Exfat Or Fat For Mac

This page covers the complete process of converting exFAT to FAT32 on your storage devices. Follow the You-Must-Do preparation tips and pick up one of the most suitable methods to switch your device file system from exFAT to FAT32 with ease now:

  1. # 1. You-Must-Do Preparations
  2. # 2. Three exFAT to FAT32 Conversion Methods:
  • EaseUS exFAT to FAT32 Converter - Free & Efficient Tool for All Levels of Users
  • Disk Management - Free Windows Built-in Tool for Beginners
  • CMD - Free Windows Built-in Tool & Complex for Beginners

ExFAT has been around for awhile, but we've never really talked about it. Essentially, it's a file system that's both readable and writable on any modern Mac or Windows machine (sorry, Leopard users). Time Machine: No FAT or exFAT drives, only HFS+ and APFS. To judge by a recent spate of email, Mac users are using Windows and Unix/Linux. See full list on howtogeek.com.

Questions: How Do I Convert exFAT to FAT32 Without Losing Data

MS-DOS (FAT): Choose this format if the size of the disk is 32 GB or less. ExFAT: Choose this format if the size of the disk is over 32 GB. Enter a name for the volume. The maximum length for the volume name is 11 characters. Click Erase, then click Done.

'How to format a 64GB SD card from exFAT to FAT32? I have a Sandisk Ultra 64GB SD card and cannot get it to a FAT 32 format. I'm using Windows 10.'
'I want to convert an exFAT-formatted USB flash drive to FAT32. I've tried a few links, no success. Is there any software that can help?'
'Is there any way to convert exFAT to FAT 32 on an external hard drive without losing data?'
If you are having a similar issue on converting your storage device from exFAT to FAT32, follow through any method below to switch your device file system without losing any data.

Preparations for Converting exFAT to FAT32

In many cases, you have an SD card, external hard drive, USB flash drive, pen drive, or some other devices with exFAT, but you need to convert it to FAT32 for specific reasons. To protect your data and help you choose the best file system for your storage device, follow through the preparation procedure and tips that we have left here for you.

1. exFAT vs. FAT32, Which Is Better?

Merely a few people know the difference between exFAT and FAT32. Here is a comparison table exFAT vs. FAT32 that you can refer to learn why you should set FAT32 for your removable device.

ComparisonexFATFAT32
CompatibilityAll Windows OS, modern versions of Mac OS XAll Windows OS, Mac, Linux, game consoles
Device SupportedXbox One, PS4 (Not Work on some media players and Android devices)Video game console, Android USB expansions, media players, and other devices.
Size SupportedNo limit on file size or hard drive size.4 GB maximum file size, 8 TB maximum partition size.
Usage Sharing large files (larger than 4GB) between OSes, exFAT is the best choice.Mature file system for USB, flash drives and removable drives.

For big file transferring and some specific purposed, exFAT will be better. However, as for normal usage on removable devices, including memory card, SD card, USB or flash drive, etc., FAT32 is preferable.

In a word, if you prefer to set your device compatible with all devices and platforms, FAT32 is a good choice.

2. Back-Up Data Before Switching File System from exFAT to FAT32

Once you have decided to convert the exFAT device to FAT32, the next step is to create a backup of your device data.

  • If the data size is small, you may directly copy and save them to another device at one time.
  • If your saved data is more than 5GB, manually copying is risky and time-consuming.

A safer and more efficient way is to apply reliable backup software to back up all the files at one time.

How to Convert exFAT to FAT32 for Free

In this part, you will be presented with detailed steps of exFAT to FAT32 conversion by using three different methods. Pick up one to swap your USB or SD card to FAT32 now.

  • EaseUS exFAT to FAT32 Converter - Free & Efficient Tool for All Levels of Users
  • Disk Management - Free Windows Built-in Tool for Beginners
  • CMD - Free Windows Built-in Tool & Complex for Beginners

Note: Remember to back up your data in advance as each method requires to format the device for file system conversion. You may lose your device data during the process.

Exfat

#1. Using EaseUS exFAT to FAT32 Converter

Applicable to all levels of users, beginners' best choice.

EaseUS free partition software - Partition Master is a favorable third-party disk management tool that enables you to convert exFAT to FAT32 with its Format feature easily.

With only a few simple clicks, you may convert your SD card, external hard drive, USB flash drive, pen drive, etc. to FAT32 in Windows 10/8/7.

If you haven't back up data yet, connect the exFAT device to your PC. Then go to the clone disk wizard on EaseUS Partition Master to copy the device data to another disk as a backup.

Step 1: Launch EaseUS Partition Master, right-click the partition you intend to format and choose 'Format'.

Step 2: In the new window, enter the Partition label, choose the FAT32 file system, and set the cluster size according to your needs, then click 'OK'.

Step 3: Then you will see a warning window, click 'OK' in it to continue.

Step 4: Click the 'Execute Operation' button in the top-left corner to review the changes, then click 'Apply' to start formatting the partition to FAT32.

After the conversion, you may now save the backup data back to the FAT32 device or use it for other purposes.

# 2. Format exFAT to FAT32 in Using Disk Management

Applicable for experienced Windows users.

Note that you should be very careful while following the steps below to format exFAT device to FAT32 in Disk Management. Any mistake may result in your device unusable.

Step 1. Connect the exFAT SD card, external hard drive, USB flash drive, pen drive, etc. to your PC.

Step 2. Right-click on Windows icon and select 'Disk Management'.

Step 3. On Disk Management, Right-click on your exFAT USB or external device, select 'Format”.

Step 4. Set the file system to FAT32, tick 'Quick Format' and click 'OK' to confirm.

When the formatting process finishes, your device is ready for saving and transfer files in the FAT32 format.

# 3. Convert exFAT to FAT32 with CMD Formatting Command

Applicable for professional users and IT administrators.

The last approach for exFAT to FAT32 conversion might be challenging for Windows beginners. We would like to suggest experienced users and administrators try this tip.

Note: Be very careful while executing the following operations on your PC.

Step 1. Connect your exFAT device to PC.

Step 2. Right-click the Windows icon and typing command prompt.

Step 3. Right-click Command Prompt and select 'Run as Administrator'.

Step 4. Type diskpart in Command Prompt and hit Enter.

Step 5. Open up DiskPart, type the following command lines, and hit Enter each time:

  • list disk
  • select disk 0 (Replace 0 with your exFAT device disk number)
  • list volume
  • select volume 1 (Replace 1 with your exFAT device volume number)
  • format fs=fat32 quick

Step 6. when the formatting process finishes, your device is FAT32 now, type exit to close the Diskpart window.

After this, you may apply the FAT32 device to save and transfer files on your computer, game consoles, or media players.

Conclusion

This page includes three free & practical options to assist you in converting exFAT to FAT32.

If you want to convert FAT32 to exFAT, any method on this page will work.

For beginners, EaseUS Partition Master Free is the best option. For experienced or professional IT users, Disk Management and CMD can be a workout.

People Also Ask

Besides converting file system between exFAT and FAT32, some people even have more questions on formatting devices from NTFS to exFAT, FAT32, etc. If you are having these questions, check the quick solutions below.

Fat

1. How do I convert exFAT to NTFS?

Basically, the ways to convert exFAT to NTFS is similar to the provided methods on this page. You may apply CMD, Disk Management or third-party EaseUS Partition Master to format the device to NTFS.

For a detailed tutorial, you may refer to this link for help: How to Convert exFAT to NTFS.

2. How do I format a 64GB USB from exFAT to FAT32?

As Windows only allows creating up to 32GB single volume on FAT32 devices, both Disk Management and CMD cannot break the limit to format 64GB USB from exFAT to FAT32.

Fortunately, EaseUS Partition Master has broken the limit. You can simply format a 64GB USB to FAT32 regardless of its original file system is exFAT or NTFS.

3. What is the difference between exFAT, FAT32, and NTFS?

Highlights:

  • NTFS is regarded as the most modern file system which is widely used on system drive by default.
  • FAT32 owns greater compatibility with other operating systems. Also, FAT32 is current the most widespread one.
  • ExFAT is regarded as an alternative file system to replace FAT32, with greater compatibility than NTFS on more devices and operating systems.

Limits:

  • NTFS: No file-size or partition size limits.
  • FAT32: 4 GB maximum file size, 8 TB maximum partition size.
  • ExFAT: No realistic file-size or partition size limits.

USB drives are extremely convenient to use for carrying data around. They come in various capacity options, and easy to slip into your pocket or handbag, and they're far more durable than physical disks such as CDs, DVDs, and BDs. The only challenge with USB drives, however, is to know what file system to use when formatting them. This is especially important when holding big files or making bootable install disk.

Exfat Or Fat For Mac

Exfat Or Fat Mac Os

The three most popular ones for formatting a USB drive are FAT32, NTFS, and exFAT, all of which are compatible with Windows-based computers as well as other devices. Let's look at each of these in detail and then get into how to format your USB drive with the appropriate file system on a Windows 10 PC.

FAT32

File Allocation Table 32, shortened to FAT32, was introduced with Windows 95 and is one of the oldest of the Windows file systems in use today. It is also the most widely used file system in the world because of its compatibility with multiple devices like smart TVs and media players.

However, it has one limitation in that you can't store file sizes that are larger than 4GB. That's a hard limit so even if you have a file like a Windows 10 ISO that's about 4.1GB, you can't store it on a USB drive that has been formatted with the FAT32 file system. This file system is generally recommended if you need to use the USB drive with different types of hardware because of its wide compatibility.

NTFS

NTFS is a Microsoft format that debuted with Windows NT, but it was only made available in consumer versions of Windows since Windows XP. The NT File system is the default one that your hard drive is formatted with when you install Windows. It offers several features that are neither found in FAT32 or exFAT, such as a change journal for recovery after errors or crashes, security using file permissions, encryption support, and more.

The biggest advantage is that the partition and file size limits are extremely high, which is the major difference between FAT32 and NTFS. The ideal use for these is for cloning system drives and other large chunks of data. It is compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux, but doesn't work with the majority of other hardware devices.

exFAT

exFAT, Extended File Allocation Table File System can be considered an upgrade to the conventional FAT32 format because it has higher size limits and is more lightweight. Incidentally, a larger number of hardware devices can be used with USB drives that are formatted with exFAT than with NTFS, making it a good alternative to FAT32. As such, if compatibility with other devices is a concern, it's a better option than NTFS.

Now that we have an overview of the basic differences between the three file systems, let's learn how to go about formatting a USB drive with one of them.

Format USB to FAT32/NTFS/exFAT in Windows 10 or Windows 7

The process is fairly simple and only involves a couple of clicks and menu option selections, but you will need to make sure that all the data on the drive is backed up before formatting it. By definition, formatting a drive erases all data on that drive, so be sure to back up any data that's already on the USB drive.

Once you have secured your data, follow the steps shown below to format your USB drive in Windows 10:

Step 1: Insert your USB drive into your Windows PC and open File Explorer.

Step 2: Right-click on the drive and select Format… from the contextual menu. A small window will pop up.

Step 3: Depending on what the purpose of the USB drive is, choose the appropriate file system. For greater compatibility, FAT32 is best, but if you want to put large media files, then exFAT is preferred. NTFS is great if you're only using the drive on other Windows systems. Your purpose of use should be the main deciding factor when picking a file system, considering each one's limitations on size limits vs. compatibility.

Step 4: Set the other parameters like Quick Format. When the box is not ticked, it will check for bad sectors, which is a good idea if your drive was corrupted before formatting.

Step 5: Click on Start, and your USB drive will be formatted to the file system that you selected in Step 3. Once you see 'Format Complete' on your screen, you can eject the drive and remove it from the computer. It is now ready to use.

How to Format USB to FAT32/exFAT on Mac

Creating Windows 10 bootable USB on Mac is a common task for people who have multiple computers at home. You have to format the drive to exFAT or FAT32 if the burning process failed due to the wrong partition scheme. The good news is that formatting USB on Mac is also as easy as on Windows 10.

Exfat Or Fat For Mac Cheese

Step 1: Insert the target USB drive into Mac and you should see the drive name on Finder sidebar.

Exfat Or Fat For Mac Computers

Step 2: Find and open Disk Utility from Launchpad.

Exfat On Mac

Step 3: Click on the USB drive name in Disk Utility app and click 'Restore' button displayed on the top menu. At this time, a couple of formatting options available. There are: Mac OS Extended, MS-DOS(FAT) and ExFAT.

Step 4: Select one of the format from drop-down menu and click 'Erase' to start formatting USB to FAT or ExFAT on Mac.

Exfat Or Fat For Mac Catalina

Summary

Exfat Or Fat For Mac Osx

This is the easiest way to format your USB drive in Windows 10 or Mac. Alternatively, you can also use the DISKPART command line utility in Windows CMD to do this, but it requires some level of technical knowledge and is not generally recommended for new or inexperienced users.