Formatting a flash drive in FAT32 or NTFS - which is better? New file system for flash drives exFAT - what is it
A USB flash drive, much more often called simply a flash drive, is a very convenient and currently popular way to store and transfer data. As a rule, flash drives sold in stores are formatted in the FAT32 file system. The explanation for this is simple: all operating systems support FAT32. If for some reason you need to format the flash drive again, you can decide for yourself what format to format the flash drive in: ext4, FAT32 or NTFS. In this review, we'll look at the pros and cons of each file system.
Ext4
This format is not supported by Windows, so you should only use ext4 if your computer is running Linux and you do not need to transfer data to Windows computers. In my opinion, the coincidence of these two conditions does not happen too often.
FAT32
The advantages of FAT32 include not only compatibility with all operating systems, but also high data transfer speeds for relatively small files. However, this file system does not work with files larger than 4Gb and loses its performance with high file fragmentation, as well as with a large number of files in the directory. Another limitation: a FAT32 directory cannot contain more than 65,534 files (although how often do you have to deal with that many files?). In general, if you are in doubt about what format to format the flash drive in, choose FAT32.
NTFS
The NTFS file system provides fairly high performance when working with both large and small files, however, its average data transfer speed is lower than that of FAT32. The main advantage of NTFS is the high reliability of data storage against failures. Unfortunately, this system is not supported by Windows95, Windows98 and WindowsME.
Today, external media such as flash drives, memory cards or external hard drives can use different file systems:
- exFAT;
- FAT32;
- NTFS.
Users most often do not know which one to choose among these systems, so it is initially better to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each of them.
FAT32
This file system was created by Microsoft in order to replace the FAT16 system, which at that time was no longer relevant and could not meet user requirements. At the moment, FAT32 is the most common, despite the fact that the exFAT file system is more modern and often superior in characteristics.
It is worth noting that today the vast majority of flash drives and various memory cards are supplied in this standard. In addition, in the process of formatting the media in household devices, such as, for example, a camera, it begins to function in this particular system. This is precisely the main advantage of FAT32, thanks to which it has not yet been overtaken in popularity by the exFAT file system - compatibility. You can use this drive in any household player, printer or other devices and still be confident that you will have access to files and they will be read normally. But this is where the advantages end and the disadvantages begin.
The main reason why in some situations it is worth using FAT32 not only on flash drives, but also on desktop computers is that it will be possible to run almost any operating system on the computer, such as Windows 95 and others. To create such a configuration, it will be enough to simply install the previous version of the OS on a partition that is formatted for this file system, and then make it the main one. Other partitions that are accessed from other versions of the OS must also be formatted under FAT32. Other operating systems can access network partitions or NTFS-formatted volumes exclusively, while partitions on the local computer remain inaccessible.
What are the disadvantages?
The most important disadvantage that FAT32 has, but not the exFAT file system, is that there is a file size limit of 4 GB. It is for this reason that recording large files, such as, for example, a backup copy of a system disk or some kind of long video, will be impossible in this case, since the system will simply respond with an error in the form of “Not enough disk space” when trying to record, even if in fact there is still enough space.
In addition, do not forget that the Windows operating system itself has a limit on the partition size, which is 32 GB. Of course, you can try to get around it by using additional utilities, but with current drives it is often pointless to do this.
If you do not have any need to transfer or write such large files, and also if you are using small media, then you can not hesitate for a long time and calmly format it in FAT32, since the file system support You don't need exFAT.
NTFS
A more modern file system compared to the previous one, which was able to completely replace it in modern personal computers and laptops. If you still have files and the FAT32 file system, then it is strongly recommended that you change it to NTFS as quickly as possible. This will significantly expand the capabilities of your computer.
How to do this?
In Windows, exFAT or NTFS is quite easy to make as the main file system. At the command line you will need to enter “convert e: /fs:ntfs”, where instead of e: the disk that you will format is installed. This way, you can replace the file system without any loss of data contained on the drive.
How does this work on flash drives?
However, on flash drives and other external devices, NTFS may not work the same as on computers. When you try to copy to such a device, the operating system automatically turns on the caching procedure, when any file is initially copied to special memory, and only then moved to the final media. In stationary drives, this allows you to achieve a significant gain in data copying speed, as well as smooth out delays.
In mobile devices, it looks something like this: initially, the data processing speed will be quite high and will periodically even reach 100 MB/s, but after the cache memory runs out, the speed will simply begin to drop incredibly, reaching critically low values. In this case, before starting to copy the next file, the system will first have to append the existing file from the cache. In this regard, quite often situations arise when copying simply freezes at 99%, although the hard drive indicator is still lit as active.
If you compare the copy speed with and without cache, it actually turns out that it is almost the same. That is, if NTFS is the main one, then we lose almost nothing, except for the maximum copying speed, as well as providing us with information about how long the data will be copied. Although for many people such “information” can ultimately only result in a waste of precious nerves.
Are there any benefits?
On the other hand, when choosing between which file system is better - exFAT or NTFS, it should be noted that the latter is distinguished by good reliability, which allows it to withstand more than one sudden reboot without any data damage. This reliability is achieved through the use of logging technology. Thus, the system accesses different areas of the drive more often, and for flash drives or various memory cards this approach is critical. In other words, they simply begin to wear out more quickly.
exFAT
Microsoft recently released a new file system - the exFAT format. This system was originally designed for flash drives, and in essence we can say that it is a traditional FAT32, but without any restrictions. The sizes of partitions and files in this case can reach the maximum possible values, and the amount of data in one folder is practically unlimited. It is for this reason that the most common system where exFAT is used is Android and others that are used in modern gadgets.
Are there any disadvantages?
Of course, the exFAT file system also has its disadvantages. Android supports this system in almost all cases, but, on the other hand, it is not supported by many household devices, and at the same time, media running the Windows XP operating system will not be able to see these devices. The only solution to this situation is to download the KB955704 patch, which was recently released by Microsoft and which allows you to use the system in Windows XP. More modern operating systems easily accept this file system and actively cooperate with it without any additional procedures.
However, if you often use a flash drive on different computers on which XP OS is installed, then in this case it is better for you to find some additional flash drive that will have drivers. But this option is unlikely to be acceptable for anyone, because in this case the most important feature of such devices is lost - their compactness and ease of transportation.
If you have computers exclusively with Windows 7 or the flash drive will not be used on such a large number of PCs, then the exFAT file system will be ideal for you.
In conclusion, here are some general tips on how to choose the most up-to-date file system.
If you are using a flash drive that does not have such a large capacity, then you can format it to FAT32 without hesitation. If, on the contrary, we are talking about a flash drive, the volume of which is quite large, then in this case it can be formatted in exFAT, since “speed jumps” on such devices will be especially visible. External drives in the majority of cases are quite large in capacity and at the same time have fairly high performance (this is especially true for those devices that use the USB 3.0 interface), and therefore it is best to format them exclusively in NTFS.
Sometimes, to restore the functionality of a flash drive, you need to format it. In this article, we will look at how to properly format a flash drive and which formatting system is better to choose: FAT or NTFS.
To format a flash drive, you should not download or look for any special programs or utilities. Windows handles this task perfectly in a short time.
What is the best formatting system to choose? How is the FAT system different from NTFS? All you need to know about these systems is that you cannot copy or write a file larger than 4 gigabytes, for example an ISO image or some high-quality movie, to a formatted flash drive in the FAT system. And the NTFS system supports recording files larger than 4 gigabytes.
So when choosing to format a flash drive, be guided by the size of the file you want to write to it.
So, to format the flash drive, insert it into the USB port of the computer and wait for it to be detected. Open “My Computer”
We find our flash drive. For me it is called “SARDU”, for you it will most likely be called “Removable Disk”. Read below how to name a flash drive with your own name.
Select the flash drive with one click of the left mouse button
Then click on the selected flash drive with the right mouse button, thereby bringing up a window with a choice of options. In the window that opens, select “Format”
The formatting window opens. Here we can choose which section to go to format FAT or NTFS
Select a formatting system from the drop-down menu. For example, I chose NTFS, since I need to write a file larger than 4 gigabytes
In the “Volume Label” form, enter any title or Name. This will be the name of your flash drive. It will be visible when browsing your computer's disks. For example, I called it “SARDU”, now I gave it the name “My flash drive”
Below we see formatting methods. Mostly quick formatting is used, but if your flash drive is very buggy, then you can use full formatting; to do this, you need to uncheck the box next to “Quick (cleaning table of contents)”. Be aware that full formatting will take much longer than usual. So everything is ready. Click the start button.
A warning information window should appear. We agree and click the “Ok” button. Formatting has started.
After formatting is complete, an information window will appear indicating that formatting is complete. Click “OK” 
Now we see that our flash drive is formatted and empty. It's called "My flash drive", i.e. as I wrote in the “Volume Label” field
And remember that formatting a flash drive will destroy all data on it. So before doing this, copy all the files to your computer.
Today, exFAT, FAT32 and the most common NTFS are considered the most relevant and practical file systems for flash cards.
It is out of ignorance that people encounter problems when using a memory card in various gadgets, and spend money on purchasing extra memory cards, but for a flash drive to work correctly on a specific device, it is enough to format it into the correct file system.
We will not delve into theoretical facts, but simply select the file structure option for the flash drive that is most suitable for certain purposes of use. Once the choice is determined, you need to perform formatting indicating the system.
FAT32, NTFS or exFAT?
FAT32 is the fastest of all for flash drives; it allows you to transfer a volume of no more than 4 GB in one file. This can be a wide variety of information - text documents, PDF files, videos. The only limitation is This is the maximum size in one file – 4 Gb.
FAT32 is read by various other devices, such as DVDs, car radios and other devices for playing multimedia content. Therefore, it is the current version if you plan to use a flash drive not only in computers, but also in other devices. DVD players or car radios will not be able to see another system.
But FAT32 has certain disadvantages compared to NTFS. If you remove a FAT32 drive from the device while using a file located on it, a failure may occur and in the future one file or all data will no longer be readable. Also, during an emergency power loss, a failure may occur. Reliability is the main difference between FAT32 and NTFS.
If you are completely sure that the drive will not be used on outdated devices, then feel free to format the flash card in NTFS.
If you plan to store large amounts of data, video files, photos on a memory card, then exFAT is the best option. This storage system is used on video equipment - cameras, camcorders and others. gadgets that need to record a file with a capacity of more than 4 Gb with optimal recording speed. It is exFAT that is capable of meeting such requirements. With an exFAT flash card, more acceptable operating speeds are provided.
It is natural that if writing files is faster, then reading is slower and vice versa. Looking at this fact, when choosing a file system for a flash drive, you need to focus on the following factors:
- For graphic data (photos, videos) – exFAT;
- To store large amounts of data in one file more than 4 Gb - NTFS;
- For playing multimedia on outdated devices (DVD players, car radios, TVs) – FAT32.
These are the basic criteria you should use to choose a file system for a flash drive and in future use, you will not have problems when working with a memory card.
How to format?
Go to Explorer and right-click “Format”. 
How to change ntfs to fat32? What is the correct format to use for a FAT32 or NTFS flash drive? All this will be discussed below.
By and large, both formats can be used, FAT32 and NTFS. It all depends on how you are going to use the flash drive.
When buying a new flash drive, as a rule, they have the FAT32 file system and this is not surprising, since this file system is readable from many devices, something like a universal format. Well, there are opinions that this format is more productive than NTFS.
You may encounter difficulties only when you need to transfer a file larger than 4GB onto a flash drive. There may be other errors, too, but these are usually special cases.
For example, you go to install windows from a flash drive. If your flash drive is in FAT32 format, then when you try to write a large file (more than 4GB) to it, Windows itself will give you an error that the file is too large.
Well, when recording an image, you will be asked to format the flash drive or you will also receive an error.
Therefore, before recording a Windows image or before moving a large file to a flash drive, first format your flash drive in NTFS format.
And, of course, you have a reasonable question: which file system to choose for a flash drive, FAT32 or NTFS.
Today, flash drives already come with a large capacity, 32 GB and 64 GB or more. Accordingly, if you buy flash drives with such capacities, you probably plan to throw both movies and large files onto it.
For such purposes, format the flash drive in NTFS and use it as you wish.
If you do not plan to put large files on the flash drive, but plan to use it for documents, photos or small files, for example, music files, then formatting is not necessary.
When choosing a file system for a flash drive, first think about how you will use it, and from there choose the format.
In addition:
How to change fat32 to ntfs or ntfs to fat32 on a flash drive
If for some reason, you have previously formatted a flash drive from fat32 to ntfs and now you need to return everything back from fat32 to ntfs or vice versa, then to change to the fat32 or ntfs file system you need, follow these steps:
1. Insert the USB flash drive into your computer/laptop.
2. When the computer detects your device, select the flash drive and right-click, in the menu that opens, click formatting, then select the desired file system format and click start.
After the operation is completed, your flash drive will be in the file system you need.
Attention! Before formatting a flash drive into another format, if there is data on it, first transfer (copy) the files to another location. When formatting, all data from the flash drive is deleted!