[SOLVED] USB Drive Formats For Windows 10 Installation Media

[MarsColonist]

Do we have to format USB drives to FAT32 format to create Windows 10 installation media like we do with USB drives we use for BIOS updates?

I read through the instructions on Microsoft's website, and it doesn't seem to specify. My motherboard manual didn't specify either, but it didn't work when I didn't format to fat32 and it worked the 2nd time using a different USB that I formatted to fat32... so this is why I'm asking.

 

[USAFRet]

The MediaCreation tool will format the USB as it needs (FAT32).
You don't need to do anything beforehand.

Just be sure there is nothing on that USB you wish to keep. It WILL be wiped out.

 

[Colif]

wonder if its smart enough to use exfat if you use a really big usb over 64gb in size

 

[USAFRet]

wonder if its smart enough to use exfat if you use a really big usb over 64gb in size

No, it isn't.

 

[Colif]

It is probably not a major problem (yet) as most people wouldn't use a 64gb USB stick for purpose. Long time to format it.

 

[MarsColonist]

In my case, I used a 256gb USB thumb drive and it worked nicely.