How to Format to FAT32 in Windows 11 (4 Useful Methods)

Like how we have different types of files, the storage also has different formats. NTFS is popular in Windows now, FAT32 was used earlier, and still handy when you need to move files between different types of OS and so on. This post will guide you on how you can format FAT32 in Windows 11 using various tools.

What is FAT32?

FAT32 is a disk format or, in simple words, how files are organized on a shelf. Also called File Allocation Table, it is how the operating system (OS) keeps track of the cluster allocation, and the cluster allocation is how the file system allocates disk space for everything. When you format a drive, FAT32 is one of the options.

FAT32 is one of the ways, and the number 32 refers to the number of bits that the filing system uses to store addresses of those files. Microsoft introduced it. So what are the features of FAT32?

• Compatible with a large number of devices.
• Work cross-platform or cross operating systems.
• Maximum file size 4 GB and partition size 8 TB
• Not as efficient as NTFS and is less secure

FAT 32 was introduced by Microsoft during the launch of Windows 95 to support larger size hard disk storage and partition size. Earlier Microsoft used FAT and FAT 16.

How to Format FAT32?

Here is the list of tools you can use to format any storage device as FAT 32. It can be used on any storage device, including external or internal, hard drive or SSD, SD card, or USB drive.

Before we start, make sure you have taken a backup of the data which is on that drive you plan to format. If you haven't ensure there are no important files in it. Once formatted, it is not possible to recover the files using a standard method. You will have to use Recovery software instead, and its time-consuming.

Format to FAT32 Using FAT32 Formatter (Windows 11)
Format to FAT32 via File Explorer (Windows 11)
Format Drive to FAT32 with Disk Management (Windows 11)
Format Drive to FAT32 with Command Prompt

Format to FAT32 Using FAT32 Formatter (Windows 11)

Qiling Partition Manager is professional software that can manage all kinds of operations related to a disk, including formatting partitions and drives to FAT32. The software comes in handy when you want to format your HDD to FAT32, but you don't know how to do it the right way.

• Free Download
• Windows 11/10/8/7, 100% Secure

Here is the list of features and functions:

• Clone/Create/Format/Delete Partitions
• Copy Disk/Partition
• Resize/Move/Merge Partitions
• Dynamic Volume Management
• Migrate OS to SSD
• Change FAT32 to NTFS
• Primary/Logical Partition Converter
• MBR/GPT Disk Converter
• Dynamic/Basic Disk Converter
• .Create WinPE Bootable Disk
• Partition Recovery and Recall Protection
• SSD 4K Alignment
• Create WinPE Bootable Disk

Formatting any storage using the software is easy. Once you plug the drive, launch the software, right-click on the drive, and choose to format it into FAT32.

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

Step 2. In the new window, enter the Partition label, choose the FAT32/EXT2/EXT3/EXT4 file system, and set the cluster size according to your needs, then click "Proceed".

Step 3. Then you will see a warning window, click "OK" in it to start formatting the partition to FAT32/EXT2/EXT3/EXT4.

Format to FAT32 via File Explorer (Windows 11)

Windows File Explore not only helps with displaying and managing files, but it also can manage basic disc management. If you do not want to use any software, you can use File Explorer to format the available partitions. However, you cannot perform operations on disk level using File Explorer.

Step 1: Click on the File Explorer icon on the taskbar, and click on This PC. You should be able to view all the connected drives and partitions.

Step 2: Right-click on the portion and select format. Make sure you have a backup of all important data from the partition; otherwise, you will not recover them.

Step 3: In the format window, select FAT32 from the File system drop-down, select quick format, and click on the Start button. Once done, the drive should be ready to use.

Format Drive to FAT32 with Disk Management (Windows 11) 

While File Explorer is great when you want to format partitions, you need the Disk Management tool to format your entire drive to the FAT32 file system.

Note: Be very careful using this tool. If you accidentally delete any partition to drive, you will not be able to recover them.

Step 1: Type Disk Management and select Create and format hard disk partitions. Once it opens, it will display a list of hard drives and partitions.

Step 2: Right-click on it and select Format. Be aware not to use this operation on an EFI or Primary partition. You will be denied access even if you do so.

Step 3: You can set up Volume label, Format 32, as the format option. Once done, you can use it through File Explorer.

Format Drive to FAT32 with Command Prompt

If you love to use Command Prompt for almost everything, you can also format your USB drive in Windows using the Format command. You can also format using the Windows Terminal as it is readily available in the Power Menu in Windows 11 as Command Prompt is available in Windows 10.

Step 1: Use WIN + X to open Power Menu and select Command Prompt with admin permission. Make sure to note the drive letter.

Step 2: Once the command prompt opens, type format /FS:FAT32 and press the Enter key.

Step 3: It should now display the operation result, and the drive should be ready to use.

FAT32 has a limitation on the maximum size it can support. If you choose to format a large-size hard drive with FAT32, it may not work. It is best used for devices such as USB drivers for cross-compatibility. 

Conclusion

Formatting a partition or drive to FAT32 is easy on a PC. The drive can be of any format and type; as long as it is available or detectable on the computer, it can be formatted to any file system.

Instead of using Windows tools, it is better to use professional software such as Qiling Partition Master. It offers more choice, but the UI is easy to understand, and you get a clear idea of the result of your actions.

• Free Download
• Windows 11/10/8/7, 100% Secure

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