File is too large for the destination file system? Try this

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Updated onOctober 4, 2023

updated onOctober 4, 2023

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Storage space is usually not a problem onWindows 10, but sometimes storing a largefileheavily depends on your storage device.

Users report getting theFiletoo large for destination file systemmessage, and today we’re going to address this very issue.

What does it mean when afileis too large for the destination file system? If you’re also troubled by this error, it means that you’re trying to transfer afilethat is larger than 4GB to yourUSB flash driveor any other storage device.

This isn’t a Windows error. It’s just a limitation of the FAT32 file system instead. FAT32 could only support singlefilesthat are less than 4GB, so a new file system called NTFS was invented.

NTFS file system almost completely replaced the FAT32 file system, but even today certain devices rely on FAT32.

Regarding computers, if you’re trying to transfer afilethat is larger than 4GB to a FAT32 USB flash drive or a hard drive partition, you’ll get the message you know by heart already.

Don’t worry, as there are a few ways to fix this problem. You’ll find them listed below, so don’t waste any more time.

How can I fix File is too large for the destination file system?

1. Split largefiles

This might not sound like the ideal solution, but it will allow you to store yourfileon a FAT32 file system device. One way to circumvent this 4GB file limitation is to split yourfile. To split largefiles, you can use tools such as WinRAR.

This method is useful if you want to store a largefileon a USB flash drive and transfer it to a different PC. You won’t be able to joinfileson your flash drive, but you should be able to join them on a different PC without any problems.

2. Format your drive

Formatting your drive allows you to change the file system from FAT32 to NTFS or exFAT. Both exFAT and NTFS allow you to storefileslarger than 4GB.

So, you should always use NTFS for hard drive partitions and NTFS or exFAT for USB flash drivers. To format your drive, follow the above steps.

3. Change the file system without formatting

If you want to keep all yourfileson the storage device, you can also change the file system without formatting. This method should preserve all your data, but a backup is strongly recommended.

In case of not knowing how to perform the backup procedure, choose one of thebest local data backup software toolsto do the job for you.

Win+X menu is not working in Windows 10? Checkthis guideto solve the issue quickly!

chkdsk got stuck in Windows 10? We have the perfect guide to fix this specific issue.

Theerrormessage you are getting can be a problem, but you can easily solve it by applying the above steps. For any questions, feel free to let us know by using the comments area below. We will reply to you as soon as possible.

NTFS comes packed with modern features such as encryption, user-level disk space, larger file and volume sizes, shadow copies for backups, and more.

NTFS provides top advantages not available to exFAT. However, exFAT is an upgrade over FAT32 and flash drives you purchase will often come formatted with exFAT.

This assures maximum compatibility across modern computers, game consoles, and not only.

No, there’s no procedure or utility that you may currently use to make the de desired conversion and avoid data loss. However, you can back up the partition first by using thebest data backup software.

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File is too large for the destination file system? Try this#

How can I fix File is too large for the destination file system?#

1. Split largefiles#

2. Format your drive#

3. Change the file system without formatting#

File is too large for the destination file system? Try this

How can I fix File is too large for the destination file system?

1. Split largefiles

2. Format your drive

3. Change the file system without formatting