How to Format to FAT32 in Windows 11 (4 Useful Methods)

Just like we have different types of files, storage also comes in various formats. NTFS is commonly used in Windows nowadays, while FAT32 was utilized previously and is still useful for transferring files between different operating systems, and so on. This post will instruct you on how to format a drive as FAT32 in Windows 11 using different tools.

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What is FAT32?

FAT32 is a disk formatting system, or simply put, the way files are arranged on a storage device. The acronym stands for File Allocation Table, which is how the operating system (OS) manages the allocation of clusters - the way the file system assigns space on the disk for all data. When you format a drive, FAT32 is one of the available choices.

FAT32 is one of those ways, and the number 32 refers to the number of bits that the file system uses to store the addresses of those files. It was introduced by Microsoft. So, what are the features of FAT32?

• Compatible with a vast array of devices.
• Functions seamlessly across platforms or operating systems.
• Maximum file size of 4 GB and partition size of 8 TB.
• Less efficient compared to NTFS and offers less security.

FAT32 was introduced by Microsoft alongside the launch of Windows 95 to accommodate larger hard disk storage and partition sizes. Prior to this, Microsoft utilized FAT and FAT16. Share this article to assist more users who wish to learn about FAT32.

How to Format FAT32?

Here's a list of tools you can utilize to format any storage device as FAT32. These tools are applicable to various storage devices, whether external or internal, hard drives or SSDs, SD cards, or USB drives.

Before we begin, ensure that you have backed up any data on the drive you intend to format. If you haven't, please confirm that there are no important files on it. Once formatted, it's generally not possible to recover the files using conventional methods. You would need to utilize recovery software, which can be time-consuming.

Format to FAT32 using FAT32 Formatter (Windows 11)
Format to FAT32 through File Explorer (Windows 11)
Format Drive to FAT32 with Disk Management (Windows 11)
Format Drive to FAT32 using Command Prompt

Format to FAT32 Using FAT32 Formatter (Windows 11)

tools Partition Manager is a professional software that can handle various disk-related operations, including formatting partitions and drives to FAT32. When you need to format your HDD to FAT32 but are unsure of the proper procedure, this software proves to be quite useful.

Here is the list of features and functions:

• Clone/Create/Format/Delete Partitions
• Copy Disk/Partition
• Resize/Move/Merge Partitions
• Dynamic Volume Management
• Migrate OS to SSD
• Change FAT32 to NTFS
• Primary/Logical Partition Converter
• MBR/GPT Disk Converter
• Dynamic/Basic Disk Converter
• Create WinPE Bootable Disk
• Partition Recovery and Recall Protection
• SSD 4K Alignment
• Create WinPE Bootable Disk

Formatting any storage using the software is straightforward. Simply plug in the drive, open the software, right-click on the drive, and select the option to format it as FAT32.

Step 1. Launch AOMEI Partition Assistant, right-click the partition you plan to format and choose "Format".

Step 2. In the new window, enter the Partition label, select the FAT32/EXT2/EXT3/EXT4 file system, and set the cluster size as needed, then click "OK".

Step 3. You'll then see a warning window. Click "Yes" to proceed.

Step 4. Click the "Execute 1 Task(s)" button in the top-left corner to review the changes, and then click "Apply" to start formatting the partition to FAT32/EXT2/EXT3/EXT4.

Format to FAT32 using File Explorer (Windows 11)

Windows File Explorer not only aids in displaying and managing files but also handles basic disk management tasks. If you prefer not to use any third-party software, you can utilize File Explorer to format existing partitions. However, it does not permit operations at the disk level.

Step 1: Click on the File Explorer icon located on the taskbar, and then click on 'This PC'. This should display all the connected drives and partitions.

Step 2: Right-click on the partition and choose Format. Make sure to back up all essential data from the partition beforehand; otherwise, you won't be able to recover them.

Step 3: In the Format window, choose FAT32 from the File system dropdown, select Quick Format, and then click the Start button. Once completed, the drive will be ready for use.

Format Drive to FAT32 using Disk Management (Windows 11)

Although File Explorer is great for formatting partitions, you'll need the Disk Management tool to format the entire drive to the FAT32 file system.

Caution: Use this tool with extreme care. If you accidentally delete any partitions on the drive, you won't be able to recover them.

Format with the Built-in Disk Management Tool in Windows

Step 1: Type "Disk Management" and choose "Create and format hard disk partitions." Upon opening, it will display a list of hard drives and partitions.

Step 2: Right-click on it and select Format. Make sure not to format an EFI or Primary partition with this method, as you'll be denied access if you attempt to.

Step 3: Set the Volume label as desired, and choose Format 32 as the format option. Once completed, you can access it via File Explorer.

Translate the following text into English, focusing only on translation: Format Drive to FAT32 using Command Prompt

If you prefer using Command Prompt for most tasks, you can also format your USB drive in Windows using the Format command. Similarly, you can utilize the Windows Terminal for formatting, as it's easily accessible in the Power Menu in Windows 11, just like Command Prompt is in Windows 10.

Step 1: Use the combination of keys WIN + X to open the Power Menu, and then choose Command Prompt with administrator privileges. Remember to take note of the drive letter.

Step 2: After the command prompt opens, type 'format /FS:FAT32' and press the Enter key.

Step 3: It should now display the operation result, and the drive should be ready to use.

FAT32 has a limitation on the maximum file size it can support. Formatting a large-sized hard drive with FAT32 might not be feasible. It's ideal for devices like USB drives for cross-compatibility purposes.

Conclusion

Formatting a partition or drive to FAT32 is straightforward on a PC. The drive can be of any format and type; as long as it is accessible or detectable on the computer, it can be reformatted to the FAT32 file system.

Rather than using Windows utilities, it's better to opt for professional software like Partition Master. It provides more options, yet its user interface is straightforward, allowing you to have a clear understanding of the outcome of your actions.