How do I format my USB drive to exFAT or FAT32 for SYNC updates?
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How do I format my USB drive to exFAT or FAT32 for SYNC®* updates?

To perform a SYNC software update, certain vehicle's SYNC generations require the USB drive (also known as a flash or thumb drive) must be formatted on a Personal Computer (PC) or Macintosh (Mac).

Formatting Your USB Drive

Notes:

  • SYNC 3 updates requires a USB drive formatted to exFAT.
  • SYNC with MyLincoln Touch®, SYNC Gen 1.1, and SYNC Gen 1 require a USB drive formatted to FAT32.
  • SYNC 4, SYNC with Voice-activated Navigation, and SYNC with "P" Navigation do not use a flash drive. Refer to the article What are the flash drive requirements when performing a SYNC update? for more information.

Select the operating system you are using from the drop-down options below for instructions on how to format the USB:

PC Users with Windows 10

To format a USB drive with Windows 10:

  1. Insert the USB drive into your computer's USB port.
  2. Select Start (Windows Icon).
  3. Open File Explorer.
  4. Right-click the USB.
  5. Select Format.
  6. Select under "File System" either:
    • exFAT for SYNC 3.
    • FAT32 for SYNC with MyLincoln Touch®, SYNC Gen 1.1, and SYNC Gen 1.

Refer to the article How do I Install SYNC Updates Over Wi-Fi or with a USB? for installation instructions on your vehicle.

PC Users with Windows 7

To format a USB drive with Windows 7:

  1. Insert the USB drive into your computer's USB port.
  2. Open My Computer.
  3. Right-click on the USB drive.
  4. Select Format.
  5. Select under "File System" either:
    • exFAT for SYNC 3.
    • FAT32 for SYNC with MyLincoln Touch®, SYNC Gen 1.1, and SYNC Gen 1.

Refer to the article How do I Install SYNC Updates Over Wi-Fi or with a USB? for installation instructions on your vehicle.

Mac Users

To format a USB drive with a Mac:

  1. Insert the USB drive into your computer's USB port.
  2. Open Finder.
  3. Select Applications and Utilities.

  4. Click Disk Utility. 

    Note: You can also select the Mac Launchpad in the Dock, and search for/select Disk Utility.

  5. Choose your flash drive from the list on the left.

  6. Select the Erase tab button.

    Note: This will permanently erase all current data stored on your flash drive.

  7. Name your flash drive.
  8. Choose under "Format" either:
    • exFAT for SYNC 3.
    • FAT32 (also called MS-DOS (FAT) for Mac) for SYNC with MyLincoln Touch®, SYNC Gen 1.1, and SYNC Gen 1.
  9. Select Master Boot Record as the formatting scheme.

Refer to the article How do I Install SYNC Updates Over Wi-Fi or with a USB? for installation instructions on your vehicle.

If you need further assistance, contact a Lincoln Concierge at 1-800-387-9333 or select Chat Now on the Contact Us page of lincolncanada.com.

Additional Information

How do I check for SYNC updates?
How do I Install SYNC Updates Over Wi-Fi or with a USB?
What are the flash drive requirements when performing a SYNC update?

*Don’t drive while distracted. Use voice-operated systems when possible; don’t use handheld devices while driving. Some features may be locked out while the vehicle is in gear. Not all features are compatible with all phones.