The ExFAT file system from Microsoft was created to repair or improve the quality of the FAT32 system. Like FAT32, ExFAT is a great choice in terms of portability. Since it is supported by almost all operating systems, you can apply the ExFAT system to an external drive that is used to share files between Windows, MacOS, and Linux computers. Unlike FAT32, ExFAT can only be used on drives larger than 32 GB and allows you to execute files larger than 4 GB. However, sometimes a FAT32 system is needed for special devices (eg cars) and older computers. This wikiHow teaches you how to format an external drive with the ExFAT or FAT32 file system.
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Method 1 of 4: Formatting a Drive Below 32 GB on a Windows Computer
Step 1. Back up all the data you need to save from the drive
If the drive is under 32 GB in size, you can format it with the FAT32 or ExFAT system using Windows' built-in tools. The formatting process will erase the contents on the drive so make sure you back up>
Step 2. Press Win+E to open File Explorer
You can also open it by right-clicking the “Start” button and selecting “ File Explorer ”.
Step 3. Click This PC or Computers.
One of these options is in the left pane of the File Explorer window. Once clicked, a list of drives connected to the computer will be displayed.
Step 4. Right-click the USB drive and select Format
You can see the drive in the right pane. After that, the “Format” window will be displayed.
If you don't see the USB drive on the right pane, press the “ Windows ” + “ R ” Win+R and run the diskmgmt.msc command to open the Disk Management tool. If the physical drive or USB port is still functioning properly, the drive will be displayed. Right click the drive and select " Format ”.
Step 5. Select FAT32 or ExFAT from the "File system" menu.
“ ExFAT ” is a superior modern option, unless you are using a special device (or an older computer) that requires the FAT32 file system. However, you can still choose FAT32. However, you cannot use or execute files that are 4 GB (or larger).
- If you have specific instructions that instruct you to use the FAT32 system (e.g. when using a drive in a car or other special device), stick to FAT32. Otherwise, select ExFAT so you can manage and execute larger files.
- Keep the "Perform quick format" option checked for fast formatting. You don't need to do a full formatting, unless there is a problem with the drive or you really need to cover the file tracks on the drive.
Step 6. Name the drive
In the " Volume label " field, you can type a name to identify the drive each time it is connected to the computer. Type the desired name in the column.
Step 7. Click Start to format the drive
You will be asked to confirm that all content/data on the drive will be deleted. On most drives, the formatting process only takes a few moments. However, full formatting takes longer. Once the drive is formatted, you can copy files to/from the drive on any operating system.
Method 2 of 4: Formatting a Drive Over 32 GB on a Windows Computer
Step 1. Back up data from USB drive
Since the formatting process will erase all data, back up any files/data you still need before proceeding to the next step.
Step 2. Choose between FAT32 and ExFAT file systems
ExFAT, the successor to FAT32, can be used on Windows, MacOS, and Linux operating systems. The main difference is that ExFAT has no 4 GB file size limit and can be applied to drives over 32 GB in size.
- If your drive has above 32 GB of storage space and you only need to use it to share files between several modern operating systems (e.g. Windows 8 or later or MacOS X 10.6.6 and later), use this method and make sure you choose " ExFAT ” as the file system type.
- If you are specifically asked to use FAT32 and the drive is over 32 GB in size, you will need a third-party tool to format it in the FAT32 system. Keep reading this method.
Step 3. Visit https://www.ridgecrop.demon.co.uk/index.htm?guiformat.htm via a web browser
The link refers to a free application download site called fat32format which can format large drives (up to 2 TB) in the FAT32 system. This equipment has been available for years and is safe to use.
Step 4. Click the image to download the equipment
If the program does not download automatically, click “ Save ” to start the download.
Step 5. Double-click the downloaded file to open it
This file is named guiformat.exe ” and saved to the computer's main downloads storage folder (“Downloads”). You do not need to attach this equipment to the computer. Once the file is double-clicked (and you confirm file execution), the tool is ready to use.
Step 6. Select the USB drive from the " Drive " menu
This menu is at the top of the screen.
Keep the " Allocation unit size " option selected as the default setting, unless you specifically need to change it
Step 7. Type a name for the fast drive
Enter a name in the "Volume label" field. In addition to the drive letter, this name will identify the drive when it is attached to the computer.
Step 8. Decide if you want to do a quick format
By default, the “Quick Format” option is marked. This option can be used by most users and is a faster formatting option. If you are having problems with your drive or are planning to give the drive to someone else, uncheck the option to perform extensive (complete) formatting.
Step 9. Click Start to format the drive
If you do a quick format, the process should only take a few minutes (depending on the size of the drive). Full formatting can take several hours. Once the process is complete, you can copy files to/from the drive as usual.
Method 3 of 4: Formatting a Drive on a Mac Computer
Step 1. Backup>
Step 2. Open Disk Utility
This program is in the folder Applications ” and saved in subfolder “ Utilities ”.
Step 3. Select the USB drive
The drive is shown in the left pane, under the “External” section. If you don't see it, try plugging the drive into a different USB port.
Step 4. Click the Erase tab
It's a tab at the top of the window.
Step 5. Select the file system from the "Format" menu
file system ExFAT ” is the latest version of FAT32 with the same function/work, but without the 4 GB file size limitation and can be used on drives over 32 GB (unlike the default FAT32 limitation). This option is the best and up-to-date option if you need to use the drive on Windows and Mac computers (Windows 8 and later, and MacOS X 10.6.6 and up). If you are specifically asked to use FAT32 (e.g. when you want to install a drive on a car that requires that system), select “ MS-DOS (FAT) ”.
If the drive is over 32 GB in size, but you absolutely need to format it on the FAT32 system, create multiple partitions on the USB drive and format each partition with the FAT32 system. Click the tab " Partition ” and select the button “ + ” to create a new partition. Set each partition size to 32 GB (or less) and select “ MS-DOS (FAT) ” from the “Format” menu for each partition.
Step 6. Give the drive a name
Enter the name of the drive in the "Name" field (maximum 11 characters). The name will appear when the drive is connected to the computer.
Step 7. Click Erase to start formatting
All data on the drive will be erased and the drive will be formatted in the selected file system. You can now copy files to/from the drive as usual.
Method 4 of 4: Formatting a Drive on Ubuntu Linux
Step 1. Back up the data you need to save
Formatting the drive will erase all data stored on it. Therefore, copy the desired files from the USB drive before formatting.
Step 2. Open the Disks tool
This tool allows you to format a disc connected to a computer system. The easiest way to open it is to click on the “Dash” button and type disks in the search bar. The Disks tool will appear as the first search result in the list.
Step 3. Select the USB drive
You can see it in the list of drives on the left side of the Disks window.
Step 4. Click the “Stop” button to end the drive's connection with the computer
Select the solid square button in the " Volumes " section to terminate the drive connection so that the drive can be formatted.
Step 5. Click the gear icon and select Format Partition
It's at the top of the menu.
Step 6. Give the USB drive a name
Type a label/name for the drive into the " Volume name " field at the top of the window. This name will identify the drive when it is connected or paired to the computer.
Step 7. Select the file system
The ExFAT system, the successor to FAT32, is compatible with both Windows and MacOS operating systems, and is suitable for drives of various sizes. The main difference is that ExFAT doesn't have a 4 GB file size limit, like it does on FAT32 systems. ExFAT ” is a superior modern option, unless you are using a special device (or an older computer) that requires the FAT32 file system. However, you can still choose FAT32. However, you cannot use or execute files that are 4 GB (or larger).
- To select ExFAT, select the option “ Other ” on the button, click “ Next, and select " ExFAT ”.
- To select FAT32, select “ For use with all systems and devices (FAT) " and click " Next ”.
Step 8. Click Create to format the drive
The formatting process can take a few minutes to several hours, depending on the size of the drive. When you're done, you can re-enable the drive's connection to your computer and copy files to/from the drive as usual.
