Buzz
We are aware that NTFS format offers numerous advantages to users while FAT32 is considered outdated. However, many users still fear data loss during conversion. Nevertheless, with the method of converting FAT32 to NTFS without data loss via command line below, you'll find that using commands ensures you won't lose any data, with a simple and quick conversion process.
As we know, there are plenty of software options available to swiftly convert FAT32 to NTFS. However, each software may come with its own pros and cons. Nonetheless, converting FAT32 to NTFS without using software can be more beneficial in various scenarios. The method below will showcase its advantages.
Understanding FAT32 and NTFS Formats
FAT32 is a data format suitable for drives ranging from 33MB to 2TB in size. Each hard drive partition cannot exceed 2TB, and the file size limit for copying is 4GB.
NTFS represents a significant advancement by Microsoft in data formatting and storage. It allows a maximum storage capacity of 2TB for an NTFS drive or partition. However, if you convert to a dynamic disk format, you can increase this storage capacity to 16TB. The maximum file size supported is also 16TB, provided the file size is smaller than the capacity of the drive or partition containing it.
Why Convert from FAT32 to NTFS?
Just by comparing the formats, you surely know that NTFS has many advantages over FAT32. Additionally, NTFS, being introduced later, inherits many technologies including security features. Moreover, Windows 10 requires your hard drive to be NTFS. Furthermore, with today's movies and game installation files reaching sizes of several gigabytes, using a FAT32 formatted drive can be inconvenient for users.
How to Convert FAT32 to NTFS Without Losing Data Using Command Line
Step 1: First, verify the drive you want to convert from FAT32 to NTFS without losing data using command line. Right-click on the drive and select Properties.
Step 2: Here you'll see the drive is currently using 4.88 GB of storage with File system: FAT32, indicating it's currently formatted as FAT32.
Inside the current drive, there are 4 folders containing various software and games, totaling 4.88 GB in size. Now, let's proceed with converting FAT32 to NTFS without data loss using command line.
Step 3: Press Windows keys + R then type cmd to access Command Prompt. Here, we'll use Command Prompt to convert FAT32 to NTFS without data loss using command line.
Step 4: Here, simply use the following command to convert:
- convert
As seen earlier, the drive we examined was drive E, so we'll enter the command convert E: /fs:ntfs and press enter.
Step 5: To confirm, the system will prompt us to enter the display name for the hard drive (label name), and here we'll enter Mytour, the name of the hard drive you saw at the beginning of the article.
After this operation, the system will be entirely automatic and will take only about 30 seconds. Then, you can shut it down and check whether the process of converting from FAT32 to NTFS without data loss using command line has been completed.
Step 6: Go back to the drive we worked with earlier and check. You'll see that the File system has now been converted to NTFS format.
Verify that all files inside remain intact and can be used as normal.
With just a single command line executed in Command Prompt, we've been able to convert from FAT32 to NTFS without data loss. Users can immediately benefit from NTFS format advantages, such as copying files larger than 4GB.
Not only can you apply this method to hard drives, but you can also use it to convert USB to NTFS instead of formatting USB to NTFS as usual. Applying format USB to NTFS will undoubtedly erase all your data, but not with this method.
