The file is too large for the destination file system. I'm attempting to transfer a file from my computer to my Seagate FreeAgent external hard drive. The file is around 4GB in size. I still have 238 GB of free space out of the total 465 GB, so it's not strictly an issue of available space. Is there a way to modify the limit on the size of files that the hard drive can handle? - by u/sbryce from Reddit.com

If you're encountering the 'file is too large for the destination file system' error while trying to transfer or save large files on your storage devices, don't worry.

"File Is Too Large for Destination File System"

On this page, we'll present two efficient and quick solutions to eliminate this error, ensuring smooth and hassle-free large file transfers on Windows 11/10/8/7. Explore the details below:

Workable Solutions Step-by-step Troubleshooting

1. Convert FAT32 to NTFS Without Formatting

Step 1: Install and launch tools Partition Master on your computer....Full steps
2. Format FAT32 to NTFS Step 1. Connect your USB flash drive to the computer and right-click...Full steps
Note: The original text seems to reference a tool named "Partition Master", but it's commonly known as "tools Partition Master". Therefore, I've made this correction in the translation.

What Caused the 'File is too large for the destination file system' Error?

"The file is too large for the destination file system" This error message translates to: "The file is too large for the destination file system" in English. The image you've provided seems to be a screenshot of an error from a partition manager, indicating that the file being attempted to be copied or moved is exceeding the capacity or limitations of the target file system.

When faced with the "The file is too large for the destination file system" issue in Windows 10/8/7, you might be puzzled as to why you can't copy the file to your USB flash drive despite having ample free space.

The primary cause of this error is:

    The following translations are provided:
  • The file you want to transfer is larger than 4 GB.
  • The USB flash drive is using the FAT32 file system, which has a maximum file size limit of 4 GB.
  • For a FAT16 USB flash drive, the maximum file size is 2 GB. Additionally, there's an inherent limitation in the FAT32 file system.

Although the total size of the files you can store on a FAT32 drive could be up to 2TB, you cannot save an individual file that exceeds 4GB on it.

?Read More: How to Find Large Files on Windows 10

Fix "File Is Too Large for Destination File System" Error [2 Instant Fixes] 翻译为: Resolve "File Is Too Large for Destination File System" Error [2 Quick Solutions]

Upon identifying the cause of the "The file is too large for the destination file system" issue, you can resolve it effortlessly by converting the file system from FAT32/FAT16 to NTFS. In this guide, we'll present two straightforward solutions. We'll demonstrate how to employ these methods to rectify the "The file is too large for the destination file system" error with simple steps. Video Tutorial for Fixing "File Is Too Large for the Destination File System"

Here, we've compiled both solutions in this video. You can refer to this video, which includes both methods, as a guide. See the details below:

0:33 Check file system 0:43 Convert FAT32 to NTFS - No data loss 1:35 Format FAT32 to NTFS - Data loss

Solution 1: Convert FAT32 to NTFS Without Data Loss & Free

To complete this task more conveniently, here's an excellent solution. You can convert FAT32 to NTFS without data loss using the free partition tool - tools Partition Master Free. This third-party partition software is an ideal choice. It enables you to resolve the "The file is too large for the destination file system" issue without reformatting or data loss. The program is compatible and functions smoothly on Windows 10/8/7, as well as earlier versions.

Download Partition Master Free now, and here's the guide with detailed steps:

Step 1. Install and launch tools Partition Master on your PC.

Step 2. In Partition Manager, right-click on a FAT32 partition and click "Advanced", then select "Convert NTFS to FAT".

convert FAT32 to NTFS

Step 3. Click "Proceed" on the pop-up dialog box to continue.

convert FAT32 to NTFS

Step 4. Click "Apply" to start the conversion. Wait until the process is complete.

convert FAT32 to NTFS

Upon completing all the steps, you can successfully copy files larger than 4GB. Aside from converting the file system, Partition Master Free also allows you to transfer OS from HDD to SSD, resize partitions, and delete partitions as well.

"You May Also Feel Like Learning:"

Aside from converting FAT32 to NTFS, you can also convert NTFS to FAT32 reversely. Also, if you want to learn how to flexibly change the file system of your devices to other formats, such as exFAT, EXT2/3/4, you can also follow the tutorials here and use Partition Master for assistance.

Solution 2: Formatting FAT32 to NTFS using Windows' Built-in Feature

Formatting is the easiest way to convert FAT32 to NTFS. But note that it will erase all the existing data on the drive. Thus, it's recommended only when your external hard drive or USB flash drive has no files on it. If there are files on your storage device, you can back them up by manually copying or using free backup software beforehand. Here's how to do it with Windows' built-in formatting feature:

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

Step 2: Right-click on the USB drive or external hard drive and select "Format."

Step 3: Change the format to NTFS.

Format the drive to fix the file is too large for the destination file system

Success! You've now resolved the "file is too large for the destination file system" issue and can successfully copy a file larger than 4GB to your external USB drive or hard disk. If you find this article helpful, feel free to share it with more friends who might need assistance!

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底线

Once you understand that "the file is too large for the destination file system" is caused by the FAT32 file system, the solution is straightforward: change the file system. If you use the built-in features or utilities in Windows to convert the file system, you'll need to back up the files on the storage device first, as these operations will erase the files on your device. Therefore, if you want to convert FAT32 to another file system directly without data loss, it's more advisable to use a tool like tools Partition Master Free.

Frequently Asked Questions About "File is Too Large for Destination File System" Error

Once you've fixed the error on your drive and successfully transferred large files to your target drive, you might also want to learn some tips to prevent this error from reoccurring. Check out the questions below for guidance.

1. How do I transfer a file that is too large? If you need to transfer a file that exceeds the size limit imposed by regular methods, there are several options you can consider: 1. **Use a File Transfer Service**: Services like WeTransfer, Google Drive, or Dropbox allow you to upload large files and share them via a download link. Most have size limits, but you can often send files up to 2 GB for free. 2. **Split the File**: Software like HJSplit, WinRAR, or 7-Zip can divide a large file into smaller parts, which you can then transfer individually and reassemble on the receiving end. 3. **Use a Torrent Client**: If the recipient also has a torrent client, you can create a torrent of the large file and share it with them. This method doesn't involve direct uploading but relies on peer-to-peer sharing. 4. **Physical Medium**: You can transfer the file using a USB drive, external hard drive, or other physical storage devices if the recipient is in close proximity. 5. **FTP (File Transfer Protocol)**: Set up an FTP server or use a service like FileZilla to transfer the file over the internet directly. This option requires more technical knowledge but can handle large files. 6. **NAS (Network Attached Storage)**: If both you and the recipient have access to a shared network, you can store the large file on a NAS device and let the recipient download it directly. Remember to check the recipient's file size restrictions and ensure the chosen method suits your needs.

To transfer files that are too large for a new device, you can try three methods:

  • ① Change the file system of the target device to NTFS or exFAT to accommodate large files.
  • ② Utilize a file transfer software, such as Todo PCTrans Pro, to transfer all files in one go.
  • ③ Compress all large files and then transfer them.

**2. How do I avoid the "file is too large for destination file system" error?**

The best way to prevent or avoid this error is to select a proper file system format for your device.

    Here are the translations for the provided languages: 1. For Windows partition drives, using NTFS for storing large files is recommended. 2. On removable storage devices such as USB or external hard drives larger than 64GB, using exFAT would be ideal.

3. How do I fix the "file too large for destination file system" error?

To resolve the "File is too large for the destination file system" error, you need to format the destination drive to either NTFS or exFAT, as both of these file systems support storing files larger than 4GB, unlike FAT32. If you're concerned about losing important data, you can utilize the "Convert" feature in tools like Partition Master to safely convert FAT32 to NTFS without data loss.

**4. Why do I get an error saying the file is too large for the destination file system?**

When the file system of your destination device doesn't support saving the target large file, then the operating system would pop up the warning message and suggest you to set a suitable file system for the destination drive. FAT32 supports all types of files but every single file should not go up to 4GB or even larger. Once the file breaks the limit, you'll receive the error.