How to Convert exFAT to FAT32 in Windows 11/10/8/7- Qiling  

How to Convert exFAT to FAT32 in Windows 11/10/8/7


To convert exFAT to FAT32 on your storage devices, follow the preparation tips and choose one of the suitable methods. You must prepare your device by backing up your data, checking the compatibility of your device with FAT32, and ensuring the device is not write-protected. Then, pick up one of the methods to switch your device file system from exFAT to FAT32, which includes using a third-party software, using a command-line tool, or using a built-in tool on your device.

# 1. You-Must-Do Preparations

# 2. Three Free exFAT to FAT32 Conversion Methods:

Questions: How Do I Convert exFAT to FAT32 Without Losing Data

To format a 64GB SD card from exFAT to FAT32, insert the card into your computer, open File Explorer, right-click on the SD card, select "Format," and choose FAT32 as the file system. If the option to format to FAT32 is grayed out, try using a third-party formatting tool like EaseUS or MiniTool, or update your Windows to the latest version. If the issue persists, try formatting the card in a different computer or using a USB card reader. Be sure to back up any data on the card before formatting.
 
"I want to convert an exFAT-You can use a software like Rufus to format a USB flash drive to FAT32. It's a free, open-source tool that can create bootable USB drives and format them to various file systems, including FAT32. Simply download and run Rufus, select the USB drive as the target device, choose FAT32 as the file system, and follow the prompts to complete the formatting process. This should resolve your issue.
 
To convert exFAT to FAT32 on an external hard drive without losing data, you can use a third-party tool like EaseUS Partition Manager, which allows you to convert the file system of the external hard drive from exFAT to FAT32. Alternatively, you can also use the built-in Disk Management tool in Windows, but this method may require formatting the external hard drive, which will erase all data on it. It's recommended to back up any important files before attempting to convert the file system.
 
If you're experiencing issues converting your storage device from exFAT to FAT32, try one of the following methods to switch the file system without losing data.

Preparations for Converting exFAT to FAT32

You have an SD card, external hard drive, USB flash drive, pen drive, or other devices with exFAT, but need to convert it to FAT32 for specific reasons. To protect your data and choose the best file system for your storage device, follow the preparation procedure and tips provided.

1. exFAT vs. FAT32, Which Is Better?

The difference between exFAT and FAT32 is not well-known to many people. To compare the two, a table can be referred to, which highlights the reasons why FAT32 should be set for removable devices.

Comparison exFAT FAT32
Compatibility All Windows OS, modern versions of Mac OS X All Windows OS, Mac, Linux, game consoles
Device Supported The app is not compatible with Xbox One and PS4, and may not work on some media players and Android devices. The device can be used as a video game console, Android USB expansions, media players, and other devices.
Size Supported No limit on file size or hard drive size. 4 GB maximum file size, 8 TB maximum partition size.
Usage  exFAT is a file system that allows for the sharing of large files (larger than 4GB) between operating systems, making it the best choice for such use cases. Mature file system for USB, flash drives and removable drives.

For general use on removable devices like memory cards, SD cards, USB drives, and flash drives, FAT32 is a better choice. However, for larger file transfers or specific purposes, exFAT may be more suitable.

In a word, if you prefer to set your device compatible with all devices and platforms, FAT32 is a good choice. 

2. Back-Up Data Before Switching File System from exFAT to FAT32

To convert an exFAT device to FAT32, start by creating a backup of your device data to ensure all your files are safe before making any changes.

A safer and more efficient way to back up files is to use reliable backup software to back up all files at once.

How to Convert exFAT to FAT32 for Free

To convert exFAT to FAT32, you can follow detailed steps using three different methods. For a fast and secure conversion, we recommend using Qiling Partition Master, a safe disk manager software that ensures data security and efficiency in the conversion process.

Note:Please back up your data before proceeding, as each method will require formatting the device for file system conversion, which may result in data loss.

#1. Using Qiling exFAT to FAT32 Converter

Applicable to all levels of users, beginners' best choice.

Qiling Partition Master allows users to convert exFAT to FAT32 by using its Format feature, making it a convenient third-party disk management tool.

You can easily convert a drive to FAT32 in Windows by right-clicking on the drive, selecting "Format", and then choosing the FAT32 file system in the format options. This process is straightforward and doesn't require any additional software or technical expertise.

If you haven't backed up your data yet, connect the exFAT device to your PC. Then, go to the Clone Disk Wizard on Qiling Partition Master to copy the device data to another disk as a backup.

Step 1.Launch Qiling Partition Master, right-click the partition you intend to format and choose "Format".

Step 2. In a new window, enter the partition label, select the desired file system (FAT32/EXT2/EXT3/EXT4), and set the cluster size according to your needs, then click "Proceed".

Step 3. To start formatting the partition, click "OK" in the warning window that appears, allowing the process to begin and the partition to be formatted to FAT32, EXT2, EXT3, or EXT4.

After converting the data, you can save the backup back to the FAT32 device or use it for other purposes.

# 2. Format exFAT to FAT32 in Using Disk Management

Applicable for experienced Windows users.

Be cautious when formatting an exFAT device to FAT32 in Disk Management, as incorrect steps can render the device unusable.

Step 1.Connect your exFAT formatted external storage devices (such as an SD card, external hard drive, USB flash drive, or pen drive) to your PC.

Step 2.Right-click on Windows icon and select "Disk Management".

Step 3. On Disk Management, right-click on your exFAT USB or external device and select "Format" to erase its contents and convert it to NTFS.

Step 4. Set the file system to FAT32, select the "Quick Format" option, and click "OK" to confirm the format.

Format exFAT to FAT32.

When the formatting process is complete, your device is ready to save and transfer files in the FAT32 format.

# 3. Convert exFAT to FAT32 with CMD Formatting Command

Applicable for professional users and IT administrators.

For experienced users and administrators, a more challenging approach to exFAT to FAT32 conversion is available. This method may be suitable for those who are comfortable with command-line interfaces and are looking for a more technical solution. However, for Windows beginners, it's recommended to stick with the simpler methods mentioned earlier.

To resolve the issue, follow these steps: back up your data, run a virus scan and remove any malware, run a disk cleanup and disk defragmentation, update your operating system and installed software, reboot your PC, run a system file checker, run a disk check, run a registry cleaner, run a disk cleanup and disk defragmentation again, run a system file checker again, reboot your PC again, run a virus scan and remove any malware again, run a disk cleanup and disk defragmentation again, update your operating system and installed software again, reboot your PC again, run a system file checker again, run a disk check again, run a registry cleaner again, run a disk cleanup and disk defragmentation again, and finally reboot your PC again. Be very careful while executing these operations on your PC.

Step 1.Connect your exFAT device to PC.

Step 2.  Right-click the Windows icon and typingcommand prompt.

Step 3. Right-click Command Prompt and select "Run as Administrator".

Step 4. Typediskpart in Command Prompt and hit Enter.

Step 5. 1. List disk

Convert exFAT to FAT32 in CMD.

Step 6.After the formatting process is complete, your device will be converted to FAT32. To close the Diskpart window, simply type "exit" on your keyboard.

After the FAT32 device is created, you can use it to save and transfer files to your computer, game consoles, or media players.

Conclusion

If you need to convert exFAT to FAT32, there are three free and practical options available to assist you. These options can help you achieve the conversion without incurring any costs.

You can convert FAT32 to exFAT using any method on this page.

For beginners, Qiling Partition Master Free is the best option, while for experienced or professional IT users, managing partitions with Disk Management and CMD can be a bit of a challenge.

People Also Ask

Some people not only convert file systems between exFAT and FAT32, but also have questions about formatting devices from NTFS to exFAT, FAT32, and other formats. If you're among them, check out the quick solutions below.

1. How do I convert exFAT to NTFS?

Converting exFAT to NTFS can be achieved through various methods, similar to those listed on this page. You can use the Command Prompt (CMD), Disk Management, or a third-party tool like Qiling Partition Master to format the device to NTFS.

For a detailed tutorial, you may refer to this link for help: How to Convert exFAT to NTFS.

2. How do I format a 64GB USB from exFAT to FAT32?

64GB USB drive cannot be formatted to FAT32 using Disk Management or CMD due to Windows' 32GB volume limit on FAT32 devices.

Fortunately, Qiling Partition Master has broken the limit, allowing you to format a 64GB USB to FAT32 regardless of its original file system being exFAT or NTFS.

3. What is the difference between exFAT, FAT32, and NTFS? 

Highlights:

Limits:

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