How to Perform Windows 11 Format to FAT32 In 4 Ways?

If you've recently upgraded to Windows 11 and need to format a drive to the FAT32 file system, you might find yourself wondering how to go about it. While Windows 11 has introduced several changes, including an updated user interface, the process of formatting to FAT32 remains relatively similar. And also, the size limit of 32GB for FAT32 still exists, or you will receive the error notice like The file is too large for the destination file system. Now, let's learn to make Windows 11 format 32 with this stepwise guidance.

4 methods to make Windows 11 format to FAT32

In this section, we present 4 methods for formatting FAT32 in Windows 11. This part involves using built-in tools, and it's advisable to create a backup to ensure data safety. However, if you wish to skip data backup, we also offer an alternative using third-party partition software for FAT32 format in Windows 11.

Method 1. Use a professional formatter to make Windows 11 format to FAT32

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▶Option 1. Directly convert file system without formatting
If you want to format to FAT32 due to the file system change like converting NTFS to FAT32 in Windows 11, actually, you don't have to format the disk. While formatting is undeniably a useful and popular approach, the potential data loss and the need for additional backup steps cannot be disregarded. If you need to recover data after format, you can read this passage as a reference. 

AOMEI Partition Assistant is a desirable choice for fixing the issue. This robust disk management tool is designed to streamline problem-solving, offering simplicity and effectiveness. By employing the "Convert NTFS to FAT32" function within this tool, you can effortlessly grasp how to format to FAT32 in Windows 11 through just four simple steps. More importantly, it can set you free from worrying about data loss and back up the data!

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The Best Windows Disk Partition Manager and PC Optimizer

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Step 1. Launch the installed tool. In the main interface, hit the “Convert” button on the top toolbar and select “Convert to NTFS/FAT32”.

Step 2. Select “NTFS to FAT32” in the pop-out windows and press “Next”.

Step 3. Choose the USB drive you need to convert and click “Next” again.

Step 4. Hit “Proceed” to confirm the operations. When all the processes are completed, click “Finish”. Now you successfully format USB to FAT32 Windows 11 without data loss.

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▶Option 2. Format Partition
When attempting to format exFAT to FAT32, methods like Disk Management, CMD, or File Explorer won't suffice if the exFAT partition exceeds 32GB. However, AOMEI Partition Assistant can overcome this constraint, helping you format to FAT32 with ease. Come with us to see how it works.  

Step 1. Install and launch the software. Right-click the drive and choose "Format Partition".

Step 2. If necessary, you can input the partition label. Then choose “FAT32”.

Step 3. When the process is finished, the file system of the drive is FAT32 now.

Method 2. Format FAT32 in Windows 11 via File Explorer

Step 1. In the taskbar, click and open File Explorer and choose “This PC”. Here you can see all the connected drives and partitions.

Step 2. Right-click the target partition and click the “format” option. Formatting will wipe all the data and cause data loss. Please back up your important data in advance.

Step 3. When the format window pops out, choose “FAT32” in the File System drop-down menu. Then select “Quick format” with pressing “Start”.

Method 3. Format USB to FAT32 Windows 11 in Disk Management

Warning:

 When using this method, please be careful with every step. Missteps or mistakes may cause accidental partition deletion.

Step 1. Input “Disk Management” in the search bar and select “Create and format hard disk partitions”. Then it will present all the hard drives and partitions.

Step 2. Right-click the target drive and select “Format”.

Step 3. In this step, you are allowed to configure the Volume label, Allocation unit size, and File system. Change the File system to FAT32 and then set others according to your own needs.

Method 4. Format in FAT32 Windows 11 with CMD

Step 1. Hit “Win+X” and select “Command Prompt” from the menu with admin permission. Please make sure to note the drive letter.

Step 2. Input the following command lines when the Command Prompt window shows up. Press the “Enter” key after each step to move on.

•list disk
•select disk X (X is the disk that contains the target drive)
•list partition select partition Y (Y is the target partition you need to format it)
•format fs=fat32 or format fs=fat32 quick

Step 3. Next, you will see the operation result. Please notice that FAT32 has a size limitation. If you format a larger size hard drive with FAT32, the operation probably does not work.

Further reading: What you should know about FAT32

In daily scenarios, you might need to format to FAT32 for SD cards, USB drives, or specialized devices like projectors and printers. But, are you familiar with FAT32? Here, we'll provide a brief introduction, discussing its key aspects and its relation to the FAT family, NTFS, and exFAT file systems.

•About FAT family

FAT, or File Allocation Table, is a historical file system for personal computers. Since its inception in 1977, it has evolved through three main iterations: FAT12, FAT16, and FAT32.

However, due to technological advancements and increased requirements, FAT12 and FAT16 have transitioned into legacy status due to their inefficiency and limitations. In contrast, FAT32 maintains relevance in today's technology landscape due to its distinct advantage—broad compatibility.

•FAT32 and exFAT
exFAT, short for Extended File Allocation Table, was introduced by Microsoft in 2006. It was primarily designed for optimizing flash memory usage, notably for devices like USB flash drives and SD cards. Presently, this file system is the default choice for SDXC cards exceeding 32GB in size. However, in terms of compatibility, exFAT falls slightly short compared to FAT32.

• FAT32 and NTFS

When discussing FAT32, the topic of NTFS naturally arises. NTFS, a more modern file system, is commonly the default choice for Windows. However, despite its modernity, FAT32 maintains a notable advantage in terms of compatibility. The FAT32 file system boasts compatibility with numerous computer systems, printers, projectors, PS3 and PS4 consoles, smart TVs, and a range of portable devices—unlike NTFS.

It's important to note that neither is inherently superior; rather, they serve distinct purposes. FAT32 excels in compatibility while having limitations like a maximum individual file size of 4GB and a partition size cap of 8TB.

NTFS, on the other hand, overcomes these limitations and offers improved data recovery capabilities. It also optimizes partition space with smaller cluster sizes. To provide a clearer perspective, we've compiled a detailed comparison of the two file systems below.

In short, FAT32, exFAT, and NTFS are the three common file systems in daily life, and being asked for formatting to FAT32 always occurs. Next, we will share 4 easy-to-follow methods on how to format FAT32 Windows 11.

In summary, FAT32, exFAT, and NTFS are three prevalent file systems in daily life. Given compatibility needs, you might frequently encounter requests to switch among these systems, with FAT32 being particularly common due to its broad compatibility.  To address this, we'll now share 4 straightforward methods for formatting to FAT32 in Windows 11.

Wrap things up

Making Windows 11 format FAT32 can be easy and effective if you choose the appropriate method. Using a multifunctional tool like AOMEI Partition Assistant is suitable for many computer issues-solving situations. For example, it can convert between MBR/GPT, transfer installed programs to another drive, and migrate OS to SSD. For Windows Server users, please turn to the Server Edition to effectively manage your computers.

AOMEI Partition Assistant

The Best Windows Disk Partition Manager and PC Optimizer

Free Download
Windows 11/10/8.1/8/7