U3 Launchpad Removal Tool

Fix: Remove SanDisk Virtual CD Drive Partition Many SanDisk USB smart drives come with a virtual CD drive partition. This partition holds the U3 Launchpad software. This software helps you run apps directly from your flash drive. However, many users do not need this feature. The extra drive letter can also be annoying. You can remove this virtual CD drive partition easily. Method 1: Use the Official U3 Launchpad Removal Tool

The easiest and safest way to delete the partition is with the official tool. Plug in your SanDisk USB drive.

Back up your files. Copy all important data from the USB drive to your computer. This process will wipe the drive clean.

Download the official SanDisk U3 Launchpad Removal Tool from a trusted source. Open the tool.

Follow the prompts on your screen. The tool will ask if you want to restore your drive to a single, normal partition. Click Next to format the drive.

Once the tool finishes, your USB drive will have just one normal drive letter. Method 2: Use Windows Disk Management

If the tool does not work, you can try Windows Disk Management. Right-click on the Windows Start button. Select Disk Management from the list.

Find your SanDisk drive in the bottom half of the window. You will see two parts for it. One is the normal storage, and one is the virtual CD drive. Right-click the virtual CD drive partition. Select Delete Volume. Right-click the main partition of your USB drive.

Select Extend Volume to add the free space back to your main drive. Method 3: Use Diskpart in Command Prompt

If Disk Management does not let you delete it, use Command Prompt. Type cmd into the Windows search bar. Right-click Command Prompt and choose Run as administrator. Type diskpart and press Enter.

Type list disk and press Enter. Find the number of your SanDisk USB drive.

Type select disk X (replace X with your drive number) and press Enter.

Type clean and press Enter. This will erase the entire drive, including the hidden partitions.

Type create partition primary to make a new, fresh partition.

Type format fs=ntfs quick to format your drive so you can use it again.

Your SanDisk drive will now be completely clean and free of the virtual CD drive partition.