All have a microSD memory card as a storage medium. In some cases, is included in a kit, and in others it must be purchased separately. Apart from being the place where the files are stored, this device is the starting point for the proper functioning of the operating system.
Sometimes, A common misconception is that formatting a microSD card for a Pi is done in the same way as any other USB stick, but it’s not like that. These devices have a designated space for security aspects that must be treated with care, apart from requiring a certain configuration.
In this guide, we want to successfully guide you through the formatting process, so that the operating system boots and we don’t have any installation failures. Equally, we will show you several programs and tools that are useful to fulfill that function.
Why should you format an SD or MicroSD well before using it to install an OS on the Raspberry Pi?
You got home, you take the Raspberry Pi out of its package, you connect it to a monitor and it doesn’t give you any image. You worry a little, but there is no problem, that is because you have not formatted the memory card. And it is that so that the operating system can be installed and can boot without problems, it is necessary to comply with this step.
It should be noted that the SD card must have enough space to house all the things you want to store, including of course the operating system. The size of the unit will be determined according to the project What do you plan to develop?
Learn step by step how to format an SD or MicroSD card to use it without problem in Raspberry Pi
The way to format the card you have chosen for your microcomputer is very simple, You just need to have the right program on hand and remember that when you format, everything you have there will be lost, just like when you do a conventional format.
Here are two useful programs to format your memory card:
With SD Memory Card Formatter
This software, in a simple way, gives you access to format any type of card and in a few seconds you will have left it completely clean of the content you had stored.
Pay attention to the steps you must follow to format your card:
- have downloaded the programwhich has versions for windows Y Mac.
- Now, perform the installation following the simple steps that appear on the screen.
- Enter the card in the memory reader.
- run the program which you just installed.
- A window will open indicating “Select Unit” which you want to format.
- Choose “quick format”.
- “Assign a name” and click on the option “Format”.
- This will start cleaning the card and at the end of the process it will be ready to install the image.
With HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool
Like the previous program, this allows you to format any USB drive and has been developed by the computer company HP. The possibility of download your portable app for free, so you will not have to install it to run a good format. From an external device it will also work.
We leave you the steps to execute the format in a simple way:
- After you install the program on your computer, you should run as administrator.
- insert the card in the memory reader and indicate what format you are going to give it, it must be “FAT 32“.
- you click on “Format”, The operation begins and in seconds you will have the card ready to be used.
List of Best Micro SD and SD Card Formatter Software and Tools You Must Know
The reasons why we need to format a card can be diverse, they go through solving compatibility problems, because a virus has been lodged, to eliminate all the files in a single operation or, as in the case at hand, to install an operating system. The tools and programs They go beyond the two that we explain in this articlethere are many solutions that can be useful to you.
Here are five other alternatives for you to consider:
Flash Memory Toolkit
This program comes with a set of features that, In addition to formatting, it allows you to analyze memory cards and maintain them. Features an error detector, backup and file recovery. Among its advantages, it stands out that is compatible with USB sticks and that it has a section to take screenshots.
USB Disk Storage Format Tool
This useful program is made to work with the main formats used today. Apart of this, the formatting process is very quick and easy. Your device will remain the same as when you bought it and thus be able to install the new applications.
HDD Low Level Format Tool
Removable disks, USB drives and memory cards are some of the devices that this program formats. Its impact reaches the point of rehabilitating a disk that does not allow access for various reasons. It should be noted that once the operation is done, it is impossible to recover the files. A favorable aspect is that the interface is friendly, allowing the fluidity of the work.
Windows Explorer
This option is the last one and could not be left out of the list. It is very simple to use. just enough “Click with the right mouse button, above the SD drive”choose the option “Format“, “File System”, “Quick Format” and “Start”. With these steps you will be deleting all the documents you have on your storage device. With any of these programs that you choose, you will be able to fulfill your mission and leave the micro or SD card in optimal conditions to install it on the Raspberry Pi.
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