As storage capacities continue to increase, the need for larger file systems such as NTFS and exFAT becomes more prevalent. However, in some cases, using the older FAT32 file system may be necessary. This can be particularly true for external hard drives and flash drives that will be used across different operating systems, as FAT32 is more widely compatible.
In this article, we will discuss the steps necessary to format a large drive to FAT32 in Windows 10.
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Prerequisites
Before beginning the formatting process, there are a few things you will need to ensure are in place.
- A Windows 10 computer with administrative privileges.
- The drive you wish to format.
- A backup of any important data on the drive, as formatting will erase all data on the drive.
Formatting the Drive
- Connect the drive to your computer.
- Open File Explorer and locate the drive in the list of drives on your computer.
- Right-click on the drive and select "Format."
- In the "File System" dropdown, select "FAT32."
- Give the drive a label, if desired.
- Click "Start" to begin the formatting process.
It's important to note that formatting a drive larger than 32GB to FAT32 can be difficult and not all formatting tools can do it. In those cases, you can use third-party software like AOMEI Partition Assistant Standard, EaseUS Partition Master, or mini tool Partition Wizard which can help you format large drives to fat32.
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Confirming the Format
Once the formatting process is complete, you can verify that the drive is now using the FAT32 file system by following these steps:
- Open File Explorer and locate the drive in the list of drives on your computer.
- Right-click on the drive and select "Properties."
- Under the "General" tab, the "File System" should now be listed as "FAT32."
In this article, we have discussed the steps necessary to format a large drive to FAT32 in Windows 10. While the process may seem daunting, it is relatively straightforward and can be completed in just a few minutes. It's important to remember to always backup any important data before formatting a drive. With the right tools and a little bit of know-how, you can easily format your large drive to FAT32 and enjoy the added compatibility that comes with it.