How to Format Steam Deck SD Card-Easy Methods

User Case: How to Format Steam Deck SD Card

Formatting your Steam Deck SD card serves multiple purposes. It not only clears existing data but also optimizes the file system for better performance. Whether you're dealing with corrupted files, slow loading times, or simply need more space for your favorite games, knowing how to format Steam Deck SD card can significantly improve your gaming experience.

Solutions to Format Micro SD Card for Steam Deck

Solution 1: Formatting Through the Steam Deck Interface

The quickest way to format your microSD card for the Steam Deck is to do it directly on the device. Insert the microSD card into the slot located at the bottom of the Deck, just below the lower right corner of the screen. Make sure the card is facing up, and you may need to use your fingernail to push it in until it clicks.

1. Press the Steam button, go to Settings > System, and scroll to System Settings. Under Format SD Card, select Format. This will erase the card, and you’ll see a warning. After a few minutes, your card will be ready to use.

2. To set the microSD card as your default storage, go back to Settings and scroll to Storage. You’ll see your Internal Drive and the new MicroSD Card. If it’s your first time using an SD card, highlight Internal Storage and press X to make it default. Then, switch to the MicroSD Card and set that as default as well.

3. Even if you haven’t set it as default, the next time you install a game, you’ll have the option to save it to either the Internal Drive or the MicroSD Card.

Solution 2: Wipe the Steam Deck SD Card

If you're looking to format your Steam Deck SD card, AOMEI Backupper Professional is a powerful tool that can help you achieve this effortlessly. Unlike other bootable drive wipers like Darik’s Boot and Nuke (DBAN), which have limitations such as compatibility only with older x86 systems and lack of support for UEFI or USB drives, AOMEI Backupper offers a more versatile solution.

For SD cards, you only need to read them through your PC, and then, AOMEI Backupper can help deal with all the dramas.

As the best drive wiper, AOMEI Backupper allows you to wipe your hard drive without needing Windows, or you can format the drive directly within the Windows environment. This software supports all Windows versions, including Windows 11, 10, 8.1, 8, 7, Vista, and XP, across both 32-bit and 64-bit editions.

1. Wipe your SD card within the Windows Environment

If you can boot up your computer, the easiest way is to wipe the SD card with the Disk Wipe feature in AOMEI Backupper, here it is:

1. Please install the hard drive eraser - AOMEI Backupper, then Choose Tools > Disk Wipe.

2. Tick the Wipe disk option and hit Next >>.

3. Select the system bootable disk to wipe, and press Next >>.

✿ Tip: A window will prompt you that the wipe boot drive will run in reboot mode, press OK to confirm.

4. Choose the wiping method Fill sectors with Zero (Safe, Quick) to wipe bootable disk. And then press Start >>.

✿ Tip: The last three options of the wiping method are safer wiping methods come with more passes and lower wiping speed.

The data cannot be recoverable once the disk wipe operation is finished, please make sure you erase the right hard drive.

Prepare SD Card for Steam Deck

The best microSD card for your Steam Deck is simply the one with the largest storage you can afford. Larger cards tend to cost more.

While prices vary, you’ll find a range of options, from two 32GB cards for under $10 to a 1TB card for around $175. The key factors are your budget and the size of the games you want to store.

Here are some examples of available microSD cards:

• 32GB: $8.49 - Samsung 32GB microSDHC
• 64GB: $10.99 - Kingston 64GB microSDXC
• 128GB: $14.99 - PNY 128GB microSDXC
• 256GB: $29.99 - Lexar 256GB microSDXC

FAQs about Steam Deck SD Card Format

Q1: Why should I format my SD card for the Steam Deck?

A1: Formatting ensures that your SD card is optimized for use with the Steam Deck, improving performance and resolving potential issues.

Q2: Can I recover data after formatting my SD card?

A2: Once formatted, recovering data can be challenging. It's advisable to back up important files before formatting.

Q3: What file system should I use when formatting my SD card for the Steam Deck?

A3: exFAT is recommended for SD cards, especially those with larger storage capacities, as it supports files larger than 4GB.

Conclusion

In conclusion, formatting your Steam Deck SD card is an essential maintenance task that can enhance your gaming experience. Whether you choose to format through the Steam Deck interface or using AOMEI Backupper, following the outlined steps will help ensure a smooth and successful process. By keeping your SD card optimized and organized, you’ll be ready to enjoy all your favorite games without the hassle of storage issues.