad sectors if necessary.
FORMAT C: /Q (for fast format)
FORMAT C: (for full format)
6.
More options: Check the available options for the
`FORMAT` tool by typing
`FORMAT /?` in the command prompt. This outputs a list of available parameters and options.
FORMAT /?
7.
Using graphical user interface (GUI) tools: In modern versions of Windows, it is often easier and safer to use the built-in graphical drive management tools. You can access these through the context menu in File Explorer or use
"Disk Management".
8.
Note Partitions: If you only want to format a specific partition instead of the entire drive, select the appropriate partition.
FORMAT D: /FS:NTFS
9.
Admin Rights: Formatting usually requires administrator rights. You should run Command Prompt as administrator if you want to access system drives.
10.
Disk check before formatting: It is advisable to check the drive for errors before formatting. You can do this with the
`CHKDSK` command.
CHKDSK C: /F
11.
Disk Sharing: Make sure that no program or process is accessing the drive you want to format. A running program or open files may prevent formatting.
In general, formatting is an action that should be performed with caution. It is important to ensure that you follow the correct steps and take all necessary security precautions to avoid data loss. Use Windows formatting tools responsibly.
