[FIXED] FAT32 Format Option Not Available in Windows

Updated by

Linda 

Updated on May 7, 2024

When you want to format a flash drive, SD card, or other external media in FAT32, you might encounter the surprise of the option being absent in Windows. This can be quite frustrating, especially when you need the FAT32 file system for compatibility with older devices, specific hardware, or software requirements.

There could be several reasons for the unavailability of the FAT32 format option. This guide from tools will shed light on these reasons. Furthermore, we will provide you with dependable solutions to format your drives to FAT32 when necessary.

Why is the FAT32 Format Option Not Available?

An issue might occur when attempting to format the flash drive or storage device to FAT32 using the built-in function menu, but the option is not available. This is due to limitations within Windows' capabilities.

The FAT32 file system was developed by Microsoft back in 1997, not 1977, and it became popular for its use with older devices like game consoles and some TVs. However, nowadays, using standard tools, Windows won't let you format a drive larger than 32GB as FAT32.

Various devices from the previous generation that support the FAT32 file system cannot write or read files larger than 4GB. If you have such devices and need to expand their storage capacity, your device should provide the option to format as FAT32.

The restricted size capacity of the FAT32 file system is why Microsoft limits storage capacity to 32GB on Windows operating systems. So if you encounter this limitation, remember that it's not an error but an intentional restriction.

?Read Also: NTFS or FAT32: Which File System to Choose for USB, Windows, and Mac

Solution to 'FAT32 Format Option Not Available'

In this context, how do you format large drives to FAT32 when Windows doesn't support it? The answer lies in a powerful utility called tools Partition Master Free. This tool provides a dedicated "NTFS to FAT" feature, enabling you to effortlessly convert file systems without any hassle.

Moreover, this feature ensures that you won't lose any data during the formatting process. It's an all-in-one solution that supports both FAT32 and NTFS.

If you're ready to fix this formatting issue, follow these steps to begin managing file systems.

Step 1. Right-click the target device partition and select "Advanced" > "Convert to FAT".

Step 2. Once the scan is over, click "Proceed" to start the NTFS to FAT32 conversion.

Step 3. Click "Apply" to save all changes.

?Key features:

Here are the translations for the provided languages: 1. It can surpass the Windows FAT32 partition size limit, allowing the formatting of drives larger than 32GB into the FAT32 file system. 2. It includes the "NTFS to FAT" feature, which safely converts drives to minimize data loss during the process. 3. Supports working with FAT32, NTFS, exFAT, EXT2, EXT3, and EXT4, as well as other file systems for both Linux and Windows. 4. Designed to be user-friendly, making formatting tasks more comfortable for users.

If you find this tool helpful for the task, don't forget to share it on your social media.

Conclusion

If FAT32 formatting is not an option in Windows, this article provides two possible reasons. Moreover, it introduces you to the powerful utility, Partition Master Free, which enables you to format larger drives to FAT32 with just a single click. This free FAT32 formatting tool, equipped with advanced features and a data-safe methodology, is the solution for managing file system issues effectively.