How to Format XBox 360 Hard Drives

Time needed: 5 minutes.

Perhaps you’re selling your system, maybe you want to start fresh – whatever the reason, here’s how you can format your Xbox 360’s hard drive (or drives, if you have more than one). These steps also apply to a “flash drive” connected to your Xbox.

1. Exit out of any currently running games and go to the Xbox 30 Home Screen.

   Navigate to the settings section and then select System.
   

2. Select Console Settings.

   Use the A button to select Console Settings.
   

3. Select System Info.

   Use the A button to select System Info.
   

4. Locate the Console Serial Number and write it down.

   If you don’t have a pen and paper handy, take a picture of the screen with your phone.
   
5. Return to the System Settings.

   This time select Storage from the list of options.
   

6. Select the hard drive you want to format (erase).

   Make sure to select the correct hard drive if you have more than one – this process isn’t reversible and all of the data on the drive will be wiped out. Instead of using the A button, use the Y button to open the Device Options.
   

7. Select Format from the list of options.

   Use the A button to select Format.
   

8. The Format Device window will display a warning message.

   Highlight the Yes line item and use the A button to select it.
   

9. You’ll be prompted to enter your Xbox 360’s Serial Number.

   Highlight the Enter Serial Number line item and use the A button to select it.
   

10. Enter your Xbox 360’s Serial Number

    Use the on-screen keypad to enter in the serial number you made note of back in step #4. Highlight the Done button on the virtual keyboard and use the A button on your controller to select it.
    

11. The hard drive will now be formatted.

    The process only takes a few seconds so you’ll want to stay nearby.
    

12. Once the format has completed, return to the Storage Devices section.

    You’ll see that the drive is now completely empty.
    

13. If you have more than one drive, simply repeat steps #6 through #11.

    Most Xbox 360’s only come with one drive, and it can be called the Memory Unit rather than “hard drive”.