How can I restore USB drive back to full capacity in Windows 11/10?

If the USB is not showing the full capacity in Windows 11/10, then here are a few suggestions to help you restore USB drive back to full capacity in Windows 11/10. Please doing that, kindly backup the important for unexpected error.

First, Check the Full Disk Layout

1. Press Win + X > select Disk Management
2. Locate your USB drive in the lower section
3. See if there's unallocated space or multiple partitions

Second, Reformat the Drive (if no important data)

diskpart
list disk
select disk X   (replace X with your USB disk number)
clean
create partition primary
format fs=exfat quick
assign
exit

Third, Test for Fake USB

Use a tool like:

• H2testw (Windows)
• FakeFlashTest

These tools write and verify data to detect if the USB is truly 256GB or a fake.

If tools reveal the USB is fake (real capacity is 32GB), there's no fix available to increase the USB storage. The only solution is to replace the drive and possibly report the seller.