If you are trying to format a removable disk like an SD card or a USB drive then you might encounter problems such as windows is unable to complete the format.
Even if you are dealing with this error, you can still fix it in simple ways and in this blog we are going to tell you what this error actually means and how you can fix this problem on your device.
Causes of windows not able to complete the format error –
Before finding out the solutions to fix this problem you are first required to understand why this problem occurs. So, there can be multiple reasons or causes for this error about which we are going to learn here.
- If the drive is protected and if you have applied write protection to the drive, you might not be able to format it.
- If the drive you are trying to format the drive is physically damaged then also you will not be able format it, you can consider buying a new one.
- If the drive you are using is infected with malware then also you will not be able to format it.
- Another reason why windows was unable to complete the format is because the drive does not have enough contents on it and windows is unable to format a device which is empty.
Solutions of windows not able to complete the format error –
Scanning the malware on your computer
You have to first plug the affected USB to your computer and then open settings app.
In settings, go to update & security tab and then move to windows security option after which press on open windows security button.
Tap on virus and threat protection and press the scan options from where you have to select for custom scan following which click on scan now tab.
Select the correct drive after which you just have to follow the instructions which has been provided to you on the screen.
Using the command prompt to repair the error
Press windows key and R key together on the keyboard which will open run utility and then you have to type cmd following which press ctrl+shift+enter keys from the keyboard.
When the prompt appears on the screen in front of you, you have to click on yes button after which you have to type in the command according to the instructions which is format C:/fs:ntfs.
If the command is successful you will be able to format to your drive according to your needs.
Disabling write-protection to fix the error
To fix windows was unable to complete the format SD card you can try to disable the write protection for which you have to first copy a file from your desktop to the drive.
Now, you have to locate the write protection switch and then you have to slide upwards to unlock the protection and fix the problem which you are facing while you are trying to format the drive on the computer which you are using.
