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How to Format the USB Drive Used as ChromeOS Recovery Medium

Here's the thing. I used a 4GB USB thumb drive to create a ChromeOS recovery image. Now I want to empty it but failed because there are a lot of non-accessible partitions in it. Any ideas on what to do to get my thumb drive back? Thanks.

Best Answered by

Melissa Lee· Answered on Jan 05, 2024

If you can't delete the data or files on a USB in common ways, you may try to do it by formatting the USB. For instance, you can plug it into your tablet or other devices, go into Settings, store the data in it to your computer or other backup tools, and lastly reformat it. After that, the storage space will be back to your USB.

That is to say, there are two stages in this solution. First, back up important data to another device, be it software or another utility. Then, formatting the USB.

Stage 1. Back up Important Data to Another Device

If you don't have another USB, you may download and use a backup program to do it. EaseUS Todo Backup is worth a try.

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Stage 2. Formatting the USB on Chromebook

1. Plug your USB into your Chromebook through a compatible port. When you receive a notification on the system tray suggesting you open the flash disk, open it.
2. On the bottom left panel, click on USB Drive. Now click on the 3 vertical dots in the top right corner, and click on Format device.
3. After preparation, Chrome OS will start formatting your USB. It usually takes between 1-3 minutes depending on the size of your files.

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