Formatting a USB drive resets it to a fresh state. This wipes old data, sets up a new file system, and checks for bad sectors. Even if you deleted all files, it’s smart to format before reusing the drive. It ensures clean data storage and improves reliability.
USB drives usually come from the factory with settings for broad compatibility. But those settings might not match your specific needs. Windows, for example, uses the NTFS file system for internal drives. NTFS supports partitioning and encryption, making it great for Windows-only use.
If you plan to use your USB drive just with Windows computers, NTFS is the best choice. It offers extra security and reliability. But if you want to share files with Macs, Android phones, or Linux systems, exFAT is better. exFAT supports files larger than 4GB, unlike FAT32, which can’t handle files over 4GB and is more prone to fragmentation.
Windows 11 sometimes struggles with FAT32 depending on the use case. So, avoid FAT32 if you expect to move big files or use modern Windows setups. When formatting a USB drive on Windows, you just plug it in, open Windows Explorer, right-click the drive, and select Format. You’ll see options like NTFS and exFAT. Pick the one that fits your devices.
The Tiny Powerhouse: SanDisk Extreme Fit USB Drive
SanDisk’s Extreme Fit is the smallest USB flash drive in the world. It measures just 0.73 by 0.54 by 0.63 inches and weighs 0.1 ounces. Designed to sit almost flush inside a USB port, it’s a “plug-and-stay” device. That means you can leave it plugged in without worrying about it sticking out or breaking off easily.
Deepesh Singh, SanDisk’s Principal Engineer of Systems Design, said, “We built several prototypes, but they kept breaking.” He added, “This is the smallest SiP (System-in-Package) we have and the first time we created a vertical type C connector ever.” The vertical USB-C connector helps keep the drive compact and durable.
The Extreme Fit reads data at speeds up to 400 MB/s on 128GB to 1TB models. The 64GB version reads a bit slower at 300 MB/s. Write speeds hover between 100 and 250 MB/s. It also works with iPhones that have USB-C ports, like the iPhone 15 and later. You can transfer files using the iPhone’s Files app, making it handy for mobile use.
USB-C Ports Are More Than Just Charging
Most smartphones today come with USB-C ports. These ports do more than charge your phone. You can use them to power wireless headphones, smartwatches, or even other phones. They connect wired keyboards, game controllers, and external monitors with the right adapter.
Some headphones come with USB-C cables. Older headphones need an adapter to work. USB-C also supports high-quality audio recording with microphones. You can even power devices like endoscope cameras or ultrasound tools directly from a smartphone.
Mobile gaming benefits from USB-C too. Controllers like Backbone One or Razer Kishi plug into USB-C ports. They turn your phone into a handheld gaming device. Plus, portable memory card readers now offer both USB-A and USB-C connections, making data transfer smoother across devices.
USB flash drives remain practical and affordable despite rising SSD prices. Most brands cap out at 128GB storage. For bigger files, like 4K videos that take about 1GB per minute, SSDs offer more space and speed but cost more. A 4TB Samsung 990 Pro SSD was $318 in November 2025 but now lists at $1,100 on Amazon. Meanwhile, a five-pack of PNY 64GB USB 3.0 flash drives costs just $43.
The Museum of Obsolete Media rates USB flash drives at a 1, meaning they face a very low risk of becoming outdated soon. Flash drives replaced floppy disks in the early 2000s and still hold value for quick, portable storage. They won’t disappear anytime soon.
When picking a USB drive, think about what devices you’ll use it with and the file sizes you expect. Format it to the right system—NTFS for Windows only, exFAT for cross-platform use. Consider tiny options like the SanDisk Extreme Fit for convenience. And remember, your USB-C port is a gateway to many powerful uses beyond storage.
Based on
- Here’s how to format a USB drive on Windows — engadget.com
- exFAT Vs NTFS: What’s The Difference Between These Formats? — engadget.com
- Are USB Flash Drives Becoming Obsolete? — engadget.com
- The World’s Smallest USB Drive Has More Storage Than An iPhone 17 — engadget.com
- Your Phone’s USB-C Port Does A Lot More Than Just Charge – Here’s What Else It Can Do — engadget.com
