The FAT32 file system is considered by many users to be morally obsolete, to put it mildly, since it has many restrictions on the volume of stored files and the speed of reading or copying information. This is not entirely true. After all, sometimes you have to format the hard drive in FAT32 or apply the creation of such a file system on removable media. This may be a prerequisite for some operations. Next, several formatting methods will be presented that differ greatly among themselves, but allow one to achieve the same result.
FAT32: main disadvantages and advantages
First of all, it is worthwhile to dwell on the question of why the FAT32 file system is considered obsolete and inappropriate to use, since there are newer variations in the organization of the file structure or boot records.
Yes, indeed, such a system does not support the volume of the hard drive or any external media more than 32 GB. Another problem is the inability to record and store files larger than 4 GB. Why, for example, should a hard drive be formatted in FAT32 in Windows 7 if it has a capacity higher than the specified?
Such operations are advisable only if there is an external HDD or using 32-bit versions of the OS. Since the operating system itself, although it does not occupy such allocated space in full, nevertheless, it requires a certain reserve for normal operation. As a rule, at least 10-15% of the volume of the entire system partition should be free on the hard drive.
For 32-bit versions, by the way, this solution is used everywhere. Because the use of NTFS can significantly reduce performance. 64-bit versions of Windows with FAT32 work only at the level of access to the medium and recognition of the information stored on it. It is not possible to install such modifications in FAT32.
On the other hand, the solution to the question of how to format removable media in FAT32 can be only one condition for the device to be recognized, say, by car radios that do not support working with NTFS. In addition, it is the creation of bootable media in FAT32 that is the main condition for computer systems. Often, instead of outdated primary BIOS systems, they are equipped with UEFI, which, in turn, do not recognize NTFS.
How to format FAT32 disk partitions with standard tools?
We assume that the conditions for the maximum possible supported volumes in the system are met, and the user needs to format the logical rather than the system partition. It cannot be changed in a working system.
How to format a virtual partition in FAT32? Easy peasy. In the usual “Explorer”, through the PCM menu, you should use the format string or the properties section with the choice of a similar parameter and set the FAT32 file system type in the options. Returning to the conditions, please note that the full size of the partition should not exceed 32 GB. Otherwise, NTFS, REFS will be available in the list of file systems (exFAT memory, etc. for removable cards).
Along the way, you can specify either full formatting (most often used when there is a malfunction or if you need to completely delete information without the possibility of recovery), or clear the table of contents (quick formatting). In the first case, absolutely all data is destroyed, in the second - they can be restored.
Warning: if formatting is supposed to be done after exposure to viruses, the first option must be applied.
Formatting a disk through the command line
Now let's see how to format a FAT32 hard drive or partition using the command console. It is clear that you can set the primitive format command to indicate the letter of the disk, partition or media, but in this case, formatting will be performed while maintaining the current file system.
To get exactly FAT32 on the output, you need to enter the command: format / FS: FAT32 D: / q, where:
- q means fast formatting;
- D is the intended virtual partition or removable device.
How to format a USB flash drive in FAT32: Diskpart program and third-party utilities
Creating a bootable flash drive in FAT32 can be used when installing operating systems with 32-bit architecture or when starting from under UEFI.
In principle, the question of how to format removable media in FAT32 using the Diskpart utility integrated into the system is solved quite simply when creating bootable media. At one stage, the above command will be used with an indication of FS: FAT32.
If you want to simplify your task, you can use special utilities. Among them, the simplest can be called programs like FAT32 Format. The proposed utility is portable, that is, it does not require installation on a hard drive. The interface is similar to the Windows formatting window. The whole point of the process is to select a disk, partition or removable device, specify the cluster size (it is not necessary to change the default settings) and activate the start of the formatting process.
Should I use this file system?
As you can see, the problem of how to format any disk partition or removable media in FAT32 is solved quite simply. If we talk about the appropriateness of using such a file system, it is too early to discount it, despite the shortcomings. Indeed, for the latest primary systems when installing Windows from a USB flash drive, its use is the only possible option.