How to Transfer Files Larger than 4GB to FAT32
Have you found that you cannot transfer a big file to an SD card even if there is still enough space? It is highly possible that you encountered the 4GB limit of FAT 32 drive. Simply speaking, we cannot copy or move an individual file larger than 4GB to a FAT32 drive, including SD card and USB flash stick. The work around of this limit is to convert FAT32 to other file system.
Step 2. Right-click on the FAT32 drive on Windows Explorer, and click Format…
Step 3. Choose exFAT or NTFS. Leave other options as default.
Step 4. Click Start, and then OK when the WARNING pops up (make sure you have done Step 1).
Step 5. Click OK when formatting completes, and close the format Window. See the following image for detail.
Now the 4GB limit should no longer exist on your storage device.
By moving files to PC or somewhere safe, this method won’t cause any data loss. Nevertheless, if you really want to convert FAT32 to NTFS or exFAT without formatting, you may try some software that provides this function, which is easy to find over the internet. These tools may claim that the convert won’t wipe files on the drive, but it is always suggested to make the backup(s) for your important data, or you may need to recover files from formatted memory card.
Just to Clarify
The 4GB limit is restricted to a single file. For example, if you want to transfer a folder which is over 4 GB in total size but none of the files is bigger than 4GB alone, then it is good to go without special treatment. If it is a file that slightly exceeds 4 GB, then you may try compressing it with archive tool.Solution: Convert FAT32 to exFAT or NTFS
Both exFAT and NTFS are able to store big files, but the differences between them will show in later usage. Just choose the one you think better fits your needs, and you could reverse it whenever you want in the future.
NTFS file system is supported by all modern versions of Windows, and it also supports many other functions: file security, encryption, compression, etc. However, non-Windows devices, like Android tablet and Mac computer, may not recognize NTFS drive without additional software.
On the contrary, exFAT system is not as advanced as NTFS, but it supports better on non-Windows platforms. For example, many Android phones and tablets, as well as the recent versions of macOS support exFAT devices.
NTFS file system is supported by all modern versions of Windows, and it also supports many other functions: file security, encryption, compression, etc. However, non-Windows devices, like Android tablet and Mac computer, may not recognize NTFS drive without additional software.
On the contrary, exFAT system is not as advanced as NTFS, but it supports better on non-Windows platforms. For example, many Android phones and tablets, as well as the recent versions of macOS support exFAT devices.
How to Format SD Card as exFAT or NTFS
Step 1. Back up the files on your FAT32 drive to PC.Step 2. Right-click on the FAT32 drive on Windows Explorer, and click Format…
Step 3. Choose exFAT or NTFS. Leave other options as default.
Step 4. Click Start, and then OK when the WARNING pops up (make sure you have done Step 1).
Step 5. Click OK when formatting completes, and close the format Window. See the following image for detail.
Now the 4GB limit should no longer exist on your storage device.
By moving files to PC or somewhere safe, this method won’t cause any data loss. Nevertheless, if you really want to convert FAT32 to NTFS or exFAT without formatting, you may try some software that provides this function, which is easy to find over the internet. These tools may claim that the convert won’t wipe files on the drive, but it is always suggested to make the backup(s) for your important data, or you may need to recover files from formatted memory card.
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