Windows was unable to complete the format SD card​

Memory Cards SD | microSD | CFast | CFexpress | CompactFlash
1

I recently purchased a SanDisk SD card, but I’ve run into a problem while trying to format it on my Windows 11 PC. Every time I try to format it, I get the error:

“Windows was unable to complete the format.”

I’ve tried using Disk Management and File Explorer, but neither worked. I’m not sure why this is happening, especially since the card is brand new. What could be the cause, and is there any way to fix it without damaging the card?

Any help or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

2

@Diana2
Have you checked our knowledge base articles?
(Get Support for Your SSDs and Flash Products | Sandisk)

Try this one

Have you opened a Support Case?
If not, contact SanDisk Technical Support for assistance.
(Contact Support | Sandisk)

3

Formatting should be complicated, as this is the very easy thing to do to fix the drives. When Windows throws such errors, then it could be due to a file system error or any corruption in the card. So, it’s crucial to do it right to avoid any unexpected data loss from the SD card.
Check this article to know different ways to format an SD card on Windows. How To Format SD Card on Different Devices [Without Losing Data]

4

Hi @Diana,
As Ellinor mentioned, this issue usually points to file system corruption or a write protection error. Since the card is new, try these steps:

  1. Check Write Protection Switch : Ensure the SD card’s physical switch (if present) isn’t set to “Lock”.
  2. Use Diskpart :

list disk
select disk X (replace X with your SD card number)
clean
create partition primary
format fs=exfat quick
assign
exit

Important: If your card has any data you want to recover, don’t use Diskpart or format it yet. You can refer to @EllinorWilliam’s blog that is linked for tips on formatting card without losing data.

Also, try using the official SD Card Formatter from sdcard.org – it often works better than Windows tools. If none of these work, it could be a faulty card. In that case, check SanDisk’s warranty or ask for a replacement.

5

One solution that often works is using the official SD Card Formatter tool developed by the SD Association. It’s free, lightweight, and specifically designed for SD/SDHC/SDXC cards.

6

I suggest using Seatools and erase the card completely then try open disk manager and format the card using exFAT