How to Wipe USB Drive on Windows 11: A Step-by-Step Guide

By / September 11, 2025

USB drives are super handy for transferring files, but sometimes you need to completely wipe them clean. Maybe you’re repurposing the drive, fixing storage errors, or making sure no sensitive data lingers around. Whatever the reason, wiping a USB drive on Windows 11 is quick and easy—and you can do it in several different ways.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through step-by-step methods to wipe a USB drive using built-in Windows tools (and a few advanced options if needed).

Why Wipe a USB Drive Instead of Just Deleting Files?

Deleting files doesn’t always remove everything. Here’s why a full wipe is better:

  • Removes hidden/system files that regular delete might miss.

  • Prevents recovery of old files (important if the USB had sensitive data).

  • Fixes file system errors and corruption.

  • Prepares the drive for reuse, resale, or bootable setups.

Method 1: Wipe USB Drive Using File Explorer

This is the simplest way—perfect for most users.

Steps

  1. Plug your USB drive into your Windows 11 PC.

  2. Open File Explorer (Windows + E).

  3. Right-click the USB drive under “This PC.”

  4. Select Format.

  5. In the pop-up window:

    • Choose File System (NTFS, FAT32, or exFAT).

    • Check the Quick Format box for a fast wipe (uncheck for a full, slower wipe).

  6. Click Start and confirm.

✅ Your USB drive is now clean and ready for use.

Method 2: Wipe USB Drive via Settings

You can also format the USB through Windows 11 Settings.

Steps

  1. Press Windows + I to open Settings.

  2. Go to System > Storage.

  3. Scroll down and click Advanced storage settings > Disks & volumes.

  4. Select your USB drive and click Format.

  5. Choose name, file system, and format type.

  6. Hit Format to wipe the drive.

Method 3: Wipe USB Drive Using Command Prompt (Diskpart)

For a more powerful clean, use Diskpart. This removes partitions and wipes the drive fully.

⚠️ Be careful—choosing the wrong disk will erase it permanently!

Steps

  1. Press Windows + S, type cmd, and select Run as administrator.

  2. Type:

    diskpart

    and press Enter.

  3. Then type:

    list disk

    (Find your USB drive number.)

  4. Select it with:

    select disk X

    (Replace X with your USB drive number.)

  5. Wipe it with:

    clean

  6. Create a new partition:

    create partition primary

  7. Format it:

    format fs=ntfs quick

  8. Assign a drive letter:

    assign

✅ Your USB is fully wiped and ready to go.

Method 4: Wipe USB Drive with PowerShell

PowerShell provides another advanced option.

Steps

  1. Open PowerShell as administrator.

  2. Type:

    Get-Disk

    (Find your USB drive number.)

  3. Wipe it clean with:

    Clear-Disk -Number X -RemoveData

    (Replace X with your USB drive number.)

  4. Initialize and format it:

    Initialize-Disk -Number X -PartitionStyle MBR
    New-Partition -DiskNumber X -UseMaximumSize -AssignDriveLetter | Format-Volume -FileSystem NTFS -NewFileSystemLabel "USB"

This ensures the drive is completely reset.

Method 5: Wipe USB Drive with Third-Party Tools

If you need military-grade data wiping (where recovery is nearly impossible), consider tools like:

  • Rufus

  • CCleaner (Drive Wiper)

  • DBAN (Darik’s Boot and Nuke)

  • AOMEI Partition Assistant

These overwrite the data multiple times for maximum security.

Quick Format vs. Full Format: What’s the Difference?

  • Quick Format: Deletes file references but data may still be recoverable with recovery tools. Faster, good for general use.

  • Full Format: Writes zeros across the drive, making recovery very difficult. Slower, but safer for sensitive data.

👉 If you’re giving the USB away, always use Full Format.

Common Problems and Fixes

Problem 1: USB Drive Not Detected

  • Try plugging into another port.

  • Update USB drivers in Device Manager.

Problem 2: Format Option Greyed Out

  • Use Disk Management or Diskpart for a force format.

Problem 3: USB Write-Protected

  • Remove write protection with:

    diskpart
    list disk
    select disk X
    attributes disk clear readonly

Safety Tips When Wiping a USB Drive

  • Double-check you’re formatting the right drive.

  • Always back up important files before wiping.

  • Use Full Format or secure erase tools if security is a concern.

Final Thoughts

Wiping a USB drive on Windows 11 can be as simple or as thorough as you need. If you just want a quick reset, use File Explorer or Settings. For a deeper wipe, go with Diskpart, PowerShell, or third-party tools.

Whichever method you choose, make sure to back up important files first—because once it’s wiped, there’s no going back.

FAQs

1. Does wiping a USB drive delete everything permanently?
Yes, but with a Quick Format, some data may still be recoverable. A Full Format or overwrite makes recovery nearly impossible.

2. Can I wipe a bootable USB drive?
Yes. Just format it like a normal drive, and it will remove all bootable data.

3. Why is my USB drive write-protected?
It could be a physical switch on the USB, corrupted file system, or software protection. Removing write protection usually fixes it.

4. What file system should I choose when formatting?

  • NTFS for Windows-only use.

  • exFAT for cross-platform (Windows + Mac).

  • FAT32 for older systems but limited to 4GB files.

5. Can I recover files after wiping a USB drive?
If you used Quick Format, possibly—with recovery software. After Full Format or secure erase, recovery is very unlikely.

Related Posts:

Best Laptop Cases 99% OFF

Buy Now
X
Scroll to Top