How to Format USB to FAT32 on Windows 10 & 11

You can use the Diskpart Utility or a dedicated tool

4 min. read

Updated onMarch 21, 2024

updated onMarch 21, 2024

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Key notes

AUSB is an essential toolas it provides extra storage space you can carry without worrying about the size. While theNTFS format is popular now on Windows, many still prefer FAT32 to move files between different OS.

This guide will show you the different ways you can format a USB to FAT32 on your Windows 10 and Windows 11 PC. So, let us get right into it.

How can I format USB to FAT32 on Windows 10 and Windows 11?

1. Via File Explorer

This is probably the easiest way to format a USB drive to FAT32. All you need to do is open File Explorer and follow the steps to convert your USB to FAT32.

2. Via Disk Management

You can use the Disk Management tool to format drives, as the File Explorer method lets you format partitions.

3. Via Command Prompt

You can run the same command on Windows PowerShell and format your USB drive to FAT32.

4. Via Diskpart

5. Via a dedicated tool

AOMEI Partition Assistant is a professional tool that you can use to resize or move partitions, merge partitions, split and format partitions, and much more.

However, you can also use it to convert your USB to FAT32 quickly and accurately. Do note that formatting removes all data present on your USB. So, back up the data before proceeding with the above methods shown.

Also, you can check out our guide that lists some of the best tools thatcan help you format an SD Card.

If you are havingissues formatting your external HDD, then you should check out our guide, which will give you some practical solutions to fix the problem.

Why should I format my USB to FAT32?

FAT32 stands for File Allocation Table, and 32 represents the number of bits that file systems use to store file addresses.

FAT32 is widely used as most devices are compatible with it. Another exciting benefit of FAT32 is that it works cross-platform and across operating systems. Also, users who found thatWindows 11 does not recognize exFATswitched the file system to FAT32.

However, there are also downsides attached to the FAT32 format. It isn’t as efficient as other modern file systems, such as NTFS. Moreover, it is less secure and comes with a maximum file size of 4GB and a partition size of 8 GB. So, there are limitations to FAT32 as well.

If you want to learn more, we suggest reading ourConverting exFAT to FAT32: Step-by-Step guide for more information.

Feel free to let us know in the comments below which solutions helped you format the USB drive to FAT32.

How to Format USB to FAT32 on Windows 10 & 11#

How can I format USB to FAT32 on Windows 10 and Windows 11?#

1. Via File Explorer#

2. Via Disk Management#

3. Via Command Prompt#

4. Via Diskpart#

5. Via a dedicated tool#

Why should I format my USB to FAT32?#