Updated on April 22, 2024

Applies To: Converting NTFS to FAT32 on Windows Server 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2022.

Reading time: 4 minutes.

Data security: Using third-party tools does not result in data loss.

Ready to convert NTFS to FAT32 in Server 2008-2022? When it comes to changing file systems, we often think about the differences between them and the tools at our disposal. However, fret not. In this article, you have four options to switch your file system between NTFS and FAT32.

Please provide the English content you want translated, and I'll do my best to translate it into Chinese.

Solutions That Work Step-by-Step Troubleshooting
Everything You Need to Know About NTFS and FAT32 Descriptions, differences, comparisons...Full Steps
When to Convert NTFS to FAT32 on a Server Computer Common examples...Full Steps
Download Server NTFS to FAT32 Converter No data loss, check professional tools...Full Steps
Use a Professional Converter (No Data Loss) In-depth steps to convert NTFS to FAT32...Full Steps
Other Manual Methods ( Requires Formatting) Data loss possible; back up first...Full Steps

Everything You Need to Know About NTFS and FAT32

FAT32 and NTFS are two different file systems found on computers. FAT32, which stands for File Allocation Table, is commonly used on all versions of Windows, as well as macOS, PlayStation, and Linux. On the other hand, NTFS (New Technology File System) is a journaling file system mainly used on Windows Server.

View a comparison table of the two formats:

Comparison between FAT32 and NTFS

When should you convert NTFS to FAT32 on a server computer?

"Can I convert NTFS to FAT32?"

"How can I convert NTFS to FAT32 without formatting?"

If you find that your device (a hard drive or USB drive) is formatted in NTFS and is incompatible with your Windows PC, this article will guide you through several methods to convert NTFS to FAT32.

Also, if your NTFS-formatted computer isn't recognizing your game, you may need to format it to FAT32 to resolve compatibility issues.

Download Server NTFS to FAT32 Converter

Here, we recommend an incredible free NTFS converter that can help you effortlessly convert NTFS to FAT32 without losing data. No need to check complicated command lines or back up loads of files; the tool Partition Master Enterprise can convert file systems to another format on Windows Server, Windows 11/10/8/7/Vista/XP. You're free to switch between NTFS and FAT32 file systems.

American English translation: English to Chinese translation involves turning English text into Chinese. For example: English: The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. Chinese: That quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog. If you have specific English content that needs translating, just let me know, and I'll assist you with the Chinese version.

It's not just a file system converter. AOMEI Partition Assistant Standard can also manage disk space to optimize PC performance on Windows servers.

    • Support converting MBR to GPT or GPT to MBR, as well as converting basic disk to dynamic disk and vice versa in Windows Server.
    • Support resizing, shrinking, deleting, formatting, and creating partitions.
    • Support cloning disks in Windows Server.

Convert NTFS to FAT32 Without Formatting Using a Specialist Converter

Now, begin changing the filesystem by following these simple steps:

Step 1: Right-click the partition of the target device and select “Advanced” > “Convert to FAT.”

Step 2: Once the scanning process is over, click on “Start” to begin the NTFS to FAT32 conversion.

Step 3: Click “Apply” to save all changes.

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Other manual methods (requiring formatting)

In addition to a well-designed utility, Windows Server offers three other ways to convert NTFS to FAT32.

Warning: Data loss alert! The following three solutions will format your hard drive. It's crucial to back up all important files beforehand. Remember to restore the files to their previous state after formatting.

1. Convert NTFS to FAT32 using Disk Management

Step 1: Press the “Win + X” keys and select “Disk Management” from the menu.

Step 2. Right-click the drive you want to format and select "Format" from the context menu.

Format partition in Disk Management

Click “Yes” > choose “FAT32” for the File System > click “OK”.

Format drive using Disk Management

Your hard drive or USB drive shows up as FAT32 in Disk Management.

2. Use Diskpart to Format NTFS to FAT32

Step 1: Click on the search icon, type cmd, right-click on cmd in the search results, and select "Run as administrator".

Step 2. Once the Command Prompt opens, type “diskpart” and hit Enter.

Step 3. Enter each of the following commands, pressing Enter after each:

List disks

Select disk n (replace n with the number of the target device, such as “select disk 1”).

List the volume

Select volume n (replace n with the selected volume.)

Format the disk as FAT32 file system, quickly.

4. When done, type exit.

Your disk should now be formatted as FAT32.

3. Use Windows File Explorer to Convert NTFS to FAT32

Step 1: Connect the USB drive to your Windows computer.

Step 2: Type “File Explorer” in the search box and open it.

Step 3: Right-click on the USB drive and select "Format."

Step 4: Choose the file system as FAT32 (default). Check the box for "Quick Format." Then, click "Start" to begin the formatting process.

Format USB in Windows Explorer

Step 5: Click “OK” to confirm.

Conclusions

This article explains what NTFS and FAT32 are, the differences between NTFS and FAT32, and why file systems are needed.

Here are four options for how you might approach the task of translation:

    • Free Partition Master - Simple steps; no data loss.
    • Other three options (File Explorer; Disk Management; Command Prompt) - Back up all your data first; use built-in Windows methods.

Frequently Asked Questions about Converting NTFS to FAT32 on Windows Server

Below, we have added some questions related to NTFS to FAT32 conversion on Windows Server computer. If you have any of the following doubts, follow immediately and find the answers.

1. In Windows Server 2012, which command would you use to format a disk as FAT32?

Most Windows Server users might prefer to format a disk to FAT32 using the Command Prompt utility Diskpart. So, what command can you use to format a drive to FAT32 in Windows Server?

Here's the translation: format fs=fat32 quick.

Please note that there is a size limit for FAT32 volumes on Windows, and you cannot format a partition larger than 32 GB to FAT32 via the command prompt. In this case, you would need a third-party formatting tool like Partition Master, which breaks this limitation with its powerful formatting algorithm.

2. How to Convert NTFS to FAT32 Using CMD?

    To convert a removable disk to FAT32, connect your external storage device to your PC. Backup all important files from the target drive to a secure location. Press Windows + R, type cmd, and hit Enter to open the Command Prompt. Type diskpart, then press Enter. Type list disk, then hit Enter. Type select disk *, then press Enter. (Replace * with the number of your target disk.) Type list volume, then press Enter. Type select volume *, then press Enter. (Replace * with the volume number of the drive on your target.) Type format fs=fat32 quick, then hit Enter.

After it's done, you'll have successfully formatted the NTFS partition to FAT32 using the command prompt.

3. Can I copy NTFS to FAT32?

Yes, you can copy files and data from NTFS to FAT32. However, you should be aware that FAT32 has a maximum file size limit. It only supports storing single files that are smaller than 4 GB, whereas NTFS does not have this restriction.

In other words, if a file on an NTFS disk is larger than 4GB, it cannot be directly copied from NTFS to FAT32 successfully. To solve this issue, you have two options: 1. Compress the large file to less than 4GB and then copy it from NTFS to FAT32. 2. Change the file system of the FAT32 disk to another format, such as exFAT or NTFS.