How to Turn a USB Bootable Drive Back into a Regular Drive?

 

A USB bootable drive is a handy tool for installing operating systems or troubleshooting computer issues. However, once you no longer need it for booting, you might want to convert it back into a regular USB drive for everyday file storage. Here’s how you can do it easily using different methods.

 

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Method 1: Using Windows Built-in Tools

 

This is the simplest method and works for most users. Follow these steps:

 

      1. Connect the USB Drive: Plug your USB drive into your computer’s USB port.

   

      2. Open Disk Management:

             ○ Right-click on This PC or My Computer and select Manage.

             ○ In the Computer Management window, click on Disk Management.

 

      3. Locate Your USB Drive:

             ○ Find your USB drive in the list (it may appear as "Removable" or "Unallocated").

 

      4. Delete the Volume:

             ○ Right-click on the USB drive and select Delete Volume. This will erase all data on the drive.

 

      5. Create a New Volume:

             ○ Right-click on the unallocated space and choose New Simple Volume.

             ○ Follow the wizard to format the drive. You can choose NTFS or FAT32 as the file system, depending on your needs.

 

      6. Complete the Process:

             ○ Once the formatting is complete, your USB drive will be restored to a regular storage device.

 

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Method 2: Using Third-Party Tools

 

If you prefer a more user-friendly interface or additional features, third-party tools like Rufus or DiskGenius are great options. Here’s how to use them:

 

      1. Download and Install:

             ○ Download a trusted tool like Rufus or DiskGenius and install it on your computer.

 

      2. Connect the USB Drive:

             ○ Plug in your USB drive and open the software.

 

      3. Select the USB Drive:

             ○ In the software interface, select your USB drive from the list of available devices.

 

      4. Format the Drive:

             ○ Look for the format options and choose a file system (e.g., FAT32 or NTFS).

             ○ Confirm the formatting process.

 

      5. Wait for Completion:

             ○ The tool will automatically format the drive. Once done, your USB drive will be ready for regular use.

 

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Method 3: Using Command Prompt

 

For advanced users comfortable with command-line tools, the Command Prompt is a powerful option. Here’s how to use it:

 

      1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:

             ○ Search for cmd in the Start menu, right-click on Command Prompt, and select Run as Administrator.

 

      2. Launch DiskPart:

             ○ Type diskpart and press Enter.

 

      3. List Connected Disks:

             ○ Type list disk and press Enter to view all connected drives.

 

      4. Select Your USB Drive:

             ○ Identify your USB drive (e.g., Disk 1) and type select disk X (replace X with your USB drive’s number). Press Enter.

 

      5. Clean the Drive:

             ○ Type clean and press Enter to wipe all partitions and data.

 

      6. Create a New Partition:

             ○ Type create partition primary and press Enter.

 

      7. Format the Drive:

             ○ Type format fs=fat32 quick (or ntfs if preferred) and press Enter.

 

      8. Assign a Drive Letter:

             ○ Type assign and press Enter to give the drive a letter.

 

      9. Exit DiskPart:

             ○ Type exit and press Enter to close the tool.

 

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Important Notes

 

     ● Backup Your Data: Before starting any of these methods, ensure you’ve backed up any important files on the USB drive, as the process will erase all data.

     ● Stable Connection: Keep your computer and USB drive stable during the process to avoid interruptions or errors.

     ● Choose the Right File System: Select FAT32 for compatibility with most devices or NTFS for larger file support and better performance on Windows.

 

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By following these steps, you can easily convert your USB bootable drive back into a regular storage device. Whether you prefer built-in tools, third-party software, or command-line methods, the process is straightforward and quick.

 

Small Storage, Beautiful Life!

 

We are a professional manufacturer of USB drives, with over ten years of experience in the field. Our goal is to provide exceptional products and services to our customers.

 

If you have any questions or need further information, feel free to reach out at any time!

 

✉ sakura@szmftech.com  

✆ Phone/WhatsApp/WeChat: +86 13826507576

✉ Contact Us: Online form available

 

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