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Windows 10 - Format SD / Memory Card

2026-10-22 22:11:40.727

Windows 10 - Format SD / Memory Card

Here's how to erase all data on the SD / memory card of your Windows 10 device.
  • Formatting permanently erases all data on the SD / memory card.
  • Ensure the tablet is connected to a power source prior to performing this process. Failure to do so could result in power loss and possible damage to the SD / memory card.
To perform the steps below, ensure the SD / memory card is inserted.
  1. Open
    File Explorer
    .
    From the Home screen, navigate:
    All apps All apps icon
    Windows System
    File Explorer
    .
  2. From File Explorer, tap and hold the appropriate removable storage drive (e.g. Secure Digital storage drive (D:)) for approximately 1 second then release.
  3. Click
    Format
    .
  4. From the 'Format' screen, ensure the following options are configured as desired:
    • Capacity
    • File system
    • Allocation unit size
    • Volume label
    • Quick Format
      Enabled when a checkmark is present.
      Quick format removes files from the SD / memory card but it doesn't scan for bad sectors. The option should only be enabled when the SD / memory card has been formatted previously and you're certain the card is not damaged.
      Depending on card capacity, Quick format may take between 15 seconds and 2 minutes to complete. If Quick format isn't selected, the process takes longer (e.g., 20 minutes for an 8 GB card).
  5. Click
    Start
     (located at the bottom).
  6. From the 'WARNING: Formatting will erase ALL data on this disk?' prompt, click
    OK
     to confirm.
  7. If presented with the 'Format Complete' prompt, click
    OK
    .