Let’s learn the process of Easy Convert FAT32 to NTFS in Windows 11. Windows 11 also supports many file systems, as its predecessors are supported. Also, it supports FAT32 and NTFS, which are commonly used for years.
FAT32 stands for File Allocation Table 32, and NTFS stands for New Technology File System. Both technologies are used in our devices. FAT32 and NTFS have their own advantages and disadvantages. FAT32 is one of the most compatible and popular file systems.
FAT32 continues to become increasingly outdated because of its limitations, security concerns, and compatibility issues with new-generation devices. In this, the process of converting the FAT32 to the NTFS file system is produced.

What is the Need to Convert FAT32 to NTFS File System?
As we know, FAT32 and NTFS are two different file systems. FAT32 supports up to 2TB size with a 4GB maximum file size. It does not have file compression, encryption, advanced security permissions, etc.
Whereas NTFS supports up to 16 exabytes, has the facility of file compression and encryption, offers advanced security permissions, and very little fragmentation issued. FAT32 is the 32-bit version of the FAT file system that is used for USB drives, flash memory cards, and external hard drives.
The NTFS file system by Microsoft is suitable for large-capacity disks. It is now well suited for modern Windows Systems, whereas the FAT32 is found on older Windows versions and removable devices due to its low capacity.
How to Check the File System
There is a process to find the File System of a specific drive. To do so, press Windows + E to open File Explorer and then click on This PC.
Now choose a drive as per your choice and right-click on the drive and click on Properties or you can press Alt + Enter to go to the properties.
The Properties window of a disk now opens. Under the General tab, you can find there is an option where the there you find File System, which shows whether it is FAT32 or NTFS.
FAT32
FAT32 is an extension of the File System data stored in 32 bits. FAT32 is an upgraded version of FAT16 which overcomes the limited source of FAT16 to add support for large media. FAT32 is used in older versions of OS like Windows 95 to Windows XP. The advantages and disadvantages are shown below.
Advantages of FAT32 | Disadvantages of FAT32 |
---|---|
It works efficiently under 200 MB of partitions | FAT32 partitions more than 200 MB can lower performance |
Compatibility with different operating systems | Due to the lack of encryption, it is insecure |
Used frequently as a primary partition on a multi-boot system | It is exposed to fragmentation |
NTFS
NTFS was introduced in 1993 and is used in newer operating systems such as Windows NT, 2000, and the latest version of Windows. It has a high-performance logging file system with multi-user access control and many other things that make it properly coordinated with Operating system protection. It includes data recovery, multi-streaming, fault tolerance, security, extended file size, and file systems.
Advantages of NTFS | Disadvantages of NTFS |
---|---|
It is highly secure and prevents unauthorized access to file contents using an Encryption File System (EFS) | It is not extensively supported |
Performs well in partition sizes over 400 MB | NTFS file system degrades its performance under partitions of 400 MB |
Less exposed to fragmentation |
Difference Between FAT32 and NTFS File System
The most commercially available memory cards use the FAT32 file system by default, however, the NTFS file system is used in many storage devices these days. The differences between FAT32 and NTFS are shown in the table below.
FAT32 | NTFS |
---|---|
It cannot store individual files sizing more than 4 GB | It stores individual files sized to 16 TB |
Low disk utilization | High disk utilization and manage disk space effectively |
Normal read and write speed | Faster reading and writing speed |
Suitable for small-capacity flash memories | Suitable for larger disk capacity |
Simple structure | Complex structure |
83 number of characters supported in a file name | 255 number of characters supported in a file name |
No encryption | Encrypted with Encrypting File System (EFS) |
Network-type security only | Both local and network-type security |
There is no fault tolerance | Auto troubleshooting is present |
Windows 95/98/2000/2003/XP | Windows NT/2K/XP/Vista/7/8/10/11, macOS X, Linux |
No compression allowed | Support file compression |
Low access speed | High access speed than any other file system |
No user-level disk space is present | Availability of user-level disk space |
Conversion allowed | No conversion allowed |
Convert FAT32 to NTFS Using Command Prompt
Type Command Prompt in the Search Box on the Taskbar and click open, as shown in the image below. This opens the command prompt window where you can execute commands.
When the command prompt window opens, select the disk you want to convert from FAT32 to NTFS. As here the drive F: select the type the following command and press Enter.
Convert F: /fs:ntfs
If you see any error message like Data error (cyclic redundancy check), then re-run the command above, and you will see the message as Drive F: is already NTFS.
Convert FAT32 to NTFS Using Disk Management
You can also convert FAT32 to NTFS using computer management, to do so, right-click on the Windows Key, and from the options menu, click on Computer Management.
When the Computer Management window opens, click on Disk Management on the left panel of the window. Then you can find the disk you want to convert, right-click on the selected disk, and then click on the Format option from the list.
Hence, the Disk Management warning window opens. This is the active partition on this disk. All data on the partition will be lost. Are you sure you want to format this partition? Here click on Yes to continue.
Then the format window opens. If you want, you can change the Volume Label as per your requirement. Then you select NTFS from the File System drop-down menu. Remove the check mark from the “Perform a quick format” option and press OK.
Formatting this volume will erase all data on it. Back up any data you want to keep before formatting. Do you want to continue? Click on OK, and the formatting is completed, and the disk is converted to NTFS.
Convert FAT32 to NTFS Using Windows File Explorer
Formatting means removing the current FAT32 file system along with all the files and replacing it with an empty NTFS drive. Windows File Explorer is the fastest way. Open This PC section in Windows File Explorer using the left navigation pane, as shown in Fig. 2.
Then select the desired disk you want to convert, right-click on the drive and choose Format from the context menu. The Format window opens.
On the format window under the File System drop-down menu, select NTFS. Under Volume Label, you can change the disk name if you want. After completing, click on Start to continue formatting.
Then the format warning window opens. Warning: Formatting will erase ALL data on this disk. To format the disk, click OK. To quit, click CANCEL. Now click on OK to continue.
Convert FAT32 to NTFS Using Elevated Command Prompt
You can format the disk using the diskpart command. Open the Elevated Command Prompt (Administrator: Command Prompt) to do so. The window opens; type diskpart and press Enter.
Now it enters into the diskpart version. Here type the command list volume, then press Enter. It will show all the volumes available on the disk part.
The image above shows that Volumes 2 and 4 are under the FAT32 System File. Let’s select Volume 4 to convert it. Type Select Volume 4 and press Enter. The message shown as Volume 4 is the selected volume.
Now it’s time to format it. Type format fs=ntfs quick, and press Enter. The formatting starts from 0 percent completed to 100 percent completed. After that message appears as DiskPart successfully formatted the volume.
It is time to exit from the diskpart. To do so, type exit and press Enter. The message is shown as Leaving Diskpart. Now your disk is converted from FAT32 to NTFS.
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Author
Alok is a Master of Computer Applications (MCA) graduate. He loves writing on Windows 11 and related technologies. He likes to share his knowledge, quick tips, and tricks with Windows 11 or Windows 10 with the community.