Open File Explorer (shortcut: Windows Key + E ).

| Setting | Description | Recommendation | |---------|-------------|----------------| | | Automatically detected size | Leave as default | | File system | Determines how data is organized | See Section 4 | | Allocation unit size | Advanced storage setting | Default (usually 4096 bytes) | | Volume label | Name displayed for the drive | Enter a descriptive name (e.g., “BACKUP_2024”) |

After formatting, type assign to give the drive a letter.

Under Format options , check Quick Format unless the drive has known errors (then use full format by unchecking).

Under “Devices and drives,” locate your USB drive. Double-check the drive letter and storage capacity to confirm it is the correct device.

Type clean and press Enter. This removes all partitions and data.

Insert the USB drive into an available USB port on your Windows 10 computer.