Applies to Windows Vista

See also

Convert a hard disk or partition to FAT32 format

You must be logged on as an administrator to perform these steps.

Before you begin, note that the FAT32 file system has size limitations. In this version of Windows, you cannot create a FAT32 partition greater than 32 gigabytes (GB). In addition, you cannot store a file larger than 4 GB on a FAT32 partition. For more information, see Comparing NTFS and FAT file systems.

Warning

Warning

  • Converting a hard disk partition or volume from NTFS to FAT32 requires that you reformat the partition, which will destroy any data on it. Be sure to back up any data you want to keep before you begin.

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To determine what type of file system a partition is using

  1. Open Computer by clicking the Start button Picture of the Start button, and then clicking Computer.

  2. Under Hard Disk Drives, right-click a drive, and then click Properties.

  3. The file system the drive uses is listed on the General tab under File system.

To format a hard disk partition with FAT32

  1. Open Computer Management by clicking the Start button Picture of the Start button, clicking Control Panel, clicking System and Maintenance, clicking Administrative Tools, and then double-clicking Computer Management. Administrator permission required If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.

  2. In the Navigation pane of Computer Management (Local), under Storage, click Disk Management.

  3. Right-click the partition you want to format, and then click Format.

  4. In the Format dialog box, under File System, select FAT32, click OK, and then click OK again.