FAT32 and NTFS, Which is better for USB Stick?
FAT32 and NTFS are different partition file systems that are widely used in Windows
operating systems. One can change file
system without formatting between FAT32 and NTFS. USB flash drive is
organized in cluster and the allocation unit size describes the size of a single
cluster like other hard drives. Old as it is, FAT32 is still better file system for
USB drive. Two main factors account for this:
Compatibility: Since it was created at an early time, FAT32
is compatible with virtually all operating systems. As a removable device, being
moved around between different operating systems, XBOX, PS3/PS4, Android, etc.
is a common computing behavior. So compatibility is quite an important property
for USB drive.
Memory-saving: FAT32 takes up less space on USB drive and
has less disk writing operations, which provides faster speed and less memory
usage.
Although FAT32 is better file system used on USB key, there are several limits of
using this file system. FAT32 fails to read single file larger than 4GB and single
partition greater than 2TB. Just pay attention to these limitations when dealing
with it.
Format USB to FAT32 Using Diskpart – Built-in FAT32 USB Formatter
Windows actually provides snap-in partition format tools, Disk Management and Command
Prompt. Disk Management has graphical user-interface which makes it easy-to-use for
most users. Go Computer/This PC > Manage to open this utility. Right click the
partition you want to format and select “Format…” and done. During this process, you
have choice to choose file system.
Diskpart.exe is frequently used for advanced users because it offers unattended
service as well. It is also a good program to format, for example SONY Bravia USB or
pen drive, to FAT32 or NTFS. USB made by manufactures like HP, Kingston, Samsung,
etc. can also be formatted in this manner. Following are detailed steps on
formatting USB to FAT32 using CMD. Plug in the drive via USB port first.
1. Press+key combo to start Run. Then type “diskpart” in
the box and pressto open Command Prompt.
2. Input following commands in order and each command is followed by.

Note: Formatting the USB storage device will delete all contents on
the device. Make a backup image for important files on the USB, if any. One can also
use this method to format
bootable USB flash drive that used as boot device before to FAT32.
Format USB Drive to FAT32 Problems
So fast and simple, it still has some issues on formatting different USB flash
drives. Below are three main common troubles one may encounter.
Format USB Flash Drive Larger Than 32GB to FAT32
As is known to all, Windows format tools have a drawback in formatting large
partition to FAT32. To be specific, Windows does not allow user to format removable
partition that bigger than 32GB to FAT32 file system. FAT32 takes 32 bit file
allocation table, which strengthen managing capability to disk, and break out the
limitation that the volume of every partition is 2GB. One of its defeats is allowing
to be created up to 32GB volume. Therefore, Windows just won’t recognize partition
bigger than 32GB formatted with FAT32.
In Disk Management, if you format the partition, you’ll find there is no “FAT32”
option available when choosing file system, only NTFS or ExFAT showing up. If
formatting with Diskpart, chances are that, you’ll get “The volume size is too big”
error. As a result, to format partition in large size like 64GB or128GB to FAT32,
one needs to ask third party software for help.
Format USB Drive to FAT32 Write-Protected
There is one more important point that may be frequently discussed during USB drive
formatting, i.e. USB write-protected warning. In general, there are several factors
may result in the issue, USB is infected by virus, the write protection switch is
turned on, incorrect value in Windows registry key, or the USB is filled up.
Kingston USB stick, like other USB drives, is likely to encounter USB write
protection, so does to Intenso USB drive.
There are many tools you can use to remove the write protection while formatting to
FAT32, Diskpart, RegEdit, write-protection removal software and USB repair tool. All
of them are basically useful for every user. For specific steps, please refer to 4 Ways to Remove
Intenso 64GB USB Stick Write Protected.
Format USB Drive FAT32 Allocation Unit Size
Allocation unit size is a key point that will influence the partition read and write
speed and memory use. Larger cluster leads to more waste or slack space, while
smaller cluster means smaller pieces of a file which need longer time to
access the file and the USB drive becomes slower. Therefore, if you want to store
large files on your USB drive, a large cluster size will make it run faster. But if
you want to store small files or run programs off your USB drive, a smaller cluster
size will preserve space. After knowing this, you will make better choice in
choosing partition cluster size later.
Powerful 3rd Party Format Tool – AOMEI Partition Assistant
AOMEI Partition Assistant
Professional is reliable and all-around USB FAT32 format software that designed
for Windows 10, 8/8.1, 7, XP and Vista. It allows user to format large partition,
for instance 64GB in size, to FAT32. At the meantime, write-protection and cluster
size problems can be taken care of by the software. Except for USB drive, AOMEI
Partition Assistant is able to format 64GB SD card
to FAT32, USB hard drive, USB HDD, USB Pen Drive, portable external hard
drive and the like. It has user-friendly interface and easy-to-follow wizards.
How to Format 64GB USB Key to FAT32 in Windows 7?
In the first place, insert the 64GB USB stick to computer via USB port. Make sure it
is detected by Windows. Then, download AOMEI
Partition Assistant, install and launch it.
1. Right click the USB drive and select “Format Partition”.

2. In the pop-up window, select FAT32 as partition file system (you can format to
EXT2/3 as well). There is a default cluster size, and surely you can change it to
any other options as you wish. Edit the partition label if you want to.

3. Here is a virtual outcome. Click “Apply” > “Proceed” to make it real.

Simple and fast, the formatting process needs only three steps with the help of
professional FAT32 USB formatter. As a matter of fact, AOMEI Partition Assistant is
capable of solving many other troubles. For example, you can create a bootable
device (CD/DVD or USB) and then format hard drive
without Windows OS.
Conclusion
Normally, we are tending to format USB partition to FAT32 using FAT32 USB formatter
or similar if it is new. However, in some cases, the USB has been used before,
formatted with NTFS and contains important files. If we don’t want to move these
files to other locations, it is a wise move to convert USB from
NTFS to FAT32 without formatting.