or
sudo fdisk /dev/sdb
Formatting a bootable USB is a fundamental skill for anyone needing to install a new operating system, troubleshoot a crashing PC, or simply repurpose an old drive for storage. Whether you are moving from a "live boot" back to regular file storage or preparing a drive for a fresh Windows installation, the process varies slightly depending on your operating system and specific needs. 1. Understanding Why and When to Format Formatting a bootable USB serves two primary purposes:
Bootable USBs use special file systems (like FAT32, NTFS, or ext4) and hidden partitions. Normal formatting may not remove all boot data. Proper formatting restores the drive to a standard storage device.
