How to Convert exFAT to FAT32 in Windows 11/10/8/7

Updated by

Linda 

Written by

Linda 

Last updated on April 22, 2024

This page will detail the entire process of converting exFAT to FAT32 on a storage device. Follow the "Before You Start" tips, choose the method that best suits your needs, and easily change your device's file system from exFAT to FAT32:

# 1. The Preparations You Must Make

2. Three Free Ways to Convert exFAT to FAT32:

• (Recommended) Professional exFAT to FAT32 Converter - A free and efficient tool for all user levels
• Disk Management - A free built-in Windows tool for beginners
• Command Prompt - A free, yet complex built-in Windows tool for beginners

Question: How can I convert exFAT to FAT32 without losing data?

How can I format a 64GB SD card from exFAT to FAT32? I have a SanDisk Ultra 64GB SD card that I can't format to FAT32. I'm using Windows 11/10 operating system. I want to convert a USB flash drive formatted as exFAT to FAT32. Tried a few links but with no success. Is there any software that could help? Is there a way to convert an external hard drive from exFAT to FAT32 without losing data? If you're facing a similar issue and want to change the storage device's file system from exFAT to FAT32 without losing data, try the following methods.

Preparing to Convert exFAT to FAT32

There may be times when you have an SD card, external hard drive, USB flash drive, or other device with exFAT, but for one reason or another, you need to convert it to FAT32. To safeguard your data and help you choose the best file system for your storage device, follow the prep steps and tips we've laid out for you here.

1. Which is better: exFAT or FAT32?

Only few people know the difference between exFAT and FAT32. Here's a comparison table of exFAT vs FAT32 that you can refer to learn why you should format removable devices to FAT32.

For large file transfers and some specific uses, exFAT would be better. But for general use on portable devices, including memory cards, SD cards, USB or flash drives, FAT32 is preferable.

In short, if you want your drive to be compatible with just about everything, FAT32 is a good choice.

2. Back up your data before converting the file system from exFAT to FAT32

Once you've decided to convert your exFAT drive to FAT32, the next step is to back up your device data.

• If you have a small amount of data, you can copy and save it to another device all at once. • If your saved data is over 5 GB, manual copying can be risky and time-consuming.

A safer and more efficient approach is to use reliable backup software to copy all of your files at once.

How to Convert exFAT to FAT32 for Free

Here, you will see the detailed steps to convert exFAT to FAT32 with three different methods. For a quick and secure conversion, we recommend using Partition Master, a safe disk management tool for converting exFAT to FAT32.

• exFAT to FAT32 Converter Tool – A free and efficient tool for users of all levels
• Disk Management – A free built-in Windows tool for beginners
• Command Prompt – A free, yet complex, built-in Windows tool for beginners

Warning: Back up your data before you begin, as each of these methods will require formatting your device to convert the file system. You risk losing the data on your device in the process.

#1. Tool Used: exFAT to FAT32 Converter

Suitable for users of all levels, especially beginners.

Tool Free Partition Manager - Partition Master is a popular third-party disk management tool that you can use to easily format exFAT to FAT32.

With just a few simple steps, you can format SD card, external hard drive, USB flash drive, pen drive, and the like to FAT32 in Windows 11/10/8/7.

If you don't have a backup, connect the exFAT device to your computer and use the Clone Disk Wizard in Partition Master to copy its data to another drive as a backup.

Step 1. Launch AOMEI Partition Assistant, right-click the partition which you want to format and then choose "Format".

Step 2: In the new window, type in a partition label, choose the file system (FAT32/EXT2/EXT3/EXT4), set the cluster size as needed, and click "OK".

Step 3: You will now see a warning. Click "Yes" to continue.

Step 4: Click on the "Do It!" button in the top-left corner to apply the changes, and then click on "Apply" to start formatting the partition to FAT32/EXT2/EXT3/EXT4.

After the conversion, you can save the backup data to a FAT32 device or use it for other purposes. By the way, you can share this tool by clicking the buttons below to help other users.

# 2. Format exFAT to FAT32 using Disk Management

Recommended for experienced Windows users.

Please note that you should be very careful when formatting an exFAT device as FAT32 in Disk Management, as any mistake can render the device unusable.

Step 1. Connect your exFAT SD card, external hard drive, USB flash drive, or USB stick to your computer.

Step 2. Right-click the Windows icon and select “Disk Management.”

Step 3. Right-click on your exFAT USB drive or external device in Disk Management and select “Format.”

Step 4: Select the FAT32 file system and check the box for "Quick Format." Then, click "OK" to confirm.

Once it's done, your device will be able to save and transfer files in the FAT32 format.

# 3. Use CMD to Format exFAT to FAT32

Intended for power users and IT administrators.

The last method to convert exFAT to FAT32 might be challenging for Windows beginners. We recommend experienced users and administrators try this trick.

Caution: Be very careful when performing the following operations.

Step 1. Connect the exFAT drive to your computer.

Step 2: Right-click the Windows logo and type in Command Prompt.

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

Step 4. Type diskpart at the command prompt, and press Enter.

Step 5: Open DiskPart and type the following commands, pressing Enter after each:

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

Your device should now be formatted to FAT32. Type exit to close the "Disk Management" window.

You can now use your FAT32 device to store and transfer files on your computer, gaming console, or media player.

Video Tutorial: How to Format exFAT to FAT32

Conclusions

This page offers you 3 free and practical choices to help you convert exFAT to FAT32.

If you want to convert from FAT32 to exFAT, any of the methods on this page will work.

For beginners, Partition Master Free is the best option. For experienced or professional IT users, Disk Management and CMD can offer more in-depth operations.

"People also ask"

Aside from converting between exFAT and FAT32, some of you may have more questions about formatting devices to exFAT, FAT32, and so on. If you do, check out the quick solutions below.

How do I convert exFAT to NTFS?

Essentially, the methods to convert exFAT to NTFS are similar to the ones provided on this page. You can format the device to NTFS using CMD, Disk Management, or a third-party tool like Partition Master.

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

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

Since Windows only allows single volumes of up to 32 GB on FAT32 drives, both Disk Management and the CMD cannot overcome the limitation and format a 64 GB USB to FAT32.

Fortunately, you can break the limit with a tool – Partition Master. You can simply format 64GB USB to FAT32 no matter the original file system is exFAT or NTFS.

What's the difference between exFAT, FAT32, and NTFS?

Highlight:

• NTFS is considered the most modern file system and is usually the default for system drives.
• FAT32 has better compatibility with other operating systems. It is currently the most widely used file system.
• ExFAT is seen as a replacement for FAT32, offering better compatibility with more devices and operating systems than NTFS.

Limitations:

• NTFS: No limits on file or partition size.
• FAT32: Maximum file size of 4 GB and maximum partition size of 8 TB.
• ExFAT: No practical limits on file or partition size.