Pen Drive RAW Format Problem & Fix (Windows 11 10 Solutions)
Pen drive RAW format: This issue occurs when a USB drive or pen drive becomes unreadable and shows as RAW instead of NTFS or FAT32. It means the file system is corrupted, damaged, or unrecognized. You can fix it by using tools like iCare Recovery Free, the Windows CHKDSK utility, CMD DiskPart commands, or by formatting the drive if recovery is not needed.
What Does RAW Format Mean? 🔍
A RAW format on a pen drive means the drive's file system is corrupted, damaged, or unrecognized by the operating system, preventing access to its data.
Common causes include:
- Structural damage to the drive
- Incomplete formatting
- Incorrect ejection without safely removing
- Virus infections corrupting the file system
Why Your Pen Drive is RAW ⚠️
- File System Corruption: The most common cause, where the drive’s structure becomes unreadable.
- Improper Ejection: Removing the USB drive without safe removal can cause errors.
- Virus Infection: Malware can corrupt the file system.
- Bad Sectors: Physical damage on aging drives prevents storage or access.
- Partition Table Issues: Errors in the partition table can make the drive appear as RAW.
How to Fix Pen Drive RAW Format Problem in Windows 11/10/7 ⚡
Here are proven methods to repair pen drive RAW format problem Windows 11 step by step:
Method 1: Use CHKDSK (Check Disk) for Minor Errors
This built-in tool attempts to repair minor file system errors without losing data.
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator (search “cmd”, right-click → Run as administrator).
- Type:
chkdsk X: /f /r(replaceX:with your USB drive letter) and press Enter. - Wait for the scan: CHKDSK will attempt to fix errors it finds.
Also read: How to fix raw usb without format
Method 2: Use DiskPart to Clean and Format (Erases Data)
If CHKDSK fails, use DiskPart. ⚠️ This will erase all data.
- Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
- Type:
diskpart→ press Enter. - Type:
list disk→ locate your USB drive. - Type:
select disk Y(replace Y with the drive number). - Type:
clean→ removes all partitions. - Type:
create partition primary. - Type:
format fs=ntfs quick(orfat32/exfatas needed). - Type:
assignto give it a drive letter.
Method 3: Use Data Recovery Software
If you need to fix RAW USB without formatting or recover data before formatting, use a free recovery tool like iCare Recovery Free. It scans the RAW drive and recovers files safely before repair.
iCare Recovery Free – Best Solution for RAW Pen Drive Recovery
iCare Recovery Free is a powerful yet easy-to-use data recovery software designed to rescue files from RAW USB drives and pen drives. Whether your drive shows as RAW format, becomes inaccessible, or cannot be opened in Windows 11, this free tool helps you recover documents, photos, videos, and more before attempting to format or repair the drive.
- 100% free to use with no hidden charges
- Supports RAW drive recovery for USB, pen drives, and external hard drives
- Works on Windows 11/10/8/7 with all major file systems (NTFS, FAT32, exFAT)
- Step-by-step recovery wizard makes it simple for beginners
Steps to recover data from a RAW pen drive using iCare Recovery Free:
Download and install iCare Recovery Free on your PC
- Connect your RAW pen drive or USB drive to the computer
- Launch iCare, select the RAW drive, and start the deep scan or RAW Drive Recovery.
- Preview the found files and restore your data safely
Comparison Table of Methods 🔄
| Method | Pros ✅ | Cons ⚠️ |
|---|---|---|
| CHKDSK Utility | - Repairs minor errors - Doesn’t erase data |
- Fails if corruption is severe - Cannot fix bad sectors |
| DiskPart Clean & Format | - Fully resets the drive - Works for severe corruption |
- Erases all data - Requires manual commands |
| iCare Recovery Free | - Recovers files from RAW - Easy to use, free |
- Recovery depends on damage - May not restore 100% of files |
How to Fix RAW USB Drive Without Format 🔑
Sometimes you may want to repair a RAW pen drive without formatting to keep your data safe. Here’s what you can try:
- Run CHKDSK to attempt repairs without erasing files.
- Use iCare Recovery Free to recover data first, then repair the file system.
- Check the drive with antivirus software to remove malware infections.
- Update USB drivers in Windows to fix compatibility issues.
⚠️ If these methods fail, formatting may be unavoidable — but try recovery first.
How to Format RAW USB Drive Using CMD 💻
If your RAW USB drive cannot be repaired, you can forcefully format it using CMD:
- Open Command Prompt (Admin).
- Type:
diskpart→ Enter. - Type:
list disk→ find your RAW USB. - Type:
select disk X(replace X with USB number). - Type:
clean→ clears all data. - Type:
create partition primary. - Type:
format fs=ntfs quickorformat fs=fat32 quick. - Type:
assignto finish.
✅ This method restores the USB to a working state, but all files will be lost.
Pendrive RAW Cannot Format – What to Do? 🚫
If your pendrive RAW cannot format even with CMD or Windows Explorer, try the following solutions:
- Check the drive for bad sectors using tools like HD Tune or Windows Disk Management.
- Use a third-party low-level format tool.
- Attempt recovery with iCare Recovery Free before retrying format.
- If none of the above works, the USB may be physically damaged and require replacement.
💡 In most cases, “RAW cannot format” happens because of severe corruption or hardware failure.
FAQ – Pen Drive RAW Format Issues 💡
Q1: Can I fix a RAW USB without formatting?
✅ Yes, use CHKDSK or iCare Recovery Free to recover and repair without formatting.
Q2: Why can’t I format a RAW pen drive?
This usually happens due to bad sectors or severe file system corruption. Try using DiskPart or recovery tools first.
Q3: Is CMD safe for fixing RAW USB drives?
Yes, but note that DiskPart erases all data. Always recover files before using it.
Q4: Which free tool is recommended?
iCare Recovery Free is highly recommended because it supports recovery from RAW USB drives at no cost.