Why format a flash drive with a special software?

[netadict]

I've seen a few softwares that format flash drives. Why use those instead of imply using windows to format the flash drive?

 

[essenbe]

I have only used Windows to format flash drives. But, some flash drives come with programs installed on them that only their formatting tool can erase. Other than that, I know of any good reson to do it under normal circumstances. I have never had a problem with Windows formatting.

 

[DeaconFrost]

It also depends on what you plan to format the drive for...what purpose, etc.

 

[alphanumeric]

Windows sometimes can't handle USB drives that are custom formatted. Drives that are encrypted for security for example. I've always just done it though windows.