How to Convert NTFS to FAT32 Without Losing Data
NTFS and FAT32 are two types of file systems used in Windows operating systems, with key differences and usage scenarios. NTFS is a more modern and secure file system, suitable for everyday use, while FAT32 is an older file system, still widely used for specific purposes. The choice between NTFS and FAT32 depends on the intended use of the storage device, with NTFS recommended for most users and FAT32 for older systems or specific applications.
| Workable Solutions | Step-by-step Troubleshooting |
|---|---|
| 1. Recommended Converter - Qiling Partition Master Free | The easiest way to convert a drive from NTFS to FAT32 is to use a third-party formatting tool specifically designed for this purpose. These tools can quickly and safely change the file system of the drive, allowing you to switch from the more secure NTFS to the older FAT32 format. This method is often preferred over manual formatting, as it minimizes the risk of data loss and ensures a smooth transition.Full steps |
| 2. Windows File Explorer | ...to use the built-in Windows feature called "Disk Management" to convert the partition to FAT32.Full steps |
| 3. Disk Management | The other method is to use Disk Management...Full steps |
| 4. DiskPart | Unlike Windows File Explorer and Disk Management, DiskPart is capable of performing more complex tasks. ...Full steps |
NTFS vs. FAT32, Which Is Better
FAT32 is an older file system variant of FAT, used in earlier versions of operating systems like DOS and Windows before XP. Despite its age, FAT32 remains a default format for some external storage devices, such as SD memory cards and USB flash drives, in modern Windows systems.
NTFS is a newer file system developed by Microsoft, succeeding FAT, and is the default file system of the Windows NT family, including the latest Windows operating systems.
Here is a comparison between NTFS and FAT32 in one paragraph:
| Features | NTFS | FAT32 |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Volume Size |
|
32GB - 2TB |
| Maximum File Size | 16TB | 4GB |
FAT32 supports up to 4GB file and 2TB max volume size, while NTFS supports up to 16TB single file with 2-4TB volume size in practice, allowing for larger file sizes with NTFS.
Both NTFS and FAT32 are widely used file systems on Windows PCs, and it's difficult to say which one is better or worse. They have their own strengths and weaknesses, and the choice between them often depends on specific needs and preferences. Ultimately, both file systems can provide reliable and efficient storage solutions for Windows users.
Due to different purposes, a different file system may be needed for a Windows partition or external storage device partition, which will be discussed in the next part.
When to Use NTFS or FAT32
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Case 1 -
To resolve the issue, I need to convert the USB Drive format from NTFS to FAT32 so that the BIOS file can be recognized by the computer.
Case 2 -
You want to back up your system partition, but the backup app only supports FAT32, so you need to convert your NTFS partition to FAT32 to make it compatible.
NTFS is generally used for larger storage devices, such as hard drives and solid-state drives, due to its ability to support larger file sizes and provide better security features. FAT32, on the other hand, is often used for smaller storage devices, such as USB drives and memory cards, due to its simplicity and ease of use. However, FAT32 has limitations, such as a maximum file size of 4GB, which may not be suitable for larger files.
- For installing Windows, NTFS is the recommended file system for newer operating systems like Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7, while FAT32 is better suited for older OS like Windows XP and earlier.
- To transfer files on a non-Windows OS recommends FAT32 as the best choice, as long as file sizes are smaller than 4GB.
- For smaller external storage devices (less than 64GB), FAT32 is the recommended file system.
- FAT32 is the recommended default file system for most game controllers or game drives, with exFAT as a close second.
To change the file system from NTFS to FAT32, you can use the built-in Windows tool called "Disk Management" or a third-party software like EaseUS Partition Manager. Here's a step-by-step guide: Open Disk Management, select the partition you want to change, right-click and choose "Delete Volume" to delete the existing volume, then create a new volume with FAT32 file system. Alternatively, you can use EaseUS Partition Manager to resize the partition, delete the existing volume, and create a new one with FAT32.
NTFS to FAT32 Converters Free Download
Here the following, we'll cover 4 FAT32 formatted that will help you effectively convert NTFS to FAT32 with ease.
- Important
- It's recommended to back up important data to a secure location before converting NTFS to FAT32, as most converters require formatting, which can result in data loss.
- You can use free backup software to safeguard your important data, ensuring it's safe and secure in case something goes wrong.
- #1. Use Qiling Partition Master Free - Easy
- #2. Use Windows File Explorer - Easy
- #3. Use Disk Management - Medium
- #4. Use DiskPart Command Prompt - Hard
All four NTFS to FAT32 converters support Windows OS, including Windows 11/10/8/7/XP/Vista, with the best converter working the best.
To convert your device from NTFS to FAT32, simply pick up the desired tool and follow the tutorial below, making the process easy and hassle-free.
Method 1. Convert NTFS to FAT32 with Qiling Partition Master Free (Recommend)
Best for: Windows Beginners
Difficulty Level: Extremely easy
Capacity Limit: None
You can easily convert an NTFS drive to FAT32 using a third-party tool. Qiling Partition Master Free is a free tool that allows you to change the file system between NTFS and FAT32, making it a convenient option for this task.
The software is compatible with various Windows versions, including Windows 11, 10, 8, 8.1, 7, XP, and Vista, and does more than just formatting an NTFS device to FAT32, also supporting to.
- Support other file systems, including exFAT, FAT16, Ext2/3/4, etc.
- Supports to Convert FAT/FAT32 to NTFS without formatting, no data loss.
- Supports formatting 64GB/128GB UBS to FAT32 without limit.
- Supports advanced features such as resizing partitions, converting a disk from MBR to GPT or vice versa, and transferring an operating system.
To convert NTFS to FAT32, start by backing up your data to ensure it's safe. Once backed up, you can proceed with formatting your device. This will erase all data on the device, so make sure to have a backup before proceeding.
Step 1. Right-click the target device partition and select "More..." > "Convert to FAT".
Step 2. When the check process finishes, click "Continue" to initiate the NTFS to FAT32 conversion.
Step 3. Click "Finish" to save all changes.
Method 2. Change NTFS to FAT32 using Windows File Explorer
Best for: Windows Beginners
Difficulty Level: Easy
Capacity Limit: Device should be 32GB or smaller
For Windows users, one easy way to change NTFS to FAT32 is by using the built-in FAT32 formatter - Windows File Explorer.
To format a storage device to FAT32, you can follow these steps:
Step 1. Connect your hard drive or external storage device to your Windows PC using a USB cable.
Step 2. Double-click This PC/My computer to open File Explorer.
Step 3. Locate and right-click on the USB drive, select "Format".
Step 4. Set the FAT32 file system as the target, select "Quick Format" and click "Start" to begin the formatting process.
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Method 3. Format NTFS to FAT32 Using Disk Management
Best for: Experienced Windows users
Difficulty Level: Medium
Capacity Limit: Device should be 32GB or smaller
To format a drive using Disk Management, first open the Disk Management tool by searching for it in the Start menu. In the Disk Management window, right-click on the drive you want to format and select "Format" from the context menu. A window will appear where you can choose the file system you want to use, such as FAT32 or NTFS. Select the desired file system and click "OK" to begin the formatting process.
How can I convert the USB Drive format from NTFS to FAT32?
1. Right-click on "This PC" or "My Computer" and select "Manage", then click on "Disk Management".
2. Choose your USB Drive, right click the drive and choose "Format". Click "Yes".
3. Name the drive and select the file system as "FAT32". Click "OK".
4. You can find the format is FAT32.
The formatting process completes and the format is FAT32 displaying in Disk Management.
Method 4. Format NTFS Device to FAT32 via DiskPart
Best for: Experienced or advanced users, administrators
Difficulty Level: Hard
Capacity Limit: Device should be 32GB or smaller
Unlike Windows File Explorer and Disk Management, DiskPart performs a wider range of tasks beyond just formatting devices. It also enables advanced management capabilities on Windows and Windows Server machines.
To change the file system to FAT32 using the DiskPart command line, follow these steps carefully:
Connect the storage device that you need to convert from NTFS to FAT32 to your PC. Next, open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
Step 1. To run Command Prompt as administrator in Windows, type cmd in the Windows Search bar, right-click on Command Prompt, and select "Run as administrator" from the context menu.
Step 2. Type diskpart into the Command Prompt window and hit Enter.
Step 3. Type the following command lines and hit Enter each time:
- list disk
- select disk 0(Replace 0 with the disk number of your target device)
- list volume
- select volume 2(Replace 2 with the volume number of your device)
- format fs=fat32 quick
Step 4. When the formatting process completes, type exit to close DiskPart.
After this, your device is now with FAT32.
The Bottom Line
On this page, we covered the basics of NTFS and FAT32, including when to use each file system. As FAT32 gains higher compatibility, we also provided four NTFS to FAT32 converters to help you easily switch your device's file system from NTFS to FAT32.
Before converting to FAT32, copy your data to another drive or use backup and recovery software to back up data.
If you want to easily and effectively format large devices (over 32GB) to FAT32, Qiling Partition Master is a good option.
People Also Ask
1. Can NTFS convert to fat32?
You can convert NTFS to FAT32, but Windows' built-in tools like Disk Management and File Explorer only allow this by reformatting the partition, resulting in data loss. However, you can use Qiling Partition Master to convert NTFS to FAT32 without formatting or losing data.
2. Is NTFS better than fat32?
FAT32 and NTFS are two widely used file systems on Windows PCs, each with its own limitations. FAT32 can only support files up to 4GB in size and a maximum volume size of 2TB, making it unsuitable for large files. In contrast, NTFS can handle files up to 16TB and typically supports volume sizes of 2-4TB, making it a better option for users who need to store large files. However, it's not possible to definitively say which one is "better" as it ultimately depends on the specific needs of the user.
3. How can I convert NTFS to fat32 without formatting?
- Launch Qiling Partition Master, right-click the partition you intend to format and choose "Format".
- Choose the FAT32 file system and set the cluster size according to your needs, which will determine the maximum file size and overall disk usage efficiency.
- Then click "OK".
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