Windows doesn't make it easy to format a partition larger than 32 GB with the FAT32 file system.

However, FAT32 actually supports up to 16 TB hard drives, and most operating systems permit up to 2 TB. Windows 32 GB restriction is an artificial limit that you can bypass.

We'll show you how to format a large hard drive with FAT/FAT32 or create a 32+GB partition with that file system.

FAT32 FAQs

The File Allocation Table (FAT) file system is a relic from the 1970s. It may be older than most operating systems around today, but it's still useful.

FAT vs. FAT32 vs. exFAT: What's the Difference?

The main difference between FAT, FAT32, and exFAT relates to volume and file size limits.

FAT, the original version of this file system designed for floppy disks, could keep an 8-bit sized record of the data clusters stored on the disk. With FAT32, that increased to 32 bits. exFAT is the 64-bit version of the FAT file system. With each increase, the maximum volume and file sizes supported by the file system increased, too.

The maximum file size supported by FAT32 is just under 4 GB. If you need a cross-compatible file system that supports larger files, exFAT is the way to go. In fact, with exFAT, the file size limit is just under 16 EB (Exbibyte) or 1.845e+7 TB. Basically, the exFAT file size is unlimited.

Why Would Anyone Still Want to Use FAT32?

People still use FAT32 because it's a universally recognized file system. When you need to transfer files between different operating systems or between your camera or Android phone and your Windows computer, you'll probably need a FAT32-formatted drive.

Why Did Microsoft Limit the FAT Partition Size?

Microsoft has set a 32 GB partition size limit for the FAT/FAT32 file system to promote NTFS, which is generally more efficient when working with large partitions. This limitation only exists in recent versions of Windows. Moreover, Windows does recognize large hard drives formatted with FAT/FAT32.

FAT or FAT32 Formatting Tools

If you don't want to mess with the command line for a manual format, you can use tools that apply the same principle but provide a nice graphical user interface (GUI) for your convenience.

FAT32 Format

FAT32 Format dialog window after formatting a 123 GB USB drive with FAT32.

FAT32 Format is a single-task portable GUI tool that doesn't require installation. Its only job is to format drives with FAT32, and it does that incredibly well.

FAT32 Format works with Windows XP through 10 and supports up to 2 TB partition size. You can choose the allocation unit size and give the partition a new volume label. Unfortunately, it can not create new partitions.

EaseUS Partition Master

EaseUS Partition Master format partition window.

EaseUS Partition Master is a superior alternative to Windows' built-in Disk Management tool. It lets you manage your partitions and format them with FAT32. Just don't let them lure you into purchasing the paid version before you've tried the free one, which is enough for most users.

Right-click on the disk you want to format and select Format. In the Format Partition window, add a label, select the desired file system, pick a cluster size, then hit OK. EaseUS Partition Master can queue multiple operations. When you're ready, click the execute button in the top right to start.

Fat32Formatter

FAT32Formatter progress while formatting a drive.

Windows 7 users can also try Fat32Formatter. It's a self-executable tool with a decent GUI that allows you to format large hard drives with FAT32. Balloon tips guide the user through its functions. No other documentation is available. While we could get this tool to work in Windows 10, it was hit or miss.

This tool is almost too simplistic. While you can delete a partition and create new ones, you cannot choose the allocation unit size.

If you want to manage your partitions, i.e., create new ones or change their size, I recommend that you use dedicated software. First, create a partition that you want to format with FAT32. Then, if your partition manager can't do it, use one of the tools above to carry out the FAT32 formatting.

How to Format a Drive with FAT or FAT32 Manually

Attention: Several readers have commented that this method failed with a "volume too big for FAT32" error after several hours. To avoid frustration, use a third-party tool or try the quick format option below.

Do you still want to try the manual approach? Rather than using the standard Windows formatting tool, switch to the command line.

In Windows 10, right-click the Start button to launch the power user menu and select Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin). Then enter the following command at the prompt, while "X" is the drive letter for the external device you with to format:

        format /FS:FAT32 X:
    

Hit Enter to execute the command.

Format via the Command Prompt

Alternatively, if you don't want to wait for hours, ran into an error with the command above, or generally want to avoid third-party tools, you can also try the quick format command:

        format /FS:FAT32 /Q X:
    

You should note that the quick format will only delete the file table. It will not erase or overwrite the files currently written to the drive. But if you do want to wipe a hard drive completely, we've shown you how.

Encounter any problems? Find out how to fix the "Windows was unable to complete the format" error.

FAT Formatting a Large Hard Drive

FAT and FAT32 remain popular file systems because they are cross-platform. If you're moving drives between multiple operating systems, you'll want a widely supported format.

Depending on the platforms you're using, however, you should also consider exFAT because it's supported by Windows, Linux, and newer versions of macOS and has virtually no limit on individual file sizes.

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