How to Format and Repair a Corrupted USB Drive

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A corrupted USB drive can be a nightmare, especially if it contains important files you can’t access. From sudden error messages like “USB not recognized” to strange file behavior, USB corruption is a common issue that frustrates many users. The good news is that in most cases, a corrupted USB can be repaired or reformatted to restore functionality.

In this guide, you’ll learn why USB drives become corrupted, how to repair them without losing data, and how to format them safely if necessary.

Why Do USB Drives Get Corrupted?

Before jumping into fixes, it helps to understand the common causes of USB corruption:

  • Improper removal – Unplugging without safely ejecting can damage file structures.
  • Power failures – Sudden shutdowns during file transfers cause data errors.
  • File system errors – FAT32, exFAT, or NTFS structures may get damaged.
  • Virus or malware infections – Malicious code can corrupt data.
  • Bad sectors or hardware failure – Physical damage to the USB memory chips.
  • Excessive usage – Flash drives wear out after many read/write cycles.

Step 1: Basic Checks Before Repairing

  1. Try another USB port or computer. Sometimes the issue is not the drive but the port.
  2. Check Device Manager (Windows). Press Windows + X > Device Manager > Disk drives to see if your USB is listed.
  3. Check Disk Utility (Mac). Go to Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility to see if the USB appears.

If the USB doesn’t show up at all, it may have hardware failure.

Step 2: Repair a Corrupted USB Without Formatting

If you want to save the data before formatting, try these repair methods:

1. Use Windows CHKDSK Command

  1. Insert the USB and open Command Prompt (Admin).
  2. Type: 
    chkdsk X: /f

    (Replace X with your USB drive letter.)

  3. Press Enter.

This scans and fixes file system errors.

2. Use Windows Error Checking Tool

  1. Right-click on your USB drive > Properties.
  2. Go to Tools > Error Checking.
  3. Select Scan and repair drive.

3. Use Mac Disk Utility First Aid

  1. Open Disk Utility.
  2. Select your USB drive.
  3. Click First Aid > Run to repair errors.

4. Use Third-Party Repair Tools

If built-in tools don’t work, try:

  • EaseUS Partition Master
  • MiniTool Partition Wizard
  • HDD Low Level Format Tool

Step 3: Format the USB Drive (If Repair Fails)

If repairing doesn’t work, formatting is the last resort. Formatting erases all data but restores usability.

Format on Windows

  1. Insert USB and right-click it in This PC.
  2. Select Format.
  3. Choose file system:
    • FAT32 – Compatible with most devices.
    • exFAT – Best for large files (>4GB).
    • NTFS – Best for Windows-only usage.
  4. Click Start.

Format on Mac

  1. Open Disk Utility.
  2. Select USB > Erase.
  3. Choose format:
    • MS-DOS (FAT) – FAT32 equivalent.
    • ExFAT – For large files and cross-platform use.
    • Mac OS Extended (Journaled) – For Mac-only usage.
  4. Click Erase.

Using Command Prompt (Windows Diskpart)

If normal formatting fails:

  1. Open Command Prompt (Admin).
  2. Type: 
    diskpart
list disk
select disk X
clean
create partition primary
format fs=exfat quick
exit

This forces a fresh format on the drive.

Step 4: Recover Data Before Formatting (Optional)

If the USB contains important files, use data recovery software before formatting:

  • Recuva (Windows)
  • Disk Drill (Windows/Mac)
  • PhotoRec/TestDisk (cross-platform)

These tools can scan corrupted drives and recover files before erasing.

Step 5: Prevent Future USB Corruption

  • Always safely eject USB drives before unplugging.
  • Avoid sudden shutdowns during file transfers.
  • Keep backups of important files in cloud storage or external drives.
  • Scan USBs regularly for malware.
  • Replace aging USB drives—flash memory wears out over time.

Final Thoughts: Repair or Format, Then Protect

A corrupted USB drive isn’t always a lost cause. In many cases, built-in tools like CHKDSK (Windows) or First Aid (Mac) can repair the problem. If not, formatting usually restores the drive for use, though data will be lost unless you recover it first.

The key takeaway? Backups and safe usage habits are the best defense. With proper care, your USB drives can remain reliable storage tools for years to come.

Also Read : 

  1. How to Repair Audio Jack or USB-C Audio Problems on Samsung Devices
  2. USB-C vs Lightning: Solving Cable & Charging Headaches on Samsung and iPhone
  3. Fixing Static or Distorted Sound on Your Computer

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