Even though the FAT32 folder was not designed to be used on disks larger than 32 GB, you will not be able to select it as an option when using the standard Windows formatting tools. ExFAT has largely taken on the role of FAT32 as a file system since it is more economical, capable of managing large data files, and suitable with all current versions of Microsoft Windows as well as macOS. When using the drive with its much older machine which does not recognize exFAT, however, FAT32 may be the only option available.
How to Format External Hard Drive to Fat32 – How Is It?
What is a File System?
System software is a predefined way of organizing information on a computer memory stick such as a USB drive or hard disk drive (hard drive).
It’s almost like having a wall of letter post boxes divided up into virtual divisions on a storage media, as well as a file system that takes account of most of the data that gets put in each box.
ExFAT is one of the most used file system types for portable media, and it is derived from the FAT32 file system.
What is FAT32?
FAT32 stands for File Allocation Table32
The 32-bit variant of the FAT file system (File Allocation Table 32). The FAT32 file system, which was used on Windows systems before the more powerful NTFS file system, is extensively used as USB drives, flash memory cards, and removable media because of its cross-platform compatibility.
FAT32 is therefore a file system that is used for storage media, and file systems are methods for arranging data on device types like hard disks, SSDs, sd cards, and memory cards.
Why Do You Have to Format External Hard to FAT32?
• File Allocation Table 32 is the name of the file system (FAT32)
• Description: The most ancient of the main three file systems (FAT32, exFAT, as well as NTFS); typically found on detachable storage devices and external hard disk drives (HDDs).
• Advantages: Excellent interoperability with a wide range of storage media; a FAT32 device may be accessed by both Windows and Mac operating systems.
• Disadvantages: The capability of achieving a high file size supported is 4GB, and Windows does not support FAT32 for external hard drives larger than 32GB.
There is no uncertainty that you would like to make the most of your external device to its best potential. Due to the fact that every operating system scans a different file system. For those of you who have purchased an NTFS hard disk, you will only be able to use it on Windows computers rather than on Mac computers. However, if you have a FAT32 external media device, the situation is completely different; either Version Of Windows or Mac X would readily detect it.
Additionally, PlayStation console gamers should be aware that the type of external USB device must be FAT32 to be compatible with the platform. They must first format the PS disk drive to FAT32 before they may connect an external USB disk to the console. Consequently, in any situation where the FAT32 file format is necessary, you can use the mentioned command prompt and otherwise EaseUS partition management software for formatting the external hard drive to FAT32 using your Windows 10/8/7 in a single operation.
Format HDD to FAT32 in your Windows 10 using Command Prompt
You should be aware of the FAT32 disadvantages, such as the fact that Windows File Explorer, as well as Windows Disk Management, are unable to format FAT32 through an external hard drive with a partition size of more than 32 gigabytes. You will not see a FAT32 choice in the drop-down menu in either of the native apps if your HDD partition has a capacity greater than 32GB in size. Because of this, to give you a comprehensive approach to format FAT32 in your Windows 10, you’ll need several additional disk formatting programs that will allow you to bypass the 32GB limit & format any size external HDD and even Flash drive to FAT32 without any problems.
The Command Prompt of your Windows is a powerful computer administration software that may be used to resolve the majority of Windows-related issues. When you are apprehensive about uploading any third-party applications, you can try to format the disk using the Command Prompt instead.
How to Format FAT32 Using Command Prompt
Step 1. First, you have to connect the external HDD to your computer. Then, you have to click on the Start menu and find the Command Prompt from the Start menu. Once you find it, you have to right-click on the command prompt, and hot on Run as administrator from the drop-down menu.
Step 2. When the command prompt opens, you have to type diskpart in the window panel of the Command Prompt and then, press Enter from your keyboard.
Step 3. Next, you have to type list disk there and press Enter. Make a note of the drive letter and the number of the external storage device.
Step 4. Now, you have to type select disk M and press Enter. You should change the letter M with the number of your external hard disk.
Step 5. Continue to type each of the commands below, pressing Enter every after the command you type.
create partition primary
select partition 1
active
format fs=fat32
assign
exit
As a result, your hard disk will be formatted in FAT32 format. If the file system has been updated, you can view it in Windows Disk Management. For this, you have to go to This PC, then, select Manage, and next, click on Disk Management.
How to Format HDD to FAT32 in Your Windows 10 Using Partition Manager
You can use this method instead of the command prompt if you’re worried about making a shambles with the command prompt. For ordinary Windows users, EaseUS partition manager for free will be their first preference for hard drive formatting because it is simple and easy to use. This can format any external drive, USB drive, Memory card, or indeed any removable media device to FAT32 rapidly and effortlessly, and that should be their preferred choice. Reconnect your external USB connection appropriately and format an external hard drive to FAT32 in the Windows operating system using EaseUS Partition Master by following the instructions outlined in this article.
How to Format FAT32 Using FAT32 Formatter
Step 1. First, you have to install the EaseUS Partition Master on your computer. Once, you completed the installation, you have to right-click on the partition which you want to format, and then, you have to select “Format”.
Step 2. Insert a label for the partition inside the newly opened panel, select the FAT32 system files, then adjust the cell size to match your requirements, then click “OK”.
Step 3. Afterward, you will be presented with a warning popup; simply click “OK” to proceed.
Step 4. Finally, to verify the adjustments, hit the “Execute Operation” option on the top-left edge of the screen, then select “Apply” to begin formatting the disk to FAT32 format.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are FAT32 and exFAT the same?
Ans: FAT32 is suitable with a broader range of very outdated operating systems than most other file systems. ExFAT, on the other hand, has no restrictions on the size of individual files or partitions, whereas FAT32 does. If we compare exFAT to the FAT32 file system, we can see that it is an upgraded FAT32 file format that may be widely utilized for detachable devices with huge storage capacities.
2. Can a 64GB USB drive be formatted to FAT32?
Ans: EaseUS Partition Master is really a free FAT32 formatted utility that removes the constraint of 32GB, allowing you to format a USB Flash drive with such FAT32 system files which is 64GB, 128GB, or even higher in size than that.
Conclusion
You have to apply the methods properly according to your operating system to format the external hard drive to FAT32. You can do it manually or use the software according to your choice.
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