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Converting exFAT to FAT32: A Handy Guide for All Users

Jack

By Jack Lin

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exFAT to FAT32

Knowing how to convert exFAT to FAT32 is handy for pretty much any user.

If you wonder how to do that, you will find this article very handy. Also, we will explain a handy exFAT to the FAT32 converter.

Introduction to exFAT and FAT32

Before everything else, it is important to learn about exFAT and FAT32 file systems. Well, there are significant differences between these two file systems. Many individuals want to learn the differences. So, let’s learn about each of those varieties.

● FAT32

FAT32 is the shortened form for Fat Allocation Table. Well, FAT32 can be considered the most common file system used. This specific file format was introduced by Microsoft back in 1977.

It is a pretty older system, and FAT32 is compatible with many devices found today. You can find this specific file format in devices like USB flash, SD cards, and SSD. It is compatible with a large range of portable devices.

● exFAT

Well, exFAT is the shortened form for the technology called Extended File Allocation Table. Just like the previous file format, exFAT too was introduced by Microsoft. That was in 2006.

Well, this specific file format is used on USB flash drives and SD cards. This format is pretty similar to the FAT32.

However, this file system doesn’t have the limitations that are found in the counterpart. In a nutshell, exFAT is considered to be the latest replacement for the FAT32 file system.

Below is a table that explains the characteristics of these two file systems in a simplified manner.

FeatureFAT32 File SystemexFAT File System
Compatible devicesIt works pretty much on all operating systems, as well as gaming consoles. Also, it works on media players, USB devices, etc.  Although exFAT is compatible with FAT32, it may not be compatible with Android devices and some players.  
Size limitations4GB or lessNo size limitation, and that’s why this format is ideal for storing a file of any size.
Speed of the fileFAT32 shows slowness in reading and writing data as opposed to exFAT.exFAT is much faster compared to FAT32.

There are many removable devices that come with either FAT32 or exFAT, based on how compatible they are. Even if FAT32 comes with some limitations, it has better compatibility with older devices and operating systems.

Therefore, you may need to convert exFAT to FAT32 in some cases. This is particularly true when it comes to compatibility. This is exactly why it would be so handy to learn about the exFAT to FAT32 converter.

PS: if you are experiencing the issues like PS4 the USB storage device is not connected, or the 0x80300024 Error While Installing Windows, here are the top solutions for you.


Convert exFAT to FAT32 on a Windows OS

Below are some of the most practical methods you can follow to convert exFAT to FAT32.

You can go through these methods and find the most convenient way that matches your ability.

Method 1: Use File Explorer

File Explorer is a built-in tool that can be used to format your Flash Drives. With this tool, you can easily convert exFAT to FAT32. To do that, you should follow the steps mentioned below.

  • First, press the Windows and E keys together to launch File Explorer.
  • Then, search for the USB flash drive you intend to format. After that, you should perform right-click on it.
  • Then, click on the option called “Format.” Be sure to choose the option “exFAT” in the list of file systems.
  • Then, click on the button labeled “Start.”
Use File Explorer to change exFAT to FAT32 

Method 2: Use the command prompt

Command Prompt (which is often known as CMD) is another tool that can be used to change file formats. However, to use this method, you are supposed to use some commands.

Mentioned below is how to perform those commands.

  • First, you are supposed to launch the Run dialog box by pressing the “Windows” and “R” keys simultaneously. Then, enter the text “diskpart” in it and hit the enter key.
  • You should enter the following command lines in the CMD window. Be sure that you hit the enter key after entering each command.

List Disk [HIT ENTER]

Select disk n [HIT ENTER]

List partition [HIT ENTER]

Select partition m [HIT ENTER]

Format fs = “exFAT” [HIT ENTER]

Please note that the letter “n” represents the number of external drives. Also, “m” represents the number of partitions in the external drives.

Method 2: Use command prompt as an exFAT to FAT32 converter 
  • Now, the formatting process will start, and that won’t take long.

Method 3: Use Disk Management Tool

Windows Disk Management is a very handy built-in tool that is found in the OS as a built-in tool. It is offered to help you easily and quickly manage the hard disk partitions.

Although this may not be as efficient as a third-party professional tool, it is always worth giving a try.

So, mentioned below is how to use Windows Disk Management Tool as an exFAT to FAT32 converter.

  • First, please perform right-click on the start menu and choose the option called “Disk Management.”
  • Then, you should choose the partition that is already partitioned with the FAT32 system. Just perform right-click on it and choose “Format.”
Use Disk Management tool to change exFAT to FAT32 
  • Now, on the new page, you can see the option “File System.” Change that to “exFAT” from “FAT32“. Click on the option called “OK.”
  • You can format the process now, and it will make you lose the files stored in the drive. Therefore, creating a backup of the data is highly recommended before proceeding with this step.
  • Once you have done that, you can see that the disk has been converted successfully.

Method 4: Use a Third-party Professional exFAT to FAT32 Converter

For many users, the above methods may work. On the other hand, some users may find no success with those methods. In that case, you might have to use a third-party tool to get rid of that issue.

AOMEI Partition Assistant is one of those tools that can do the job with ease. So, if you are interested in converting exFAT to FAT32, follow the steps below.

Important: Please note that you should create a backup of the files before converting exFAT to FAT32. Otherwise, you will not be able to get back the data you lose during the formatting process. You can always use a third-party professional data backup tool to create backups efficiently.

Mentioned below is how to convert exFAT to FAT32 with ease.

  • First, you should download AOMEI on your computer and install it properly. Then, please launch the application to see its main interface.
  • You can choose the drive you intend to format in the main interface. After that, you can right-click on it and choose “Format Partition.”
AOMEI Partition Assistant
  • When you are in the interface labeled “Format Partition,” you should choose “exFAT.” You can even change aspects like the “Cluster Size” as well as the “Partition Label.” Then, please click on “OK.” Then, click on “Apply” to complete the formatting.
Format Partition

That’s it!


Converting a FAT32 Disk into NTFS on a macOS

If you are interested in learning how to convert a FAT32 disk into an NTFS system, here’s the guide. This guide is important for those using macOS or Linux operating systems.

  • First, you should go to the “Applications” option and reach “Utilities.” After that, you should go to the option “Disk Utility.”
  • Then, in the newly opened interface, you can choose the drive that should be formatted.
  • Choose the option called “Erase” and go to “exFAT” as the file type.
  • Then, click on the option called “Erase.” That will start the formatting process.
Converting a FAT32 disk into NTFS on a macOS

Convert FAT32 to exFAT on a Linux system

Do you want to convert a FAT32 system to exFAT and use a Linux system? If that’s the case, you should follow the steps that are mentioned in the below sections.

  • First, go to the command line and view all the drives that are attached to the system. To do that, enter the text sudo fdisk -I.
  • After that, you should select the specific drive that should be formatted to a different file format. Then, you are supposed to enter the text sudo wipefs -a /dev/sdb. That will begin the process of creating a new file system under the “exFAT” format.
  • Now, you are supposed to follow the onscreen instructions and choose the option called “exFAT.” That should be chosen from the message labeled “HPFS/NTFS/exFAT.”
Convert FAT32 to exFAT on a Linux system
  • Now, you should press the key “w,” and that will synchronize the disk partitions.
  • You can enter the text sudo mkfs.”exFAT” -n hardDisk /dev/sdb1, and that will format the drive. The end result is the exFAT partition.

FAQs

  1. Can I convert exFAT to FAT32 without losing data? Yes, but it’s vital to backup your data before starting the process.
  2. Can FAT32 handle large files? FAT32 has a file size limit of 4GB. If you need to store larger files, exFAT or NTFS might be more suitable.
  3. What devices support FAT32? FAT32 is widely supported, including by older systems like PlayStation consoles and older versions of Windows.
  4. Is third-party software safe for conversion? Yes, but always ensure the software is from a reliable source to avoid potential risks.
  5. What happens if I don’t backup my data before conversion? You risk losing all your data stored on the drive as formatting erases all data on it.

Conclusion

Just like we have mentioned at the beginning, you can use different ways to convert exFAT to FAT32. You may follow the instructions carefully to finish the job as expected without any trouble.

No matter which method is used, you are supposed to create a backup before formatting the disk. Otherwise, you are likely to lose all the data without being able to recover them.

Also, you may use a third-party professional tool to create partitions, particularly if you are a novice.

A tool like AOMEI Partition Assistant can help you create partitions even if your hard disks are write-protected. Also, it works on corrupted hard disks.

Please let us know if you have further queries related to the exFAT to FAT32 converter. Good luck!

Jack
Jack

10 years of experience in information and computer technology. Passionate about electronic devices, smartphones, computers, and modern technology.

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