How to Format NTFS to FAT32 without Losing Data
Quick Navigation:
- Part 1. Basic Comparison between NTFS and FAT32
- How to Backup Data before Formatting NTFS to FAT32
- Guide to Backup Data with QILING Disk Master
- Part 2. How to Convert or Format NTFS to FAT32 in 3 ways
- Method #1. How to Format NTFS to FAT32 with Disk Management
- Method #2. How to Format NTFS to FAT32 with DiskPart
- Method #3. How to Convert NTFS to FAT32 using Windows Explorer
FAT32 is one of the oldest file systems while NTFS is a newer version. Although it is an older file system, it works just fine on many operating systems. It is compatible with DOS v7, Windows 98, 2000, and others. Additionally, the file system is compatible with popular game consoles, such as 3DS, PS3, and PS4, among others. There are different reasons why users may want to convert from NTFS to FAT32. One of these is the issue of compatibility. Many devices only support the FAT32 file system, which means that if you have a drive that has an NTFS partition, you will need to format it to FAT32 to use it.
Part 1. Basic Comparison between NTFS and FAT32
Both NTFS and FAT32 are the two different file systems available for operating systems to write/read data on a drive. The newer version is NTFS, which has many benefits to offer. Let's look at some of the differences between these two file systems.
| Features | NTFS | FAT32 |
|---|---|---|
| Support | It supports large files and file permissions. | Supports less than 2TB volumes and less than 2GB files. It does not support file permissions. |
| Compression | You can compress files individually. | There are not compression options available. |
| Security | Users can create specific permissions for folders and files. | Only shared permissions are available. |
| Fault Tolerance | NTFS automatically repairs files when there is any damage. | It maintains two FAT copies in case damage occurs. |
We have looked at the major reason why computer users may want to convert NTFS to FAT32 USB. We have also explored the differences between these two files. Before going ahead to look at how to format NTFS to FAT32 without losing data, let's talk about file backup or recover lost files after converting NTFS to FAT32.
How to Backup Data before Formatting NTFS to FAT32
Before using any of the methods available to format 500GB NTFS to FAT32, it is crucial that you backup your data to avoid data loss. If you don't back up files, you will lose data in the process. To back up data, we recommend QILING Disk Master as the best software to backup files, folders, and the complete NTFS external hard drive.
QILING Disk Master is a powerful file backup software that utilizes advanced technology to provide maximum protection for your files, folders, partitions, disks, NTFS drive, and entire operating system. With this software, you can rest assured that your data is safe and can be quickly and easily restored in case of a disaster.
Your Reliable Backup data Software
- Safely and easily backup drive for data protection or other purposes too.
- Protects your data on the computer by backing up the files, hard drive or partition, system or even external storage devices.
- Three backup modes let you customize your backup location, types, and schedules.
- Quick hard drive recovery solution when any disk or system issue occurs.
Guide to Backup Data with QILING Disk Master
Backing up your data is a crucial step in ensuring that your files are safe and can be recovered in case of a disaster. QILING Disk Master is a powerful software tool that allows you to backup any files from portable or hard drives connected to your Windows PC.
Step 1: Backing up your files is a crucial step in ensuring that your data is safe and can be recovered in case of a disaster. QILING Disk Master is a powerful software tool that allows you to backup any files from portable or hard drives connected to your Windows PC.
Step 2: Backing up your files is a crucial step in ensuring that your data is safe and can be recovered in case of a disaster. QILING Disk Master is a powerful software tool that allows you to backup any files from portable or hard drives connected to your Windows PC.
Step 3: Once the backup process is complete, you'll be presented with a preview of the backed-up files. This is a great opportunity to review the results and decide on the next course of action.
Part 2. How to Convert or Format NTFS to FAT32 in 3 ways
Method #1. How to Format NTFS to FAT32 with Disk Management
If you're an experienced Windows user and have a drive that's 32GB or smaller, you can use the built-in Windows tool to format it. This method is straightforward and doesn't require any additional software.
Step #1: Right-click on "My Computer" and click on "Manage" and then "Disk Management".
Step #2: Select and right-click the drive and then select "Format". Next, click "Yes".
Step #3: Rename the drive and select "FAT32" as the file system and then click "OK".
Step #4: When the formatting finishes, you will find FAT32 showing in Disk Management.
Method #2. How to Format NTFS to FAT32 with DiskPart
This method is a bit difficult and is only recommended for advanced users and administrators. It also works for drives that are no larger than 32GB. DiskPart does more than formatting devices. It also performs advanced management functions on the Windows Service machines. Here is how to format NTFS to FAT32 external hard drive with the DiskPart command line.
Step #1: Type "cmd" in Windows Search and right-click on the Command Prompt and choose "Run as Administrator".
Step #2: Type "diskpart" in the Command Prompt window and tap "Enter"
Step #3: Type the command lines below and tap "Enter" after each of them:
>List disk
>Select disk A (put your device's disk number instead of A)
>List volume
>Select volume 1 (replace 1 with your device's volume number)
>Format fs=fa32 quick
Step #4: Type "Exit" to close DiskPart when the process finishes. You should check after this to see that your device has been formatted to FAT32.
Method #3. How to Convert NTFS to FAT32 using Windows Explorer
Converting NTFS to FAT32 is a straightforward process that can be done using the built-in FAT32 tool in Windows. This method is ideal for drives that are 32GB or smaller. The built-in tool is a powerful and efficient way to convert NTFS to FAT32 without the need for third-party software.
Stet #1: Connect the external storage device or hard drive to the Windows system.
Step #2: Double-click on "My Computer" to open File Explorer.
Step #3: Find and right-click on the drive and select "Format".
Step #4: Choose FAT32 as the target file system and select "Quick Format". Next, click "Start" to begin the formatting. You will see the device is in FAT32 after the formatting.
This post shares three main methods to help you format NFS to FAT32 without losing data. You should always back up data before you use any of these three methods. If the drive convert from NTFS to FAT32, the data is lost. Don't worry, you can use Deep Data Recovery software to help you get them back.
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