Convert NTFS to FAT32 without Formatting or Losing Data

By comparing FAT32 with NTFS, we can see each of them has its advantages and disadvantages. FAT32 can work well on DOS v7, Windows 98, ME, 2000 and many other operating systems. Even if it is an older file system, its compatibility is quite powerful and its range of application is also very wide, so some operations, hardware devices and software programs still can only support FAT32. But unfortunately, the biggest partition it can support is only 2TB, and the size of a single file in FAT32 could not be larger than 4GB. That means if we need to store a file over 4GB, FAT32 can not satisfy us.

Relatively speaking, NTFS just can make up for the shortcomings of FAT32. In NTFS, the single file has no limitation in size, and it also can support the volume with the size of 256TB. Besides, it can encrypt and compress files as well. However, it can not run on some operating systems like Windows ME, Android, and some recreational machines like Sony PS3.

Therefore, considering their different features and users' different needs, converting between NTFS and FAT32 is quite necessary and important. Even though the Command Line Prompt Windows built-in can help to convert FAT32 to NTFS without data loss, it cannot convert NTFS to FAT32 without formatting. So if we want to visit files from DOS mode or Windows 9X, we need to revert back to FAT32 on the third party tool.

Reformat NTFS partition to FAT32

Reformatting drive from NTFS partition to FAT32 is one way to convert them, but it is somewhat troublesome. Firstly, we have to backup all data in case they are lost or damaged. Then right click the drive we want to reformat in the Windows Explorer and select "Format" option from the context menu; choose "FAT32" in the drop down box under the "File System" section and tick the "Quick Format"; click "Start", it will begin to reformat. (How long it will take is decided by the size of drive.) And in the end we need to restore all the data backed up before on FAT32 after reformatting is totally finished.

This way is available on Windows 10/8.1/8/7/2000/XP/Vista and Windows Server 2003/2008/2012. But the defect is the FAT32 option only can run under the circumstance that the drive size to be reformatted is less than 32GB. Then what if the volume is 100GB or much larger? As complete and professional free partition manager, AOMEI Partition Assistant Standard Edition can help to reformat NTFS volume to FAT32 up to 2048GB.

How to Convert NTFS to FAT32 without formatting or losing data?

As we all know, FAT32 is an earlier file system while NTFS is much superior to it. They have so many differences that the shift from NTFS to FAT32 can not be accomplished simply. If we use the method mentioned above, we may face the embarrassment of data losing. Then is there another way which can make it come true?

Of course, there is. AOMEI Partition Assistant Standard Edition builds-in a FREE NTFS to FAT32 Converter, which is the best choice. It does not only break the Windows Command Line Prompt's shortage, but also can support various service platforms, including Windows 10/8.1/8/7/Vista/XP/2000, no matter they are 32 bit or 64 bit. By means of it, to convert NTFS to FAT32 is not a difficult task any more. You just need to choose "NTFS to FAT32 Converter".

Click “Convert” in the top toolbar, and choose “Convert to NTFS/FAT32”.

As we can see from the screenshot above, the console is very understandable with clear instructions. So with its help, conversion between NTFS and FAT32 (both file systems) will be quite simple and easy. Now download AOMEI Partition Assistant Standard Edition to convert NTFS to FAT32 without losing data.