How To Convert FAT32 To NTFS?

June 04, 2014


What are FAT32 (File Allocation Table) and NTFS?

Both are actually file systems created for keeping track of files in the hard disk.
While FAT32 was initially created in 1977, NTFS on the other hand is created 20 years later.
Frankly speaking, NTFS is a better file system due to several reasons. One of it is that NTFS allows you to transfer file larger than 4GB whereas FAT32 does not have this feature. Besides, NTFS file system is more complex and flexible as it does file-encryption, sparse file support, usage of disk quotas and the likes. HOwever, FAT32 uses small compartments which means it uses spaces more effectively. It is also recommended for multiple operating systems in the same computer. It takes only minutes to convert FAT32 to NTFS file systems without loss of any data. Nonetheless, it is not so easy to convert NTFS back to FAT32 unless the hard disk or thumb drive is being reformatted.

How to convert FAT32 to NTFS without losing data or formatting?


  1. Go to Computer, and note the name of the drive whose file system you wish to convert. (I will use E: as my drive)
  2. Click Start.
  3. Type cmd.
  4. Execute chkdsk E: /f where E: is the letter of the drive that I am converting.
  5. Execute Convert E: /FS:NTFS.
  6. The command prompt will start the conversion process and after few minutes, cmd will say that conversion was successful.
  7. Check it in the properties of the drive through right click Properties of the drive.


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