A brief introduction of File System in Windows
The way computers store files on disk has a close relation with File System which is
used to control how data is stored and retrieved. File System separates all data
into pieces and gives each piece a name so that the information can be easily
isolated and identified. The structure and logic rules used to manage the groups of
information and their names are called a file system.
There are several file systems frequently used in Windows OS including File
Allocation Table (FAT), Extended File Allocation Table (exFAT) and New Technology
File System (NTFS) etc. FAT32 in the first one and NTFS are the most two popular
file systems nowadays in Windows operating systems like Windows 7, Windows 10, and
Windows XP and so on. Therefore, when people talk about change file system without
formatting, they basically talk about converting NTFS to FAT32 or
in turn without losing data.
FAT32 is an old file system first introduced by Microsoft in 1996 which used as an
extension of FAT16. The standard maximum volume size for FAT32 is 2TB and the
maximum single file size is 4GB and compare to former version it has better
performance, more flexibility and robustness. However, NTFS, as its name implies, is
pretty new with advanced techniques in this field. Comparing to FAT32, NTFS is more
powerful in data security, data consistency, read & write and retrieval.
When do you want to change partition file system without formatting?
Although NTFS is more advanced than FAT32 as covered before, it cannot replace FAT32
totally, at least presently. FAT32, as traditional file system, is compatible with
many external medium such as XBOX, PS3, and Android and so on. So some users would
like to reformat to FAT32 from
NTFSsometimes for other purposes. Following real situation illustrates why
they want to convert file system.
“All partitions’ file system is NTFS now in my Windows 7. I want to format D
drive from NTFS to FAT32 because the program I’ll use does not support backup unless
it is FAT32. What can I do to change drive file system without formatting and losing
data? ”
What’s more, FAT32 has a deadly limitation that single file should not be larger than
4GB. Thus, converting file system is a must-do event when you have large file say
DVD ISO files on FAT32 partition to read, especially on USB flash drive.
Talked about too much on file system and why you want to change. You may ask can I
change file system without formatting in Windows. Fortunately, the answer is
positive. You need to complete this task with the help of third party software like
AOMEI Partition Assistant
Professional. You cannot do it without losing data using Windows Disk
Management because it will format the partition first. Said software allows you to
change file system on HDD, external hard drive, USB drive, and Pen Drive and so on
in Windows 7/8/10/XP/Vista without formatting the partition. All operations will be
completed within several clicks in user-friendly interface. Don’t worry if you’re
new to computer.
How to change a file system without formatting in Windows 7?
Step1. Download, install and launch
AOMEI Partition Assistant on Windows. If you want to change file system on flash
drive, external hard drive or like, connect it to computer beforehand. Click on
“NTFS to FAT32 Converter” in the left pane.

Step2. Select the convert method
depending on your condition. Take NTFS to FAT32 for example.
Step3. Select the partition you want to
convert from the NTFS partition list.

Step4. Click “Proceed” after confirming.
It will check and start the conversion right now.

Note:
If selected NTFS partition contains compressed files, encrypted files or large files
over 4GB, you are likely get following notification. After clicking “OK”, it will
detect the obstructive files and showing in the box. You can move the file to other
places or choose to ignore it.
Four steps involved in, you have changed file system without formatting in Windows 7.
Now go and apply it to your plan. Besides, in the first screenshot you may notice
that except for converting file system, AOMEI Partition Assistant is capable of
converting between dynamic disk and basic disk without data loss. Moreover, you can
use it as Gptgen alternative to
convert disk between MBR and GPT. If you are Windows Server OS user, AOMEI Partition Assistant
Server is suitable for you.