Format Hard Drive Windows 10 __exclusive__

While NTFS is great for hard drives, many devices (cameras, car stereos, older game consoles) require FAT32. To format large drives to FAT32, you are forced to use the Command Prompt (a daunting task for average users) or download third-party software. For an OS as mature as Windows 10, this arbitrary limit in the GUI feels outdated.

Formatting a drive is one of those tasks you only do when setting up a new PC, troubleshooting a glitchy external drive, or wiping a machine for resale. Having gone through the process on Windows 10 multiple times, here is my take on the user experience, the tools provided, and the hidden pitfalls. format hard drive windows 10