Convert FAT32 to NTFS without Losing Data: The NTFS file system format offers numerous advantages, with one of its primary benefits being the provision of enhanced data security and superior performance for hard disks and partitions in comparison to the FAT32 file system. If you currently have a Hard Disk or USB drive utilizing the FAT32 file format, it is possible to perform a seamless conversion to NTFS without any data loss or the need for formatting. Whether it’s an internal hard drive, an external hard drive, or a USB drive, the file system can be swiftly converted without the need for formatting, completing the process in a matter of seconds.
The chart below elucidates the distinctions between the FAT32 and NTFS file systems. Consulting this chart will provide you with a more comprehensive understanding of both file system formats.
| Features | FAT32 | NTFS |
|---|---|---|
| Max File Size Support | 4GB | 16TB |
| Accessing speed | Low | High Speed as compared to other FS |
| Max Characters File Name Spport | 83 | 255 |
| Compatible OS | Windows 95/98/2000/2003/XP | Windows NT/2K/XP/Vista/7/8/10, macOS X, Linux |
| Encryption | Not encrypted | Encrypted with Encrypting File System (EFS) |
| Security | Network Type Only | Both Local & Network Type |
| Fault tolerance | No Fault Tolerance | Automatic troubleshoot |
| Compression | Not Available | Supported |
| User-level disk space | Not Available | Supported |
| Conversion | Supported | Not Supported |
| Suitable | Smaller Capacity Flash Memory Devices like MC, USB drives | Large Capacity Disk |
Before converting your FAT32 Drive to NTFS you should be aware with the fact that once you have converted your hard disk drive or USB to NTFS you cannot convert it back to FAT32 file format. And if you still insist to convert it back to FAT32 than you will have to reformat the hard disk drive or USB which will erase all data present in the drive.
The following steps provide a detailed method for converting a USB drive or hard drive from FAT32 to NTFS within the Windows operating system. It’s worth noting that these instructions can be applied to various Windows versions, including but not limited to Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows 11.
Change FAT32 to NTFS without Formatting
Before you start converting your USB drive or hard drive from FAT32 to NTFS, it’s a good idea to play it safe and back up all the data stored on it. Still, the chances of your data getting damaged or lost during the conversion are quite low.
Prior to proceeding with the conversion, ensure that all active programs or files running from the specific hard drive or USB drive slated for conversion have been closed.
To initiate Command Prompt (CMD) with administrative privileges, please follow these detailed steps:
- Click on the ‘Start‘ button.
- Navigate to ‘All Apps.’
- Under ‘Windows System,’ right-click on ‘Command Prompt.’
- Select ‘Run as administrator.’
- If prompted, enter the administrator password or confirm the action as required.
Within the Command Prompt interface, please input the following command: convert drive letter: /fs: ntfs and press the ‘Enter‘ key. As an illustration, if you intend to convert drive ‘J:’, the command would be convert j:/fs:ntfs
In the subsequent screen, you will be prompted to input the current volume label of the drive. It is imperative that you enter the exact existing name of the drive, as failure to do so will result in the termination of the conversion process.
Upon entering the label name, the conversion process will commence. Upon its successful completion, you will receive a confirmation message in the Command Prompt, as depicted in the screenshot above.
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