Conversion between NTFS and FAT32 or FAT16 File System

Learn to conversion between NTFS and FAT32 or FAT16 File System and also difference between them.

NTFS and FAT32 or FAT16 File System

How to convert a FAT volume or a FAT32 volume to NTFS

Note Although the chance of corruption or data loss during the conversion is minimal, we recommend that you perform a backup of the data on the volume that you want to convert before you start the conversion.

To convert an existing FAT or FAT32 volume to NTFS, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, and then click Command Prompt.
2. At the command prompt, type the following, where drive letter is the drive that you want to convert:
   convert drive letter: /fs:ntfs
   For example, type the following command to convert drive E to NTFS:
   convert e: /fs:ntfs
   Note If the operating system is on the drive that you are converting, you will be prompted to schedule the task when you restart the computer because the conversion cannot be completed while the operating system is running. When you are prompted, click YES.
3. When you receive the following message at the command prompt, type the volume label of the drive that you are converting, and then press ENTER:
   The type of the file system is FAT.
   Enter the current volume label for drive drive letter
4. When the conversion to NTFS is complete, you receive the following message at the command prompt:
   Conversion complete
5. Quit the command prompt.

How to convert a NTFS volume to FAT volume or a FAT32

Method 1: Reformat NTFS Partition to FAT32

To reconvert back to FAT32, you will need to format the entire drive which will definitely cause data loss.

Method 2: Safely Convert NTFS to FAT32 with AOMEI Ntfs to Fat32 Converter

AOMEI Partition Assistant Standard Edition provides a conversion tool: NTFS to FAT32 Converter, a FREE file system conversion software, is specifically designed to convert NTFS to FAT32 directly and without losing data on the partition. In addition, it can work on Windows 8/7/Vista/XP/2000 and Windows Server 2000/2003/2008 (Both 32bit and 64bit). Click to download the freeware.

From the screenshot, we could see the features about the conversions between NTFS and FAT32 file systems. With its understandable graphic interface guide, not only we could convert NTFS to FAT32 without losing data, but also could change FAT32 back to NTFS easily.

Learn why Convert to NTFS?

You have a flash drive or probably an external hard drive that currently has FAT32 file system and you want to change it to NTFS, because FAT32 does not support handling large files (over 4GB) or it is just simply old for your taste but there is just one problem, you don't want to lose your saved data. This article is for you then as it explains exactly how you can achieve seamless transition from FAT to NTFS without involving any data loss.

While it is generally recommended to use the NTFS file system because of its stability, security and lesser defragmentation time, most of us end up using FAT32 because that is what most disks are preformatted with. Unless, we notice the “Not enough disk space error” despite disk space being available, we don't bother to change the file system. 

Learn why Convert to FAT32 or FAT16 File System?

1. ReadyBoost Option works only in FAT32 or FAT16

2. Some time before , I  faced problem with android phone. Android Phone not support to NTFS File system like Pen Drive or Hard Disk. But FAT32 File System support these devices.

Finally ,

                     I want to said that you use both file format system as your requirement and carefully.