How do I format a CD-R disc using Windows 10?

XpUser September 24, 2015 at 15:26:36

huh this has to be Déjà vu (talking to myself) - you do not format CD-R discs. i_Xp/Vista/W7/W10 User

Derek September 24, 2015 at 15:36:06

EDIT: Completely Re-written response. I think BrentW.Geller might be thinking of a CD-RW because I find it hard to see why anyone would want to format a CD-R. However, despite what I've believed in the past I now think it might be possible to format a CD-R (or DVD-R) at the outset for packet writing, i.e. so that you can copy/paste or drag and drop files onto it until it is full. I also think that some software will only allow this on re-writeable disks - maybe the same applies to Win 10. Always pop back and let us know the outcome - thanks message edited by Derek

Johnw September 24, 2015 at 16:49:01

As BrentW.Geller has done it before, I would say you are right Derek. Insert the RW disk, open File Explorer, scroll down to your CD drive, right click on the drive > select Format

Tell that to win 10, they keep telling me I have to format the disc!!! I am using a DVD-R

Derek February 11, 2016 at 10:04:51

Re #4 It depends on what you are trying to do. Formatting a disk is in order for you to keep adding files to it, by copy/paste or drag and drop, like a flash drive. It is not suitable, for instance, for making an audio CD or DVD which will run on a domestic player. These format as they go. Windows 10 disk burning facilities are limited. To do anything more than basics you need third party burning software. There are freebies that do very well such as CDBurnerXP (which does DVDs as well and is fine up to Windows 10. Always pop back and let us know the outcome - thanks message edited by Derek

THX 1138 February 11, 2016 at 12:34:19

"Tell that to win 10, they keep telling me I have to format the disc!!! I am using a DVD-R" Windows will not natively write to a DVD, you need third party software to do so. But you don't need to, nor would you want to format a DVD disc. Your original post and the subject line is confusing. You ask how to format a CD-R disc. Then in the 4th post, you say you're using s DVD-R. Huge difference.

Derek February 11, 2016 at 14:44:14

THX 1138 #4 wasn't the original poster. Always pop back and let us know the outcome - thanks

THX 1138 February 12, 2016 at 08:28:42

Oops, right you are Derek.