Best USB Formatter to Format 64GB Flash Drive to FAT32 in Windows
FAT32 vs. NTFS: Which is better for USB Stick?
FAT32 and NTFS are two different partition file systems used in Windows operating systems. Fortunately, one can change the file system between FAT32 and NTFS without formatting. Like other hard drives, USB flash drives are organized in clusters, with the allocation unit size describing the size of a single cluster.
FAT32 is still a better file system for a USB drive due to its simplicity and compatibility with older systems, making it a reliable choice for storing files on a portable device. Its simplicity also means it requires less maintenance and is less prone to errors, making it a more practical option for everyday use. Additionally, FAT32 is widely supported by most operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it easy to access and share files across different platforms.
▶ Compatibility
FAT32's early creation makes it compatible with virtually all operating systems, which is crucial for a removable device that's often moved between different systems, including XBOX, PS3/PS4, Android, and more. Compatibility is a key property for a USB drive that needs to work seamlessly across various platforms.
▶ Memory-saving
FAT32 takes up less space on a USB drive and has less disk writing operations, resulting in faster speed and lower memory usage.
FAT32 is a suitable file system for USB keys, but it has some limitations. It cannot read single files larger than 4GB or single partitions greater than 2TB, which should be considered when dealing with such large files or partitions.
Format USB to FAT32 using Diskpart
Windows actually provides snap-To format a partition, you can use various tools such as Disk Management, Command Prompt, and partition format tools. Disk Management is a user-friendly utility with a graphical interface, accessible by going to Computer/This PC > Manage. Right-click the partition you want to format and select "Format…". During this process, you can choose a file system, making it a relatively straightforward process for most users.
Diskpart.exe is a tool that offers advanced users unattended service, making it a good program for tasks such as formatting a USB drive. This includes formatting a SONY Bravia USB or a pen drive to FAT32 or NTFS, and also works for USB drives made by manufacturers like HP, Kingston, and Samsung. To format a USB drive to FAT32 using CMD, start by plugging the drive into a USB port, then follow the detailed steps to complete the formatting process.
1. To start Run, press the Windows key + R. Then type "diskpart" in the box and press Enter to open Command Prompt.
2. Create a new file called "example.txt" with the content "Hello, World!
• list volume
• select volume X (X is the partition on the USB drive)
• format fs=fat32 quick
• exit
Note: Formatting the USB storage device will delete all contents on the device. Make a backup image for important files on the USB, if any. One can also use this method to format a bootable USB flash drive that was used as a boot device before FAT32.
Common problems of formatting USB drive to FAT32
The USB flash drive is fast and simple, but it still has some formatting issues, particularly with different types of USB drives. Three common problems that users may encounter include formatting issues.
◤ 1. Format USB flash drive larger than 32GB to FAT32
Windows formatting tools have a limitation when formatting large partitions to FAT32, specifically, partitions larger than 32GB cannot be formatted to FAT32, making it impossible to format a 64GB USB drive to FAT32.
Windows won't recognize partitions bigger than 32GB formatted with FAT32 due to its inability to create volumes larger than 32GB.
To format a large partition (over 64GB) to FAT32, you'll need to use third-party software as the built-in Disk Management and Diskpart tools won't allow it. This is because they only support formatting to NTFS or ExFAT for partitions larger than 32GB. You'll need to seek out a third-party tool that can handle FAT32 formatting for larger partitions.
◤ 2. Format a write-protected USB drive to FAT32
The issue of USB write protection may arise due to various reasons such as a virus-infected USB, a turned-on write protection switch, incorrect registry key values, or a full USB drive, affecting devices like Kingston and Intenso USB sticks.
To remove the write protection from a USB stick and format it to FAT32, you can use various tools such as Diskpart, RegEdit, write-protection removal software, and a USB repair tool. These tools are useful for every user and can be used to remove the write protection. For specific steps on how to use them, you can refer to the article "4 Ways to Remove Intenso 64GB USB Stick Write Protected".
◤ 3. Format USB drive FAT32 allocation unit size
Allocation unit size affects partition read and write speed and memory use. A larger cluster results in more wasted space, while a smaller cluster leads to smaller file pieces, potentially slowing down access and making the USB drive slower.
If you want to store large files on your USB drive, a large cluster size will make it run faster. But if you want to store small files or run programs, a smaller cluster size will preserve space. This will help you make a better choice when choosing partition cluster size later.
FAT32 USB formatter -- Qiling Disk Master
Qiling Disk Master Professional is a reliable and all-around USB FAT32 format software for Windows, allowing users to format large partitions and resolve issues like write protection and cluster size problems.
Qiling Disk Master can format various storage devices, including 64GB SD cards, USB hard drives, and portable external hard drives, using a user-friendly interface and step-by-step wizards.
Insert a 64GB flash drive into a computer via a USB port, ensuring it is detected by Windows. Next, open Disk Management by pressing the Windows key + R, typing "diskmgmt.msc" and pressing Enter. In the Disk Management window, locate the 64GB drive, right-click on it, and select "Format.
1. Download Qiling Disk Master, install, and launch it, then right-click the USB drive and select "Format Partition".
2. In the pop-up window, select FAT32 as a partition file system, and choose a cluster size and edit the partition label if desired.
3. Here is a virtual outcome. Click "Apply" > "Proceed" to make it real.
Formatting a FAT32 USB drive is a simple and fast process that can be completed in just three steps with the help of a professional FAT32 USB format tool. For example, Qiling Disk Master can not only format a FAT32 USB drive but also solve many other troubles, such as creating a bootable device (CD/DVD or USB) and formatting a hard drive without Windows OS.
Conclusion
Normally, we format a new USB partition to FAT32, but if the USB has been used before and contains important files, it's better to convert it from NTFS to FAT32 without formatting to avoid losing the files. This powerful tool can also convert MBR to GPT disk, making it useful for upgrading to Windows 11.
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