Disk formatting is the process of preparing a storage device, such as a hard drive or USB flash drive, for use by an operating system. This involves creating a file system, which organizes how data is stored and retrieved. Common file systems include FAT32, NTFS, and exFAT, each with its own features and limitations. During formatting, all existing data on the disk is typically erased, making it essential to back up important files beforehand. Once formatted, the disk can be used to store files, install software, or run applications, ensuring efficient data management and access.