Format A SD Card for Both Windows and Mac OS

It is important to format a SD card correctly to avoid damaging it or losing data. However, the specific steps may vary based on the gadget you're using. Whether you're using Windows, Mac OS, we'll review the necessary steps to format your SD card for both Windows and macOS.

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Tips for formatting a new SD card on a Mac or PC

If you decide to format an SD card or other external storage device, you should always first make a copy of all of the data you want to keep.

When you format a SD card, everything on it is deleted. As a result, it is highly suggested that you make a copy of your most prized photographs, RAW files, films, audio files, Microsoft Office documents, etc. If the SD card get corrupted, follow the steps below to recover inaccessible or deleted data from the SD card before formatting it.

Step 1. Download a data recovery program - such as Donemax Data Recovery and install it on your computer. Then open it.

Step 2. Insert the SD card into your computer, then select it to start data recovery.

Step 3. Donemax Data Recovery will deeply scan the SD card and find all existing files and lost files on the SD card, just click on Scan button.

Step 4. Once the scan is completed, all recoverable files will be listed by Path and Type. Find and select the wanted files, then click on Recover button to save them.

How to Format a SD Card on Windows?

• Ensure you have a backup of your SD card's data before formatting it. Also, before trying to format the SD card, make sure it is not locked.
• Insert the SD card into the slot or connect the card to Windows.
• Turn on this computer.
• Click This PC or My Computer.
• Select the SD card and click the Format menu item to format it.
• Select exFAT or FAT32 as the file system which is compatible with both Windows and Mac OS.
• If you want to format your SD card, click the "Start" button.

How to format a SD card on Mac? 

💡#Connect your SD card to your Mac:

Several approaches exist for achieving this goal. There is an SD card slot incorporated into some Macs. The SD card can be used if you have one of these.

Memory card readers that connect to your Mac's USB port can be used instead of an SD card slot. Depending on the type, some cameras can double as a memory card reader when connected to a computer, but this is not the case for all.

Insert the SD card into the SD adapter cartridge and the computer's SD slot. A USB SD card reader is another option.

💡#Open Disk Utility:

The Mac OS includes the utility Disk Utility. Spotlight makes locating simple even if you have never used it before. You may also find Disk Utility by going to the Utilities section of the Finder's menu. Launch Disk Utility next. 

💡#Identify Your SD Card:

Disk Utility presents a directory of available drives installed in and access to your Mac on the left side of the interface. Therefore, the hard disk and any external drives connected to your Mac will be displayed. The SD card must be visible in the External menu. It may be labeled "NO NAME" or "UNTITLED" if it has never been prepared. Simply clicking on it will reveal its storage capacity.

💡#Click the Erase button:

You can't go back now. Select the Erase button to begin formatting an SD card on a Mac. You will be prompted with a message before any data on the card is deleted irretrievably.

💡#Enter SD Card Name:

You can give the card a name in the Name area. It's not necessary to give the file a name, and it will function just fine if you leave it as NO NAME or UNTITLED; giving it a name is more of a courtesy when seeing it in Finder or checking to make sure you're importing from the right card when ingesting photographs into a program like Lightroom.

💡#Name and format SD card:

Since you're here to discover how to format or reformat an SD card on Mac, we think you'll delete it. Check the card's name again - maybe you want to change it to make it easier to remember? It's best now. 

For 64GB or more cards, use exFAT; for 32GB or less, FAT32. Confirm card deletion. 

💡#Eject SD card:

Finally, eject your SD card. If you pull the card out, you could lose data. You could be in trouble if you've moved files to your newly formatted SD.

FAQs about formatting SD card for both Windows and Mac OS

Conclusion:

Formatting an SD card is simple whether you're using a Mac, PC, Android smartphone, or digital camera. Remember that formatting an SD card will delete any data on the card, so make sure you have a backup copy of anything you need before proceeding. You can format your SD card quickly and easily on any device by following the instructions in this article.