Wondering how to format a SanDisk USB drive or SD card? If so, you are in the right place because here we are going to discuss the 6 best SanDisk format tools in 2024. Formatting not only helps repair file system errors but also keeps your storage device in optimal condition. Although there are various formatting tools available on the market, not all of them are reliable or suitable for SanDisk. Fret not! With the help of the recommended Sandisk format tools on this guide, you can easily format a write-protected Sandisk SD card or format a Sandisk flash drive back to its original size. Let’s dive in!
Part 1: TOP 6 SanDisk Format Tool in 2024
Top 1: 4DDiG Partition Manager
When it comes to the best SanDisk format tool in 2024, 4DDiG Partition Manager is the clear winner. With just a few clicks, this ultimate tool can help you quickly format any SanDisk storage device. Thanks to its intuitive interface, you will find 4DDiG Partition Manager much easier to navigate than alternatives. Furthermore, 4DDiG Partition Manager isn’t just about formatting. You can also use this program to perform various disk-related tasks, such as creating, merging, expanding and deleting partitions.
Pros | Cons |
Offers a variety of formatting options, including FAT32, NTFS, exFAT, and more.Supports formatting USB flash drives, memory cards, or other SanDisk products.Enables users to recover lost or deleted partitions on their storage devices.Supports creating a WinPE bootable USB drive.Fully compatible with Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7. | Advanced features require payment.Doesn’t have a Mac version. |
Top 2: File Explorer
If you’re in search of a free SanDisk USB format tool, Windows File Explorer is always ready for you to try. Although File Explorer is primarily used for file management, it does allow users to format Sandisk storage devices quickly and easily without overwhelming them with unnecessary features. Moreover, it provides a useful feature that can help you fix issues like bad sectors on your drives.
Pros | Cons |
Sufficient for basic formatting needs.It’s pretty easy to use.Allows you to delete and remove files from the drive.Enables you to repair disk errors with ease. | Can’t format your drive to Ext4/3/2.Slow formatting speed.Can’t deal with RAW drive. |
Top 3: Diskpart
In fact, IT professionals and experienced users prefer to format SanDisk drives using Diskpart. Compared to File Explorer, it offers more advanced features such as partitioning, disk conversion, and disk cleanup. You might find this SanDisk format tool daunting because of its command-line interface. Many beginners often inadvertently delete or modify partitions when using it, leading to data loss.
Pros | Cons |
Pre-installed in Windows.Enables you to delete or create partitions. | Requires a learning curve.Do not support file systems including Ext4/3/2. |
Top 4: Disk Management
Still stuck on how to format a SanDisk flash drive? Give Windows Disk Management a try! As a native Windows utility, there is no need for additional downloads or installations. Disk Management provides a clean and simple interface, making it easy for users to format SanDisk drives. Additionally, you don’t have to worry about compatibility issues as it supports a broad range of file systems. You can access this tool through the Control Panel or by right-clicking on “This PC” and selecting “Manage.”
Pros | Cons |
User-friendly UI design.Supports formatting SanDisk drives to NTFS, FAT32, and exFAT.Free of charge.Allows for the conversion between basic disks and dynamic disks. | Only available for Windows.Limited advanced features.No support for Ext4.Slow performance with large drives. |
Top 5: Rufus
Rufus is another recommended SanDisk USB format tool on our list. Being a portable application, it doesn’t require installation and can be run directly from a USB drive. The best part about this tool is its simplicity and efficiency. Whether formatting a terabyte-sized SSD or a high-capacity flash drive, Rufus often completes the task faster than many alternative tools. More importantly, this SanDisk format utility is completely free to use and open-source.
Pros | Cons |
Free SanDisk USB format tool.Designed for bootable drive creation.Fast formatting speed.Easy to use.Allows formatting your SanDisk USB drive into multiple file formats including NTFS, UDF, and exFAT.Offers an auto-update feature. | Not for macOS and Linux users.Limtied support resources.Only for SanDisk USB drives. |
Part 2: How to format a SanDisk flash drive or SD card?
So, there you have it – that’s everything related to the top 6 SanDisk format tools in 2024. Most of these are free or offer a free trial. Now, let’s take a look at how to format a SanDisk USB drive or SD card using one of them.
Step 1: Let’s say you have a SanDisk SD card. First of all, insert your SanDisk SD card into the computer properly. Then, install and launch 4DDiG Partition Manager. In the main interface, navigate to “Partition Management,” right-click on your SD card, and select “Format.”
Step 2: You’ll be prompted to pick the preferred file system for your SD card, such as FAT32, exFAT, or NTFS. Additionally, provide a volume label for your SD card.
Step 3: If everything is okay, click the “OK” button to begin the formatting process. Once the format is complete, you should be good to go.
Part 3: How to choose a SanDisk format tool?
When selecting a reliable SanDisk disk format tool, it’s essential to delve into its pros and cons to determine if it’s the right choice to meet your formatting needs. Here are some factors to consider when making your decision:
- Compatibility: Make sure that the tool you choose is compatible with your OS and the SanDisk drive you are using. Most SanDisk format tools are cross-platform, but it’s always good to double-check.
- Features: Choose a tool that offers more advanced features, such as partition management, disk cloning, partition recovery, etc. Formatting is just one of the most basic functionality.
- Speed: It is important if you need to format large drives or multiple drives.
- User Interface: Look for a tool with an intuitive interface that makes it easy to navigate and perform formatting tasks.
- Cost: While many SanDisk format tools are available for free, some may offer premium features at a cost.
Bottom Line
In this post, we’ve shared 6 reliable Sandisk format tools that you can consider using; they are 4DDiG Partition Manager, Windows Disk Management, Windows File Explorer, Diskpart, SD Memory Card Formatter. For most Windows beginners, 4DDiG Partition Manager is the top choice. This tool doesn’t not only help you format your SanDisk storage devices but also provides a comprehensive disk management solution. Just give it a shot!
Also Read: How Wireless Chargers Can Make Your Life Easier: A Guide to the Top 20 Wireless Chargers of 2024