Should I Format a Virus-Infected USB with Android or Windows?

Just a heads up, while it's true that many viruses require you to perform an action, it's still possible to get infected just by plugging in a contaminated device. USBs can carry malware that activates without you having to click anything — remember the Stuxnet incident? So yes, it’s smart to be cautious. If possible, formatting it with Linux might give you more peace of mind, but keep in mind that Linux vulnerabilities are on the rise too. Always better to be safe than sorry!

It's actually pretty unlikely that any virus would automatically harm your computer just by plugging in the USB. Most malware needs to be actively executed to cause issues. As long as your system has decent antivirus protection, it should scan the USB when you connect it and flag any potential threats. If you feel more comfortable, formatting it via Android first is an option, but honestly, you probably don’t need to buy any special adapters just for that. You could also consider booting from a Linux system like Ubuntu and formatting it that way for an extra safety net.