When trying to completely delete files from a MicroSD card, the user may encounter the “Windows cannot complete formatting” notification. Why you can’t format a MicroSD memory card and how to deal with this problem, read this manual.
Why Windows Can't Complete Formatting
Most likely, the “SD card will not format” problem is not caused by a problem with the memory card itself, so it can be resolved using Windows components. You can also find a lot of programs for working with drives on the Internet.
Advice! Perhaps the memory card has write protection, which prevents the user from making any changes. To remove protection, read these instructions.
What to do if you can’t format a flash drive
To fix the problem, we will go in two ways: we will use the capabilities of Windows 10 itself or we will turn to third-party software.
To open the required utility:
If the flash drive is not write-protected and data deletion fails, the cause may be an unknown operating system process. There is no desire to understand what kind of process this is? then move on to the next point.
Command line
Third party programs
The utility can handle the task of formatting not only MicroSD, but also flash drives. In general, a simple and free program can fix errors on a memory card while saving the data or further formatting the MicroSD.
The Flashnul utility can also help with diagnosing and eliminating errors when checking flash drives.
Unfortunately, the official websites of these programs are not advertised (or there are none), so when downloading from third-party resources, check the installation .exe files for viruses (Dr.Web CureIt! can help you).
A memory card is a small storage device that is used to store digital information. Memory cards are widely used in various electronic devices, including cameras, smartphones, phones, tablets, MP3 players, etc. Memory cards come in different formats and sizes, but regardless of this, the same problems may arise when working with them. For example, when you use a flash card in a computer, the latter may tell you that the device is write-protected and it will simply be impossible to write any files to it. Today we will try to solve this problem together.
SDHC format
Most often, the problem, oddly enough, occurs on SDHC cards. This is a removable flash memory card that meets the SDA 2.00 specification introduced by the SD Card Association. SDHC was a development of the SD format, inheriting most of its characteristics. The maximum capacity of such devices is 32 GB.
Today, the SDHC format is used less frequently than, say, 5 years ago, since with each generation they try to reduce memory cards in size. But it has one interesting feature that most users don’t even know about - hardware write protection to the device, thanks to which you will not be able to write anything to the card from any device, be it a computer or a camera.
There is a small switch located on one of the sides (not used on all models, be careful). If you move it, the protection automatically turns on. It is possible that you accidentally touched this lever without noticing it, which led to the problem. Accordingly, it will need to be moved.
USB flash cards
USB flash cards can be equipped with exactly the same switch as in the case of SDHC, although they are becoming less common on sale - the cost of such cards is more expensive, and only a few need write protection.
If your flash drive does not have such a switch, but the computer still reports protection, then you can try formatting the device. To do this, you can use standard formatting of the Windows operating system, but it is recommended to use special programs for this. For example, the HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool utility is suitable - an extremely small program that can bring flash cards to life.
MicroSD
One of the most popular drives today is MicroSD, which is used in all the latest devices.
MicroSD is a small memory card. Unlike the same SDHC, there is practically no switch on it, which is necessary for blocking. This means you need to try the following:
- If you removed the flash drive, say, from your phone, and then, using an adapter or adapter, decided to transfer materials from your computer to it, try inserting it back into the phone and removing the protection using the settings, if possible.
- If you use an adapter, do not forget about the lever that turns write protection on and off.
- Be sure to clean the contacts; perhaps they are the problem.
- Try formatting your device.
If all else fails, then perhaps the flash drive has died, which, unfortunately, happens all the time.
An attempt to save new information on a micro CD will fail if it is write-protected. There may be different reasons for the access denied message to appear. You can remove protection from microSD using several methods - software and physical. Let's look at the most relevant ones.
Unlocking microSD
Place the memory card on a flat surface or in the palm of your hand with the label facing up. On the top left side of the card body, find the small lock switch lever - the Lock button. “Locker” serves to protect information from accidental erasure. The lever can be flat and only slightly protrude from the body, and be white or silver in color. There is no such switch directly on microSD. Insert the card into the adapter and locate the Lock switch on the adapter itself. Move it all the way in the opposite direction.
After moving the Lock lever to the position of canceling the data protection status, the reappearance of the write error notification window may be caused by moving the Lock back to the protection position. This happens due to the weakening of the switch; when you insert a memory card into the card reader, it moves and turns on the memory lock. Secure it with a piece of rubber band, cardboard, or remove it completely.
You can avoid automatic blocking of recording on microSD by removing its contact with the Lock button on the adapter body. Find a small notch on the left side of the micro-flash drive, solder it with plastic or seal it with tape. Soldering must be done very carefully. The option with tape is simpler, but it can get stuck when inserting the card into the adapter.
Changing disk properties
If the memory card protection does not allow you to copy information to another drive, but you need to save it, then try removing the protection as follows. Connect the micro CD to your computer, find its name in the list of devices and right-click on it. From the menu, select the “Properties” line, then the “Access” tab. In the next window there is “Advanced settings”, open it and check the box “Share”, confirm the settings - “Ok”.
Formatting a microSD memory card
Sometimes, to remove protection from a memory card, it is recommended to format it if the “locker” is missing or did not help. Save important information to another disk, because... it will be completely deleted. You can programmatically remove the write lock on the card using Windows.
Install a microSD memory card on a personal computer via a special adapter directly or through a card reader. Modern laptops already have such a connector; it is usually marked with a “card” icon and looks like a narrow slot. The operating system will recognize the drive and its name will appear in the list of devices on your computer.
Right-click on the CD disk icon and select “Format ...” from the expanded menu. Set the file system to the one that your device supports, usually NTFS. Click "Get Started." All information on the disk has now been deleted and the protection status has been removed.
Changing the file system
When writing a file larger than 4 GB to a memory card, an error notification window may appear due to file system limitations. If the memory card is formatted with FAT32, the file size is one of its limitations for recording data. You should change the file system to NTFS, as described in paragraph 3.
Software tools for microSD
You can reset the write protection on a disk using software without deleting the information. There are various scripts and utilities for this, for example reset.zip. When downloading software from the Internet, you should be careful - it may contain viruses. It is better to use proven applications to remove protection. Low-level formatting of a disk with the Hard Disk Low Level Format Tool erases all data, but will help restore even hopeless flash drives that were not formatted using Windows internal means.
Removing microSD protection via a mobile device
Modern mobile devices: players, PDAs, phones, cameras have a microSD formatting function. Try to find this option through the settings and format the flash drive directly on this device. Memory protection could be software installed in the device to ensure data confidentiality. You can also remove protection in the settings. All types of electronic devices have their own characteristics, so if you have any difficulties, read the gadget’s instructions or get an explanation from a specialist at the service center.
Use only the “native” adapter with a microSD card. With another adapter, even if you were able to format the phone, you most likely won’t be able to write the information to disk.
A memory card is a universal storage device that works great on a wide variety of devices. But users may encounter situations where a computer, smartphone or other devices do not accept the memory card. There may also be cases when it is necessary to quickly delete all data from the card. Then you can solve the problem by formatting the memory card.
Such measures will eliminate damage to the file system and erase all information from the disk. Some smartphones and cameras have a built-in formatting function. You can use it or carry out the procedure by connecting the card to a PC via a card reader. But sometimes it happens that the gadget gives an error "Memory card is faulty" when trying to reformat. And on the PC an error message appears: "Windows can't complete formatting".
We have already written about how to solve the problem with the above-mentioned Windows error. But in this guide we will look at what to do if other messages occur when working with microSD/SD.
Most often, problems with a memory card begin if there were power problems when using a flash drive. It is also possible that programs for working with disk partitions were used incorrectly. In addition, the drive could suddenly turn off while working with it.
The reason for the errors may also be that the card itself has write protection enabled. In order to remove it, you must move the mechanical switch to the position "unlock". Viruses can also affect the performance of a memory card. So it’s better to scan microSD/SD with an antivirus just in case if there are malfunctions.
If formatting is clearly necessary, then it is worth remembering that during this procedure all information from the media will be automatically deleted! Therefore, it is necessary to make a copy of important data stored on a removable storage device. To format microSD/SD, you can use both built-in Windows tools and third-party software.
Method 1: D-Soft Flash Doctor
The program has a simple interface that is easy to understand. Its functionality includes the ability to create a disk image, scan the disk for errors and restore the media. To work with it, do this:
After this, the program will very quickly split the media memory according to the configuration.
Method 2: HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool
Using this proven program, you can force format flash memory, create a bootable drive, or check the disk for errors.
To force formatting, do the following:
To check the disk for errors (this will also be useful after a forced format):
- Check the box next to "Correct errors". This way you can correct file system errors that the program detects.
- For a more thorough media scan, select "Scan drive".
- If the media is not displayed on the PC, you can use the item "Check if dirty". This will return microSD/SD "visibility".
- After that click "Check disk".
If you are unable to use this program, perhaps our instructions for using it will help you.
Method 3: EzRecover
Method 6: Windows Tools
Insert the memory card into the card reader and connect it to the computer. If you do not have a card reader, you can connect your phone via USB to your PC in data transfer mode (USB storage). Then Windows will be able to recognize the memory card. To use Windows tools, do this:
Visual video on solving the problem
If the deletion still fails, then it is possible that some Windows process is using the drive and therefore cannot access the file system and it will not be formatted. In this case, a method associated with the use of special programs can help.
Method 7: Windows Command Prompt
This method involves the following steps:
Or use the command line to clean up the disk. In this case, do this:
If this command is executed successfully, the following message will appear: "Disk cleanup completed successfully". The memory should now be available for repair. Then proceed as originally intended.
If the diskpart command does not find the disk, then most likely the memory card has mechanical damage and cannot be repaired. Most of the time this command works fine.
If none of the options we suggested helped solve the problem, then again the problem is mechanical damage, so it is no longer possible to restore the drive yourself. The last option is to contact a service center for help. You can also write about your problem in the comments below. We will try to help you or recommend other ways to correct errors.
When working with flash drives, certain difficulties sometimes arise. For example, often the system, when attempting to copy any information to a medium or format it, suddenly displays a message that the disk is write-protected. As a result, you can neither transfer files to a removable drive, nor delete or change them. What to do in such a situation? And most importantly, how to format a write-protected flash drive and return it to its usual working state?
First, we recommend that you take a close look at the media itself. Some USB flash drives and memory cards have a special switch. It has two positions: one activates the write lock, and the other removes it.
This means that all you have to do is move the lever to remove the protection. At the same time, it will be possible to write any information onto the flash drive again. True, you first need to format the drive using standard Windows tools.
If there is no switch on the flash drive, then just check it with antivirus software. The removable drive may be infected with malware, which forces it to be write-protected and prevents it from being formatted.
For reference! If you use a card reader, it's worth checking that too. Sometimes, due to a malfunction of this device, the system writes that “the disk is write protected.”
Removing protection from a disk using the Diskpart utility
Operating systems (OS) starting with Windows XP have a console utility. It's called diskpart. So, using this tool you can manage various disks. Including gaining access to the “problem” media. Working with the utility is easy:
After all the manipulations, the write-protected flash drive should change the file system. In addition, it will again be possible to upload any information to it.
However, please note that there are different write protection systems. Not everything can be removed using the diskpart utility. Therefore, if the procedure does not give the desired result, then try another method. We'll talk about it further.
Removing write protection of a flash drive through the Group Policy Editor
Another method that allows you to format a flash drive even if it is write-protected. It is based on using the capabilities of the Local Group Policy Editor:
How to remove protection from a memory card using the diskmgmt.msc utility?
There is another standard Windows component for disk management. It is called the diskmgmt.msc utility. To use this OS tool to remove write protection, you must:
- Press the combination Win+R. Enter “diskmgmt.msc” and click the “Enter” button.
- Next, you need to wait a little while the system displays the disk configuration.
- Then we find the flash drive and right-click on it.
- Select the “Delete Volume” operation. The partition will be defined as “not allocated”.
- Next, right-click on it. Click on “Create Volume”.
- The system will launch the New Volume Wizard application. Click “Next” several times, leaving all the default settings.
- At the end, click “Done”. We are waiting for the flash drive formatting process to complete.
Is it possible to format a write-protected flash drive using third-party programs?
Sometimes standard Windows tools do not help solve a problem related to the operation of removable media. Therefore, you should not neglect special utilities. They are specifically designed for restoring and formatting USB flash drives, SD cards, etc. So you can use:
- Special proprietary software produced directly by the manufacturer itself. For example, for Transcend products this is the JetFlash Recovery program.
- If for some reason it is impossible to use proprietary utilities, then download and try other formatting programs. There are a lot of them. Some of the most popular and convenient are Hp disk format tool, HDD low level format, Recuva, SDFormatter, etc.
What else can help remove write protection on files?
- By changing Windows registry settings, in some cases it is possible to remove protection. To do this, open the “Run” line. Enter "regedit". In the menu that launches on the left, go to the StorageDevicePolicies folder. You can find it at the following path HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control. Here we are interested in the “WriteProtect” parameter in the right panel. Double click on it. Then we change the number 1 in the “Value” field to 0. All that remains is to connect the flash drive and format it.
- Sometimes you can remove write and format protection by updating the drive firmware. This can be done in different ways. We recommend using CheckUDisk, UsbIDCheck, USBDeview or ChipGenius. Through them you will find out the VID and PID codes, which are necessary to determine the chip model of your flash drive. After which you can easily find and download the latest firmware for the media from the network. If you suddenly encounter difficulties at this stage, then use the FlashBoot.ru website.
- If it is impossible to copy information or save any files to the card, then try removing the protection in this way. Go to "My Computer". Find the flash drive you need there. Click on it with the secondary mouse button. Select the "Properties" line. Then go to the "Access" tab. Next, click on “Advanced settings”. Check the box next to "Share".
- It also happens that the problem associated with the inability to write or format removable media is caused by incorrect installation or incorrect configuration of programs for creating virtual drives. For example, Alcohol 120%, DAEMON Tools, Virtual CD, etc. Therefore, you should try to remove this software. Perhaps it somehow blocks work with the memory card.
If you have tried all the methods described above, but the flash drive still does not format, then most likely it has failed. This happens quite often. Taking the drive to a service center is not the most rational solution. Repairing a flash drive usually costs more than buying it. Therefore, it is best to purchase new removable media.