How to Convert FAT32 to NTFS Without Data Loss [2024 Guide]

Updated by

Linda 

Written by

Linda 

Updated on April 22, 2024

Below, you'll discover 5 practical methods to convert FAT to NTFS without losing data. Choose one and follow along to change your storage device's file system to NTFS while preserving your data intact:

Tip: If you want to optimize the usage of your computer's hard drive, format it with a more reliable file system - NTFS - without losing any data. The FAT to NTFS conversion feature in tools Partition Master can help. For more details, proceed to Method 1 for assistance.

Let's get started.

How to Convert FAT32 to NTFS (FAT16, FAT12 Supported)

Changing a volume file system is no easy task for those unfamiliar with computer management and the command line. Hence, an easy and safe solution is required. In this section, you'll find two reliable methods to convert FAT to NTFS without data loss. Choose either method to obtain the desired file system for your drive now.

Method 1: Convert FAT to NTFS without Data Loss [Free]

Applicable for: all levels of users - beginners, amateurs, and professional computer users. Free and 3-step operation.

Free and comprehensive partition manager software - tools Partition Master Free can fully meet this requirement with its Convert to NTFS feature. It enables you to convert FAT to NTFS without any data loss. Changing the device file system format won't require formatting and keeps all valuable device content intact.

To convert a storage device like an external hard drive or USB drive to NTFS, first plug it into your computer. Users of all versions of Windows can complete this task by following these steps:

Step 1. Install and launch tools Partition Master on your computer.

Step 2. In Partition Manager, right-click on a FAT32 partition and click "Advanced", then select "Convert NTFS to FAT".

Step 3. Click "Proceed" on the pop-up dialog box to continue.

Step 4. Click "Apply" to start the conversion. Wait until the process is complete.

In addition to converting FAT to NTFS, Partition Master Free also enables users to change file systems to other formats, such as: Convert NTFS to FAT32, Convert exFAT to FAT32, and so on.

If you love the method provided here, feel free to share it online and help more people around you.

Method 2. Convert FAT32 to NTFS using CMD [Manual]

Applicable for: experienced computer users who are very familiar with Command Prompt lines.

Those familiar with computer management can use the CMD convert command to change the FAT partition or storage device to NTFS.

< strong > How to Convert a FAT or FAT32 Drive to NTFS< /strong>:

Here are the translations of the given instructions into English: 1. Open a command prompt window by typing Command Prompt in the search box. 2. Right-click Command Prompt and select "Run as Administrator." 3. Type help convert and then press "Enter."

Here it is translated into English:

Information about converting FAT volumes to NTFS is displayed as shown below.

Here are the translations for the given text in English:
1. Type in convert drive_letter: /fs:ntfs and press Enter.
2. Replace the drive letter of the target drive you are converting, such as convert J: /fs:ntfs.

1. Type exit when the converting process is complete.

The file system of the target device is now NTFS. You can view and use the saved data on the drive once again.

Aside from using CMD or third-party conversion software, there are three additional methods outlined below that can assist users in altering their device's file system, specifically by formatting storage devices from FAT to NTFS.

If you find it too difficult to run CMD commands, choose tools Partition Master instead.

Method 3: Format to NTFS using File Explorer

Applicable for: Windows beginners, non-technical users

Windows File Explorer provides a reliable and user-friendly method for beginners and non-technical users on Windows to seamlessly transition from a FAT32 formatted device to NTFS by formatting it efficiently. Here's how to proceed:

Step 1. Connect your external storage device to your PC and open Windows File Explorer.

Step 2. Right-click the target device and select "Format".

Step 3. Check "Quick Format," set the "File System" to "NTFS," and click "Start" to begin the formatting.

When it's done, close the Format window. The drive is now NTFS, and you can copy your backed-up files back to the drive.

Please share this article to help others convert from FAT32 to NTFS.

Method 4: Format FAT32 to NTFS in Disk Management

Applicable for: Windows experienced users

Connect your external hard drive or USB drive to the PC before you begin formatting. Follow these steps:

Step 1. Right-click This PC or My Computer, and select "Manage".

Step 2. Enter Device Manager and click "Disk Management".

Step 3. Right-click the target device in Disk Management and choose "Format".

Step 4. Select "NTFS" for the chosen device, check "Quick Format," and click "OK" to confirm.

Method 5: Quickly Format a FAT32 Device to NTFS using CMD

Applicable for: Advanced users, professionals

DiskPart commands are intended for advanced users and professional developers to swiftly issue instructions to the operating system for formatting the target device to NTFS. Please exercise caution when typing the commands as outlined in the step-by-step guide below:

Step 1. Right-click on the Windows icon, select "Search," and type cmd.

Step 2. Right-click to run Command Prompt as administrator, type diskpart, and press Enter.

Step 3. Enter the following command lines one by one and press Enter after each:

Translate the following commands into English:
• list disk
• select disk 2 (Replace 2 with the number of your USB disk)
• list volume
• select volume 11/10 (Replace 11/10 with the volume number of the USB drive you want to format)
• format fs=ntfs quick

Step 4. Type exit and press Enter to close DiskPart when it confirms that the formatting was successful.

Click the button below to quickly switch to Partition Master.

# Why Do You Need to Convert FAT32 to NTFS There are several reasons why you might want to convert a FAT32 file system to NTFS. Here are some of the most common ones: 1. **Larger File Support**: FAT32 has a file size limit of 4 GB, which can be restrictive for storing large media files, backups, or software installations. NTFS, on the other hand, supports files of virtually any size. 2. **Better Security**: NTFS offers advanced security features such as file and folder permissions, access control lists (ACLs), and encryption options (EFS) that are not available in FAT32. This makes it more suitable for shared or public computers where data security is a concern. 3. **Improved Stability**: NTFS is generally more stable than FAT32, with better error handling and disk space management. It is less prone to data corruption, making it ideal for critical systems. 4. **Efficient Disk Space Management**: NTFS allows compression of files and folders, which can save disk space. It also provides better disk space allocation, reducing fragmentation and improving overall system performance. 5. **Journalling**: NTFS uses a journaling system that records changes to the file system, allowing for faster recovery from system crashes or power failures compared to FAT32. 6. **Performance**: While both file systems have their own strengths, NTFS tends to perform better in high-traffic scenarios, especially when dealing with large numbers of small files. 7. **Windows Compatibility**: Starting with Windows XP, Microsoft has primarily used NTFS as the default file system for its operating systems. Although FAT32 is still supported, some advanced features may not work properly with it. 8. **Multi-User Environments**: NTFS's support for user permissions and access control makes it a better choice for networks or multi-user environments, where different users need different levels of access to files and folders. 9. **External Drives**: Many modern external hard drives and USB flash drives come formatted as NTFS, as it is more compatible with newer technologies and offers the benefits mentioned above. 10. **Future Proofing**: Converting to NTFS ensures your storage device stays up-to-date with current and future software requirements, as FAT32 is an older file system that may become less supported over time. Keep in mind that converting a partition from FAT32 to NTFS will erase all data on that partition, so make sure to back up your important files before proceeding.

Many regular folks have no idea how to choose the right file system for their storage devices. If you're similarly unsure about whether to format your external hard drive, USB, or SD card as NTFS or FAT32, keep reading – you'll learn how to decide.

"NTFS vs. FAT: Which File System is Better?"

Here's a comparison table of NTFS, FAT32, FAT16, and FAT12 to help you determine which file system is best suited for your device.

NTFS or FAT32: Which File System Should You Choose for Your Device?

It doesn't matter if you're still unsure about which format to choose for your drive; here's a suggestion from the tool's editor:

• NTFS: Supports transferring large files with no limitations. The ideal file system for hard drives and external hard drives.

It's clear that NTFS contains more advanced features than FAT, for example, in performance, security, and reliability. NTFS supports large file storage on high-capacity storage devices like an internal or external hard drive.

• FAT32: Supports transferring a single file up to 4GB. Typically used as the file system for SD cards and USB flash drives.

For SD cards and USB flash drives, FAT32 will be the best.

Conclusion

This page addresses the question of whether NTFS or FAT32 is better and provides two reliable methods to help users convert FAT32, FAT16/12 to NTFS without formatting, using either the free partition manager software or the CMD conversion command.

Aside from the two methods of converting FAT32 to NTFS, this tutorial also presents three additional manual formatting options to assist you in formatting the device from FAT32 to NTFS. If you opt for the formatting method, make sure to backup your data from the target device to a separate location beforehand.

Please note that if you format the device without backup, always remember to apply a reliable file recovery software, such as Data Recovery Wizard, for assistance.

"People Also Ask about Converting FAT32 to NTFS"

Aside from converting FAT to NTFS, there are more inquiries regarding the file system transition between FAT32 and NTFS. Below, we've compiled four frequently asked questions and provided answers beneath each one. Allow these responses to alleviate your concerns and assist you in finding solutions.

1. Can I convert NTFS back to FAT32 after converting FAT32 to NTFS?

Once you convert FAT to NTFS, you cannot simply convert it back to FAT or FAT32. You will need to reformat the drive or partition, which will remove all saved data—including programs and personal files—on the partition.

You can also refer to this page to find solutions for converting NTFS to FAT32. Remember, it's always advisable to back up your data before any conversion.

2. Will converting from FAT32 to NTFS erase data?

If you choose to use the CMD convert command line convert G: /fs:ntfs (G is the drive letter of the target device) or use the Convert to NTFS feature in tools Partition Master, your data will be securely saved on the device. No data will be erased.

However, if you choose the formatting method, your data on the target device will be erased. To prevent this, make sure to backup important files beforehand.

3. How can I convert FAT32 to NTFS without losing data?

The best way to protect your data from loss while converting FAT32 to NTFS is to create a backup in advance.

You can also use the Convert to NTFS feature in tools like Partition Master Free or the CMD conversion command, as shown on this page, for assistance. Neither method will result in data loss.

4. How can I convert my USB from FAT32 to NTFS without formatting it?

The methods to convert a USB from FAT32 to NTFS are similar to those provided on this page. If you prefer a conversion method without formatting, you can use the "Convert to NTFS" feature in tools like Partition Master Free or the CMD conversion command, as suggested on this page, both of which can assist you.

Here are the translations for the given language instructions: 1. Using Partition Master Free: Connect the USB to your PC > Run Partition Master and right-click on the USB > Select "Convert to NTFS" > Execute the operation. 2. Using CMD (Command Prompt): Open Diskpart > Type **list disk** and press Enter > Type **select disk 2** (Replace 2 with the USB disk number) and press Enter > Type **help convert** and press Enter > Type **convert G: /fs:ntfs** (Replace G with the USB drive letter) and press Enter.