How do I format a USB drive to FAT32Updated 18 days ago

This article walks you through how to properly format a USB flash drive to FAT32, specifically for use with BIOS updates.

⚠ Warning: formatting erases everything on the drive

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

A USB flash drive that is 32GB or smaller. Most BIOS update tools only recognize FAT32-formatted drives up to 32GB. Larger flash drives often will not work, even if they appear to format correctly.

If you don’t already have a compatible flash drive, inexpensive 32GB USB flash drives are widely available online, including on Amazon and other major retailers.

FORMATTING A USB IN WINDOWS

• Open File Explorer
• Go to This PC
• Right-click the USB drive you are wanting to format and select "Format..."
• Under File System drop down, choose FAT32
• Select quick format
• Click start → confirm when prompted