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4 Ways to Convert USB from FAT32 to exFAT

Discover how to convert USB from FAT32 to exFAT easily to overcome file size limitations and improve performance. Find step-by-step guides and answers to your questions here!

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Updated by

Cici

Updated on Jun 19, 2024

Data storage and transfer in the modern digital era are made possible only by USB drives. Different file systems can be used to format these drives; FAT32 and exFAT are the most often used ones. FAT32 has drawbacks, notably in its 4 GB maximum file size limit. Thus, many people find exFAT a better option because it can overcome these drawbacks, support bigger files, and enhance data security.

This article will walk you through four ways to convert FAT32 to exFAT on your USB storage. EaseUS will provide simple, integrated solutions and more advanced tools for you, guaranteeing no data loss. Take a look at the brief list below.

  1. Method 1. Use EaseUS Partition Master
  2. Method 2. Use Command Prompt
  3. Method 3. Use File Explorer
  4. Method 4. Use Disk Management

How to Convert USB from FAT32 to exFAT 

In the following section, we will examine several ways to convert your USB device. This tutorial will help you easily switch your USB from FAT32 to exFAT. Continue to read and find a suitable method for you. 

Method 1. Use EaseUS Partition Master

EaseUS Partition Master Professional is a reliable software for converting a USB device from FAT32 to exFAT. With a special function for file system conversion, this program is a great option for converting your USB. The "Convert FAT32 to exFAT" function of EaseUS Partition Master streamlines the procedure so non-technical users can do it. Its simple interface and clear instructions will guide you through the converting process. The steps are simple and clear. The process will be completed within a few clicks, saving time and energy. 

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Notice:
Don't forget to back up your USB data before beginning to avoid any loss throughout the converting process.

Step 1. Run EaseUS Partition Master, right-click the hard drive partition you intend to format and choose "Format".

Format Hard Drive Partition - Step 1

Step 2. In the new window, set the Partition label, File system (NTFS/FAT32/EXT2/EXT3/EXT4/exFAT), and Cluster size for the partition to be formatted, then click "OK".

Format Hard Drive Partition - Step 2

Step 3. Then you will see a warning window, click "Yes" in it to continue.

Format Hard Drive Partition - Step 3

Step 4. Click the "Execute 1 Task(s)" button to review the changes, then click "Apply" to start formatting the partition on your hard drive.

Format Hard Drive Partition - Step 4

Advantages of EaseUS Partition Master:

  • Simple interface. 
  • Easy-to-use interface. 
  • Friendly to all users.
  • Support different operating systems.

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You can download EaseUS Partition Master to benefit from its strong features. This program will make the conversion process easier and stress-free.

Click the buttons below to check what EaseUS Partition Master can do:

Method 2. Use Command Prompt

To change a USB drive from FAT32 to exFAT, you can also employ the Command Prompt if you prefer using the integrated Windows utilities. You should keep in mind that this approach includes formatting the USB device, which will remove all of the information on it. So, it's important that you back up your data before proceeding.

Typing command lines can be difficult, so please follow the instructions tightly.

Step 1. Launch the Command Prompt windows, type "diskpart," and hit "Enter".

launch cmd

Step 2. Enter list disk to get a list of every disk attached to your computer.

Step 3. Note the disk number from the list. If your USB drive is disk 1, enter select disk 1.

Step 4. Enter list partition to list every volume.

Step 5. Find and save the volume number of your USB drive.

Step 6. Type select partition 1 and hit "Enter".

Step 7. To begin formatting, type format fs=exFAT quick and hit "Enter".

format usb in cmd

If performed correctly, this approach can be rapid and efficient. Choose the right disK and volume to avoid formatting the wrong drive. Always verify your commands one more time before running them.

Although effective, entering the correct command lines can be difficult. Any mistake can result in errors. If you don't want to take the risk, you can turn to Method 1 and use EaseUS Partition Master instead. 

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Method 3. Use File Explorer

Use Windows File Explorer to easily and simply convert your USB from FAT32 to exFAT. This approach will wipe all the data on your USB drive, so back up your files before continuing.

Insert your USB and follow the guide for you:

Step 1. Launch File Explorer by hitting "Windows + E".

Step 2. Find your USB drive under "This PC" or "Computer"; right-click and choose Format.

Step 3. Click "exFAT" from the "File system" dropdown menu in the format box.

choose exfat

Step 4. To speed up the procedure, make sure the "Quick Format" option is selected, then click "Start".

Step 5. You'll get a warning notice saying that everything will be lost. Tick OK to confirm.

Step 6. Click "OK" when the format has finished.

Don't forget to share this article with others who need help.

 

Method 4. Use Disk Management

Disk Management is another integrated utility that can be used to convert your USB from FAT32 to exFAT. This approach involves formatting the drive, which can cause data loss. As such, before continuing, make sure you back up any crucial files.

Step 1. Press "Windows + X", then from the resulting menu, choose Disk Management.

Step 2. Locate your removable USB drive among the disks in the Disk Management window. 

locate usb in disk management

Step 3. Right-click and choose Format to partition the drive

Step 4. Make exFAT the "File system" in the Format dialogue box.

Step 5. You will be warned by a notification that formatting will remove all data. Confirm by clicking "OK".

Although Disk Management is a dependable approach, meticulous execution of the procedures is essential to prevent problems. As always, backing up before using this technique will erase all data on the device. 

Mention above are some methods for you to convert your USB from FAT32 to exFAT. If you encounter some problems, click the buttons to get help:

Why Should I Convert USB from FAT32 to exFAT

There are various forms of file system. Below is a comparison between FAT32 and exFAT.  

Factors FAT32 exFAT
Compatibility Works with almost all operating systems.

Works with almost all operating systems.

 

Size Limit

Limited to a 4GB maximum file size and 8TB partition size, which is restrictive for large files.

There are no size limits on files or partitions, so it's great for big files and lots of storage needs.

Suitable users FAT32 is fast enough, but it works less efficiently with larger files. Read and write speeds are faster, which improves performance, especially when sending big files.

By changing to exFAT, you can store files of any size, make them work better with current systems, and quickly transfer data, making it a better choice for your USB drive.

Conclusion 

Upgrade your USB drive from FAT32 to exFAT for better compatibility with newer operating systems, file size freedom, and faster data transfer. This converter lets you store and manage larger files without limits. We recommend EaseUS Partition Master for non-technical users. Its simple interface and process make USB drive conversion easy. This function is free, making it accessible and cost-effective for everyone. Following this instruction, you can easily switch your USB drive to exFAT for better speed and storage flexibility. If you liked this article, share it on social media to help others.

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FAQs About Converting USB from FAT32 to exFAT

If you still have pending queries about converting FAT32 to exFAT, follow the below series of FAQs to find your answers.

1. How to convert exFAT to FAT32 on Mac?

Disk Utility can convert exFAT USB drives to FAT32 on Macs. Here is how:

Step 1. Launch the Disc Utility software.

Step 2. Choose the USB drive.

Step 3. Click on the "Erase" tab.

Step 4. Choose "MS-DOS (FAT)" as the format.

Step 5. The conversion is finished when you click "Erase."

If you want a simpler, more streamlined method, you can also use EaseUS Partition Master to fix this problem.

2. How to format an external HD from FAT32 to exFAT?

Use your computer's operating system's formatting tools to convert an external hard disc from FAT32 to exFAT.

  • Access Disc Management.
  • Find the external HDD.
  • Select "Format." right-click.
  • Select "exFAT" as the filesystem.
  • Follow the prompts to complete the formatting process.

3. What are the performance and speed differences between exFAT and FAT32?

ExFAT and FAT32 differ in performance and speed due to their architecture and capabilities:

  • FAT32: FAT32 is fast, while exFAT may perform better with larger files or file systems. Performance can suffer from its older architecture, which slows data transmission speeds.
  • exFAT: It improves USB disc performance and read/write rates. It is most noticeable during massive file transfers and high-capacity storage systems. The lack of file size limits and enhanced handling of huge files boost its efficiency.

For current storage demands with larger files and intensive data transfers, exFAT performs better and faster than FAT32.

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About the Author

Updated by Cici

Cici is the junior editor of the writing team of EaseUS. She accepted the systematic training on computers at EaseUS for over one year. Now, she wrote a lot of professional articles to help people resolve the issues of hard drive corruption, computer boot errors, and disk partition problems.

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