How to Restore Bootable USB to Normal | Easy Fixes

Introduction

This tutorial provides step-by-step instructions on how to restore a bootable USB drive to its normal state. Whether you want to use the USB for regular file storage or simply need to remove its bootable status, following these methods will help you achieve that easily.

Step 1: Format Bootable USB Using File Explorer

Formatting your USB drive is a straightforward method to revert it to its original state.

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Locate your bootable USB flash drive in the list of drives.
3. Right-click on the USB drive.
4. Select Format from the context menu.
5. Choose the File System (FAT32 or NTFS) based on your needs.
6. Optionally, click on Restore device defaults to set the formatting parameters back to original settings.
7. Click Start to begin the formatting process.

Tip: Make sure to back up any important files before formatting, as this process will erase all data on the USB drive.

Step 2: Remove Bootable Status via Disk Management

You can also remove the bootable status using Windows Disk Management.

1. Right-click on the Windows icon to open the Start menu.
2. Select Disk Management from the list.
3. Find your bootable USB drive in the list of disks.
4. Right-click on the USB drive and select Format.
5. Choose the appropriate File System (FAT32 or NTFS) and set the Allocation Unit Size to Default.
6. Click OK to start the formatting process.

Tip: This method is useful if you prefer a graphical interface over command-line tools.

Step 3: Convert Bootable USB to Normal Using Diskpart

For a more advanced approach, you can use the Diskpart command-line utility.

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog.
2. Type diskpart and hit Enter to open the Diskpart utility.
3. In the command window, type list disk and press Enter to view all connected drives.
4. Identify your USB drive and type select disk X (replace X with the disk number of your USB) then hit Enter.
5. Type clean and press Enter to erase all data and boot files from the USB.
6. Type create partition primary and hit Enter to set up a new partition.
7. Format the drive by typing:
   • format fs=fat32 quick for FAT32
   • or format fs=ntfs quick for NTFS and press Enter.
8. Once the process is complete, type exit to close Diskpart.

Tip: Be cautious when using Diskpart, as selecting the wrong disk can lead to data loss on other drives.

Conclusion

Restoring a bootable USB to its normal state can be accomplished through various methods, including formatting via File Explorer, using Disk Management, or the Diskpart command-line utility. Always remember to back up important files before performing these operations. Once restored, your USB drive can be used for regular file storage or other purposes as needed.