How to Factory Reset GoPro on Windows 11?

Quick Navigation:

• GoPro Cameras and Their Use - Overview
• Reasons for Formatting and Wiping a GoPro
• Format the GoPro on Windows 11 With Built-in Tools
• Wipe Data from the GoPro on Windows 11
• Conclusion

GoPro cameras are known for capturing high-quality videos and photos, making them popular among adventurers, sports enthusiasts, and creators. However, there are times when you may need to format or wipe your GoPro, such as before selling it, giving it away, or just to ensure that all previous data is completely removed. In this article, let's dive deep to know the formatting and wiping your GoPro using Windows 11, using simple steps to ensure you understand every part of the process.

GoPro Cameras and Their Use - Overview

GoPro cameras are designed to be durable and versatile, often used in challenging environments like underwater or during extreme sports. They capture high-definition video and high-resolution images, which are stored on removable SD cards. Because of their compact size and robust features, they have become a go-to tool for capturing memorable moments.

Reasons for Formatting and Wiping a GoPro

Formatting and wiping your GoPro's SD card can be necessary for various reasons:

• Selling or Giving Away the Camera: To ensure that all your personal data is removed.
• Troubleshooting: If the camera is acting up or the SD card is corrupted.
• Starting Fresh: To clear out old files and free up space for new content.

Brief Explanation of Formatting vs. Wiping:

Formatting: This process prepares the SD card for new data by removing the old file system and creating a new one. It clears the directory structure but doesn't necessarily remove the data from the card completely.

Wiping: This is a more thorough process that overwrites existing data, making it harder or impossible to recover. It’s often used when you want to ensure that data is completely removed.

Preparing Your GoPro for Formatting and Wiping:

Prior the formatting and wiping process, it's essential to prepare both your GoPro and your files.

Backing Up Important Files:

Before you erase anything, make sure you've backed up all the important videos and photos stored on your GoPro. Here's how to do it:

1. Connect Your GoPro to Your Computer: Use the USB cable that came with your GoPro to connect it to your Windows 11 computer. Alternatively, you can remove the SD card from the GoPro and use a card reader to connect it directly to your computer.
2. Transfer Files:
   • Open File Explorer on your computer.
   • Locate your GoPro or the SD card in the list of devices.
   • Open the drive and browse to the folders where your videos and photos are stored.
   • Copy these files to a folder on your computer or an external hard drive.
3. Verify Backup: Ensure that all important files have been copied correctly by checking the folders on your computer.

Charging Your GoPro:

Make sure your GoPro has enough battery life before starting the formatting or wiping process. If your GoPro is low on battery, connect it to a power source to ensure it doesn't turn off during the process.

Connecting the GoPro to Windows 11:

You can connect your GoPro to your computer in two main ways: directly via USB or by using a card reader.

Using a USB Cable:

1. Connect the Cable: Plug one end of the USB cable into your GoPro and the other end into a USB port on your Windows 11 computer.
2. Turn on Your GoPro: If your GoPro does not automatically enter USB mode, you may need to turn it on and select the appropriate mode from the menu.
3. Access the Files: Open File Explorer and look for your GoPro in the list of devices. Click on it to access the files.

Using a Card Reader:

1. Remove the SD Card: Power off your GoPro and carefully eject the SD card from the camera.
2. Insert the Card into a Reader: Insert the SD card into a card reader, then connect the reader to your computer via USB.
3. Access the Files: Open File Explorer and locate the SD card. Click on it to view and transfer your files.

Format the GoPro on Windows 11 With Built-in Tools

Formatting the SD card will prepare it for new data. Here’s how to do it using both File Explorer and Disk Management.

Using File Explorer:

1. Open File Explorer: Click on the File Explorer icon on your taskbar or press Windows + E.
2. Locate the SD Card: Find your GoPro or SD card in the list of drives. It might be labeled as "Removable Disk" or have a specific name.
3. Right-Click and Format:
   • Right-click on the SD card icon and select "Format" from the context menu.
   • A Format window will appear.
4. Select Format Options:
   • File System: Choose "FAT32" if the SD card is 32GB or smaller, or "exFAT" for larger cards.
   • Quick Format: Check this box for a faster format. Uncheck it if you want a more thorough format (which takes longer).
5. Start Formatting: Click "Start" to begin the formatting process. You'll be prompted to confirm that you want to erase all data. Click "OK" to proceed.
6. Wait for Completion: The process will take a few minutes. Once it’s done, the SD card will be formatted and ready to use.

Using Disk Management:

1. Open Disk Management: Right-click on the Start button and select "Disk Management."
2. Find Your SD Card: In the Disk Management window, locate your SD card from the list of drives.
3. Right-Click and Format:
   • Right-click on the SD card partition and select "Format."
   • A Format window will appear.
4. Select Format Options:
   • Volume Label: You can give your SD card a name if you like.
   • File System: Choose "FAT32" or "exFAT" as appropriate.
   • Perform a Quick Format: Choose this option if you want a quicker format.
5. Start Formatting: Click "OK" to start formatting. Confirm any prompts to proceed with the format.
6. Wait for Completion: The process will take some time. Once it’s complete, your SD card will be formatted.

Formatting Directly from the GoPro (Optional):

You can also format the SD card directly from the GoPro if you prefer not to use a computer:

1. Turn on the GoPro: Power on your GoPro and navigate to the settings menu.
2. Find the Format Option:
   • In the menu, look for "Preferences" or "Settings."
   • Locate the "Format" option.
3. Format the SD Card: Follow the on-screen instructions to format the card. Confirm when prompted.

Note: The formatted data is recoverable. With right data recovery software, you or anyone else can easily recover deleted, formatted or lost data from your GoPro camera or SD card.

Wipe Data from the GoPro on Windows 11

Wiping data is a more secure way to ensure that files cannot be recovered. Here's how to wipe your GoPro on Windows 11.

What Does Wiping Involve?

Wiping is different from formatting because it overwrites the data on the SD card multiple times. This makes it much harder to recover any deleted files.

DoYourData Super Eraser is one of the best disk wipe software. It can help you securely wipe your GoPro on Windows and permanently erase all data from the camera without causing any physical damage.

Step 1. Download and install DoYourData Super Eraser on your Windows 11 PC, make sure you have connected the GoPro camera or SD card to your PC.

Step 2. Open DoYourData Super Eraser and choose Wipe Hard Drive mode, select your GoPro,then click on Wipe Now button.

Step 3. Choose desirable data erasure standard, then click on Continue button.

It will format and wipe the GoPro camera, all data stored on the SD card will be permanently erased.

More Features:

• Erase Files/Folders: Permanently delete videos and photos from your GoPro camera.
• Wipe Free Space: Wipe free disk space of the SD card to permanently erase the deleted/formatted or lost data without affecting the existing data.
• Disk Manager: Format GoPro camera SD card or fix damaged card.

Conclusion

Formatting and wiping your GoPro on Windows 11 is a straightforward process that ensures your data is completely removed. By using the procedures described in this article, you can safely prepare your GoPro for new use or disposal. Whether you're clearing space, selling your camera, or ensuring data security, these methods will help you handle your GoPro's SD card effectively. Remember to back up your files, choose the appropriate wiping method, and verify that the process is complete to maintain your privacy and security.