Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

Show

Formatting a USB flash drive is something most computer users don’t think about, since most drives are formatted out of the box, and ready for most use cases. However, there may come a time when you need to completely erase all the data on your drive, or you need to make the drive compatible with a different type of computer than it has already been formatted for. If you’ve ever experienced a flash drive working on a PC but not on a Mac or vice-versa, it’s the drive’s formatting that’s usually the culprit. This article will explain how to format your drive in Windows and Mac OS 10+.

What Is Formatting?

Formatting is the process of prepping a storage device, like a hard drive, solid-state drive, flash drive etc, to store information. It creates a filing system that organizes your data and allows you to maximize the space for your files. It’s typical to format a drive when a new operating system is going to be used or additional space is required.

There are two types of formatting on a USB drive:

  • Quick format: Deletes the file system table and the root folder. This option is frequently used for USB flash drives to efficiently free up the available space to transfer or store other files. It’s not the most secure way to delete your files because the data may still be recoverable with data recovery tools.
  • Full format: Will scan for bad sectors and write zeros in all sectors, which deletes all data permanently. This action can take a long time, depending on the capacity of the drive.

File System Options

When formatting your drive, it’s important to understand the different formatting options available for your ideal use. The file systems most commonly used in USB flash drives are:

  • FAT32 is a common option you’ll hear because it’s recognised by both Mac and Windows operating systems, but it offers no security and caps files at 4GB in size. Most USB flash drives will have a FAT32 file system out of the box. It is the most compatible file system for older/modern computers (PC and Mac), plus gaming consoles and other devices with a USB port
  • exFAT is the ideal file system for USB flash drives. It doesn’t have the 4GB file size limit and it’s compatible with most Windows and Mac operating systems. Older operating systems might require an update to properly read and write to a USB drive with an exFAT file system.
  • NTFS format is the file system Windows likes to use by default for internal drives running the operating system or used as a secondary storage drive. It has a much larger max file size but is read-only on Mac OS X (unless you install a third party NTFS read/write utility).
  • Mac OS Extended is the native solution for Mac users and has the max file size of any of them. Only use this option if the drive will only be used in Mac OS. Windows will not detect this file system without a third-party utility.

There are tools available to use NTFS on a Mac (Fuse) or HFS on PC (HFSExplorer). Another option, for those who use both Windows and Mac OS regularly, is to partition your hard drive and have a portion of the drive formatted for each OS.

Formatting Drives in Windows

Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?
  1. Insert a USB drive into a USB port.
  2. Open File Explorer.
  3. Click on This PC from the left pane.
  4. Under the "Devices and drives" section, right-click the flash drive and select the Format option.
  5. Use the "File system" drop-down menu and select the preferred option.
  6. In the "Allocation unit size" drop-down menu, use the default selection.
  7. In the "Volume label" field, confirm a drive name that will appear in File Explorer. For example, KingstonUSB.
  8. Under the "Format options" section, select the Quick format option or don’t depending on the use case.
  9. Click the Start button.
  10. Click the Yes button.
  11. Once formatting is complete, the USB flash drive will be all set to store documents, pictures, videos, and other files on the removable drive.

Formatting Drives on Mac OS 10+

  1. Insert a USB drive into your USB port.
  2. Launch “Disk Utility” (from Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility).
  3. Select the USB drive from the list on the left.
  4. Select “Erase” at the top.
  5. Type in a “Name” for the drive, then select a “Format” (file system).
  6. Select “Erase.”
  7. Once complete, select “Done.”
  8. Once formatting is complete, the USB flash drive will be all set to store documents, pictures, videos, and other files on the removable drive.

Conclusion

Formatting a USB flash drive can be a great option if you want to erase your data from the flash drive with speed and efficiency or if you want to use your flash drive on a different operating system. By taking the time to format your USB drive, this will ultimately optimize its performance.

#KingstonIsWithYou

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

    • Moving cap design
    • Color by capacity
    • USB 3.2 Gen 1 compliant
    • 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

    • Colorful loop for key rings
    • USB 3.2 Gen 1
    • 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

    • Stylish metal casing, capless design
    • USB 3.2 Gen 1 performance
    • 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB
    • Up to 200MB/s Read, 60MB/s Write

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

    • High performance Type-C and Type-A USB
    • USB 3.2 Gen 2
    • 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
    • Up to 1,000MB/s read, 900MB/s write

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

    • USB-C interface for PCs and mobile devices
    • USB 3.2 Gen 1 performance
    • 32GB, 64GB, 128GB

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

    • Compact and durable Type-C USB
    • USB 3.2 Gen 1 performance
    • 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB
    • Up to 200MB/s Read, 60MB/s Write

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

    • Ultra-small capless design with metal casing
    • USB 3.2 Gen 1
    • 64GB, 128GB, 256GB
    • Up to 200MB/s read

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

    • USB Type-C and Type-A Dual Interface
    • USB 3.2 Gen 1
    • 64GB, 128GB, 256GB
    • Up to 200MB/s read

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

    • Consumer-grade security
    • XTS-AES hardware-encryption
    • Automatic personal cloud backup
    • USB 3.2 Gen 1
    • 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB
    • Up to 145MB/s read, 115MB/s write

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

    • Business-grade security
    • XTS-AES 256-bit encryption
    • USB 3.2 Gen 1
    • 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB, 256GB
    • Up to 250MB/s read, 180MB/s write

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

    • Military-Grade Security
    • FIPS 140-3 Level 3 (Pending) Certified
    • Device/OS Independent
    • Multi-Pin Option
    • 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB
    • Up to 145MB/s read, 115MB/s write

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

    • Advanced level of security
    • Available in a Managed model
    • 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB
    • USB 3.1 Gen 1 Speeds

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

    • On-device cryptochip
    • USB 3.1 Gen 1 (USB 3.0)
    • 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB
    • Up to 230MB/s read, 240MB/s write
    • Complex password or passphrase security

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

    • XTS-AES 256-bit encryption
    • USB 3.1 Gen 1 (USB 3.0)
    • 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB
    • Up to 250MB/s read, 85MB/s write

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

    • Alphanumeric keypad hardware-based encryption
    • USB 3.1 Gen 1 (USB 3.0)
    • 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB
    • Up to 135MB/s read, 40MB/s write

No products were found matching your selection

Blog Home

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

    • Personal Storage
    • Mobile Lifestyle
    • microSD

    Drone Photography Tips

    Here are some drone basics and tips to assist with your sky-high photography.

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

    • Personal Storage
    • Mobile Lifestyle
    • Data Security
    • SSD
    • Encrypted USB

    Encrypted Storage for Creatives

    Encryption is an incredibly helpful option for creatives to protect their clients’ important files.

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

    • Personal Storage
    • Mobile Lifestyle
    • DIY PC
    • SSD

    6 Simple Backup Tips for Your Computer

    Follow these tips to find out how to back up your data and be ready for unpredicted events.

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

    • Personal Storage
    • Mobile Lifestyle
    • DIY PC
    • SSD

    How to Format Your SSD

    How to choose the right file system and format your SSD without exhausting the write cycles.

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

    • PC Performance
    • Personal Storage
    • DIY PC
    • SSD

    Maintaining Your SSD’s Health Using SMART Monitoring

    A look into SMART monitoring, Kingston SSD manager, and other ways to maintain an SSD’s health.

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

    • Personal Storage
    • Mobile Lifestyle
    • Gaming
    • microSD

    Additional Storage for Your Valve Steam Deck

    Valve’s Steam Deck uses microSD cards for expanded storage. Which one is right for you?

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

    • Mobile Lifestyle
    • Personal Storage
    • USB-C
    • USB Flash Drives

    What is USB 3.2 Gen 2x2?

    It’s a multi-lane operation for new hosts and devices using the USB-C connector.

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

    • Personal Storage
    • SSD
    • M.2
    • mSATA
    • SATA

    Types of SSD Form Factors

    When selecting an SSD you must know which form factor you need. M.2, mSATA or SATA?

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

    • Personal Storage
    • Mobile Lifestyle
    • microSD
    • USB Flash Drives
    • Android
    • Memory Cards

    Choosing Storage for Your Android Device

    First, look for Class A1 or Class A2 markings. As for capacity, microSD cards can hold up to 512GB of storage.

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

    • Personal Storage
    • Memory Cards
    • microSD
    • SD Cards
    • Reader

    How to Choose the Right Memory Card for Your Dash Cam

    Storage is a crucial part of using a dash cam and high-endurance cards are designed especially for heavy use.

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

    • Personal Storage
    • SSD
    • Memory Cards
    • Reader

    The Best Storage Options for Creatives and When to Use Them

    Here, we look at the best storage options for creatives - memory cards, SSDs, HDDs, and the cloud.

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

    • Personal Storage

    Don’t Let Old Tech Go to Waste: Recycle Your Old Devices

    Electronics donation and recycling is a great way to help conserve resources and natural materials.

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

    • Mobile Lifestyle
    • Personal Storage
    • DIY PC

    How to Set Up Parental Controls on your PC or Mac

    Setting parental controls on your computer doesn’t have to be complicated. Here's how.

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

    • Personal Storage
    • PC Performance
    • SSD
    • M.2
    • NVMe

    2 Types of M.2 SSDs: SATA and NVMe

    There are two types of M.2 SSDs available which are SATA and NVMe. Learn more about each type.

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

    • PC Performance
    • Personal Storage
    • SSD
    • SATA
    • DIY PC
    • Client SSD

    How to Install an Internal 2.5” SSD

    Installing an internal SSD is easy and can improve the overall speed of your desktop PC or laptop.

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

    • Personal Storage
    • PC Performance
    • SSD
    • M.2
    • NVMe
    • Client SSD

    How to Install an M.2 SSD

    This is a step-by-step guide on installing an M.2 SSD into a laptop or desktop PC.

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

    • PC Performance
    • Personal Storage
    • SSD
    • SATA
    • M.2

    The 5 Benefits of SSDs over Hard Drives

    SSDs are more durable, reliable, faster, smaller, lighter, silent and more power efficient than traditional hard drives.

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

    • NVMe
    • SATA
    • Client SSD
    • PC Performance
    • Personal Storage

    The Difference Between SSD and HDD

    Why should you choose an SSD over an HDD? The main factor is better performance from SSDs.

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

    • 4K/8K
    • microSD
    • SD Cards
    • Memory Cards
    • Personal Storage

    How to Choose a Memory Card for Shooting 4K Video

    Flash memory cards for capturing 4K video need the right capacity, write speed, data transfer speed, and video speed.

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

    • PC Performance
    • Personal Storage
    • Memory
    • 4K/8K
    • Client SSD

    How Much Memory Do You Need for Video Editing?

    More DRAM means faster PC performance when editing from video, from playback responsiveness to render time. But is 8, 16, 32, or 64GB enough? How much do you need for 1080p, 4K, or 8K?

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

    • microSD
    • Personal Storage

    Choosing Storage for Raspberry Pi

    What is the best class, capacity and endurance level microSD card to use with a Raspberry Pi

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

    • microSD
    • Memory Cards
    • Personal Storage
    • Data Security

    Choosing the Right Memory Card for Your Security Camera

    When selecting storage for your security camera, you must consider the memory card’s capacity, speed, and durability.

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

    • Mobile Lifestyle
    • Personal Storage
    • USB Flash Drives

    How to Use a USB Flash Drive on Windows PC

    Learn how to find the drive in Windows Explorer, open files, and copy files to and from a USB flash drive on Windows 10.

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

    • Mobile Lifestyle
    • Personal Storage
    • USB Flash Drives
    • USB-C

    USB-C Explained

    USB-C is a small, slim connector. Its symmetrical and reversible shape is what makes it popular.

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

    • microSD
    • SD Cards
    • Memory Cards
    • Mobile Lifestyle
    • Personal Storage

    A Guide to Speed Classes for SD and microSD Cards

    What does Speed Class C10 mean? What is a UHS Class and V Class? It relates directly to how fast the device needs to write the data.

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

    • Memory Cards
    • Memory Cards
    • microSD
    • SD Cards
    • Mobile Lifestyle
    • Personal Storage

    A Guide to SD and microSD Card Types

    What is SDHC, SDXC, SDUC and microSD, microSDHC, microSDXC, and microSDUC? What should I use for each type of device? We will guide you on selecting the right card for your gear.

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

    • USB Flash Drives
    • Personal Storage

    Using a USB Drive on a Mac

    We will go over how to use a USB drive, thumb drive, flash drive, pendrive, etc, on a Mac computer.

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

    • microSD
    • SD Cards
    • Memory Cards
    • Personal Storage
    • Android

    How to Select the Right Memory Card for Your Use

    There are many factors in choosing a memory card such as speed, capacity and device type. We’ll help you choose the right card.

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

    • Memory Cards
    • Memory Cards
    • microSD
    • Personal Storage
    • Gaming

    Choosing a microSD Card for Your Nintendo Switch

    The Nintendo Switch comes with 32GB of internal storage, expandable with a microSD card that will hold more games. But how do you pick a card?

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

    • Encrypted USB
    • Mobile Lifestyle
    • Personal Storage
    • Data Security

    Using an Encrypted USB Flash Drive with an iPhone or iPad

    You can read and write to an encrypted USB flash drive with an iPad or iPhone with the right adaptor. Here’s how.

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

    • microSD
    • Personal Storage

    Choosing microSD Cards for Your Drone Adventures

    How fast does the write speed and capacity of a microSD card for drones really need to be? How many cards do you need?

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

    • Memory
    • SSD
    • Personal Storage
    • PC Performance
    • Client SSD

    What is the difference between memory and storage?

    Understand the difference between a storage medium and a system's dynamic random-access memory.

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

    • Work from Home
    • Encrypted USB
    • Personal Storage
    • Client SSD
    • Cloud
    • Reader

    7 Easy Tips to Increase Productivity While Working from Home

    Having a dedicated workspace, setting priorities, and eliminating distractions are just a few ways to increase productivity from home.

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

    • Client SSD
    • Personal Storage
    • PC Performance

    NAND Flash Technology and Solid-State Drives (SSDs)

    Learn about types of NAND in SSDs like SLC, MLC, TLC, QLC, 3D NAND. What is Wear Leveling?

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

    • Personal Storage
    • PC Performance
    • SSD
    • Memory

    10 Ways to Speed Up a PC Running Windows 10

    If you’re finding your PC performance slowing down these tips can help improve your speeds and PC efficiency.

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

    • Personal Storage
    • PC Performance
    • SSD

    6 Ways to Speed Up Your Mac

    There are a few ways to speed up a slow iMac or MacBook that doesn’t require any hardware or software upgrades.

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

    • Personal Storage
    • Work from Home
    • Data Security
    • Encrypted USB

    Work From Home Tips and Tricks

    To work from home you need a good workspace for your PC, the right conferencing gear, and a secure connection.

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

    • PC Performance
    • Personal Storage
    • NVMe
    • Client
    • PC Performance
    • Client SSD

    What is NVMe Storage? NVMe Storage Explained

    NVMe or Non-Volatile Memory Express is a super-fast way to access non-volatile memory. It can be around 2-7x faster than SATA SSDs. NVMe is designed to have up to 64,000 queues each capable of 64,000 commands at the same time!

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

    • Personal Storage
    • PC Performance
    • SSD
    • Cloud

    How do you backup your computer? Windows and Mac drive backup

    There’s a few different ways to backup your Windows and Mac drives and they can be either online or local. We’ll show you how.

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

    • Personal Storage
    • Mobile Lifestyle
    • SSD
    • SATA
    • M.2

    How to Use Your Old SSD as an External Storage Drive

    Have you upgraded your system to a new SSD? Don’t scrap the old drive, you can use it as external storage.

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

    • Memory Cards
    • Mobile Lifestyle
    • Personal Storage

    Flash Memory Storage Chart

    A chart which shows how many images, videos and files you can store on SSD drives, USB flash drives and flash cards (SD, microSD, and Compact Flash).

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

  • Which feature allows you to use free space on a removable drive usually USB to speed up a system?

    • USB Flash Drives
    • Mobile Lifestyle
    • Personal Storage

    USB OTG Flash Drives - DataTraveler MicroDuo

    OTG drives function just like a standard Flash drive and are easier and more convenient than using cloud services.

Which Windows Control Panel utility allows you to store digital certificates for websites?

Certificates stored on the Windows 10 computer are located in the local machine certificate store. Windows 10 offers Certificate Manager as a certificate management tool for both computer and user certificates.

Which Windows Vista feature allows you to recover from an accidental deletion or overwrite?

Shadow Copy is a Windows Vista feature that allows you to recover from an accidental deletion or overwrite.
The minimum amount of free hard drive space recommended for the installation of Windows Vista Home Basic is 15GB.

Which of the following utilities is used to update Group Policy settings and replaces some of the functionality that previously existed with Secedit?

The GPUPDATE utility is used to update Group Policy settings and replaces some of the functionality that previously existed with SECEDIT.