How to initialize (format) an SD card on a Windows 10 or 11 PC

This time, we will explain how to initialize (format) an SD card.

When using SD cards, you may have seen or heard the word "format".

In this article, we will mainly explain how to initialize (format) an SD card on a computer, so if you have been using it on a smartphone but want to use it with a digital camera, or if you are using an SD card with a drive recorder. If you are having trouble with the message "You need to format" displayed, please refer to this.

Also, what does it mean to format an SD card? It also touches on whether it is necessary to format the SD card.

It might be a good idea to take this opportunity to learn about formatting SD cards.

What is SD card formatting (initialization)?

Some people may not really understand what it means to format an SD card.

Simply put, formatting an SD card initializes it. Initializing means returning to the factory state.

Therefore, all data on the SD card will also be erased.

Formatting will delete data, so if there is any necessary data left on the SD card, save that data to another storage medium before formatting.

Formatting will delete data and may also resolve problems. This is because the SD card, which has become cluttered due to repeated reading and writing of data, will be organized.

Also, formatting not only erases data, but also changes the format.
For format, please refer to the following items.
→How to change the format of SD card format

How to initialize (format) an SD card on a Windows 10 or 11 PC

If you want to initialize (format) an SD card on a Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC, there are the following methods.

• Format SD card on Explorer
• Format SD card using EaseUS Partition Master

Format SD card on Explorer

SD cards can be initialized (formatted) on a computer.
The first method is to run it in Explorer.

[How to format SD card on Explorer]

1. Connect the SD card you want to format to your computer.
2. Select Explorer (folder mark).
3. Select "PC".
4. Right-click the applicable SD card.
5. Select Format.

Initialize (format) SD card using EaseUS Partition Master

"EaseUS Partition MasterYou can also format the SD card using an application called ``.

"EaseUS Partition Master" is a partition management software that can be used for various purposes even though it is free of charge.

For more information about "EaseUS Partition Master", please refer to the article below.

→How to use EaseUS Partition Master and solutions when it cannot be used

[How to format SD card using EaseUS Partition Master]

1. EaseUS® Partition Master Free – Free partition management software for WindowsGet EaseUS Partition Master from
   FirstEaseUS® Partition Master Free – Free partition management software for Windowsaccess.
   
   

▼When you access it, you will see a screen like the one below, so click “free download"Choose.

1. ▼①Email addressEnter ② "Partition Master Free"Choose.
   
2. ▼EaseUS Partition Master FreeIf you want to useFree version"Of the lower"download"please choose.
   
3. ▼exe filewill be downloaded, please run the downloaded file.
   
4. ▼When the installer starts up, clickInstall now"please choose.
   
5. ▼Wait until the installation is complete.
   
6. ▼Installation is complete.
   "Start now” When you selectEaseUS Partition Master Freewill start.
   
   
   ▼ or “EaseUS Partition MasterIt can be started from the icon etc.
   
7. ▼When the "EaseUS Partition Master Suite" screen appears, select "Start now" under "Partition Manager".
   
   
   
8. ▼When EaseUS Partition Master appears, right-click the SD card and select "Format".
   
9. ▼The “Format Partition” window will appear, so select the format and select “OK”.
   
   
   
10. ▼Select “Perform XX operations” to execute the operations.
    

How to initialize (format) a drive recorder's SD card on a computer

People who use drive recorders also need to initialize their SD cards from time to time.

This section explains the following contents.

• Why is it necessary to initialize the SD card of the drive recorder?
• How to initialize the SD card of the drive recorder

Why is it necessary to initialize (format) the SD card of the drive recorder?

If you are using an SD card with your drive recorder, you will need to initialize (format) it regularly.

This is because drive recorders require more reading and writing than normal PCs.
Drive recorders continue to record video while overwriting old video with data.
If you can continue to record video while overwriting, there is no need to initialize the data since you don't have to erase it, right? You might think that.

However, if you repeatedly read and write data in this way, the contents of the SD card will gradually become cluttered and you will no longer be able to read and write efficiently.
If you use the SD card without formatting it, errors may occur.

In order to eliminate the cause of the error, the SD card of the drive recorder needs to be formatted regularly.

How to initialize (format) the SD card of the drive recorder

If you want to format the SD card of your drive recorder, you can format it on your computer or from the drive recorder's menu.
When formatting from a drive recorder, you can select items such as initialize or format from the menu.

If you want to work on a computer for reasons such as backing up and then formatting, please see the items below.
→How to initialize (format) an SD card on a Windows 10 or 11 PC

How to change the format of SD card initialization (format)

SD cards have different formats.
Depending on the format, there may be a capacity limit and some devices may or may not support it.

Please refer to the following and choose the format according to your purpose.

[Format types]

• FAT, FAT16...old format, available on Windows and Mac. The upper limit for file size and capacity is 2GB.
• FAT32 is a higher format than FAT16 and can be used on Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android. The maximum capacity is 2TB (the maximum file size is 4GB).
• NTFS: A format that can be read and written by Windows. For Mac, only reading is supported. The maximum capacity is 256TB.
• HFS+…A format that can be read and written on Mac. The upper limit of file size and capacity is 8EB.
• APFS…abbreviation for “Apple File System” and is newer than HFS+. This format is optimized for SSD. This is also a Mac-specific file system.
• exFAT...Can be used on Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android devices that support SDXC cards. The upper limit of capacity is 16EB. At present, exFAT is the mainstream format.

To change the format of the SD card, select the format from "File System" in the format menu.

When choosing a format, it is best to choose a format that can be used not only by the device you will be using, but also by the computer or other device that will be backing up the data.

Depending on the intended use, we recommend choosing one with high compatibility.

Can I use the SD card without initializing (formatting) it?

I have previously explained about formatting an SD card, but is it really possible to use an SD card without formatting it?

When the SD card becomes full of data, or when a lot of data is being read and written due to use with a drive recorder, etc., maintenance by formatting is necessary.

For a new SD card, formatting is usually not necessary.
In many cases, you can purchase it and use it as is.
However, even if it is new, formatting may be necessary depending on the device you use.
Formatting is also required if the formats do not match.

As explained in the previous section, there are several formats of SD cards.
You cannot use an SD card with a format that does not match the specifications of the device, so you will need to change the format by formatting in such cases as well.

→How to change the format of SD card initialization (format)

How to initialize (format) an SD card without a PC

There may be times when you want to initialize (format) an SD card but don't have a computer handy.
In this case, there is a way to initialize the SD card with a device that supports the SD card, such as a digital camera or smartphone.
It is best to select an item such as initialize card from the menu.

Although formatting is not always possible, it is one method that can be used if you do not have a computer.

Of course, formatting will delete all data on the SD card, so if you have any necessary data, back it up before formatting.

However, if you don't have a computer, it may be difficult to back up your SD card.

For example, if you have a smartphone, you can back up your data there. It may be a good idea to temporarily save data from your smartphone using a cloud service.

Summary of how to initialize (format) an SD card on a PC

This time, we explained how to initialize (format) an SD card.

Format allows you to not only delete data but also change the format. There are several formats, so it's a good idea to change the format according to the device you want to use.

In addition, there are several ways to initialize an SD card, such as using Windows Explorer or using an application such as "EaseUS Partition Master", so choose the method that suits your environment and purpose. Try running it.

If you don't have a computer, you may be able to format it using devices such as a smartphone or digital camera. I think the operation method differs depending on the device, but it's a good idea to search the menu.

All data will be deleted when you format the SD card, so if you have any important data left, we recommend that you back it up properly.