How to Fix the [Virtual Disk Service Error: The Volume Size Is Too Big]

Managing disk partitions is a fundamental task for many Windows users, whether it's for organizing data, installing a new operating system, or optimizing performance. However, this process can sometimes be halted by perplexing errors. One such issue is the "Virtual Disk Service error: The volume size is too big." This error commonly appears when using tools like DiskPart to format a large drive, leaving users unable to proceed.

This comprehensive guide will delve into the reasons behind this specific Virtual Disk Service error and provide you with effective solutions. We will explore both built-in Windows utilities and a powerful third-party tool to help you resolve this issue and successfully manage your disk partitions.

Understanding the Error: "Virtual Disk Service Error: The Volume Size Is Too Big"

This particular error message typically arises from limitations within the file system you're attempting to use. Let's break down the primary causes.

The most frequent cause of the "Virtual Disk Service error: The volume size is too big" is the limitation of the FAT32 file system. While versatile and compatible with a wide range of devices, Windows' built-in formatting tools, including DiskPart and Disk Management, will not allow you to format a volume larger than 32GB with FAT32. Therefore, if you're trying to format a 64GB USB drive or a larger external hard drive to FAT32, you will encounter this error.

Another reason you might face this error is related to the partition style of your disk. Master Boot Record (MBR) disks have a limitation that restricts them to a maximum size of 2TB. If you have a hard drive larger than 2TB and it's initialized as an MBR disk, you won't be able to utilize the space beyond the 2TB mark, which can sometimes trigger this or similar errors when trying to create or format large partitions.

Solve: "Virtual Disk Service Error: The Volume Size Is Too Big"

Fortunately, there are several effective methods to overcome this error. The right solution for you will depend on your specific needs and the size of the drive you are working with.

Method 1: Using Built-in Windows Tools

Windows provides its own set of utilities that can sometimes resolve this issue, particularly if your goal isn't strictly to use the FAT32 file system on a large drive.

For drives larger than 32GB, the simplest solution is often to format them using a more modern file system like NTFS or exFAT. NTFS is the standard for internal Windows hard drives, while exFAT is an excellent choice for external drives due to its broad compatibility and support for large file sizes.

Here’s how to do it using Disk Management.

Format target disk

Step 1. Press Windows key + R, type diskmgmt.msc, and press Enter.

Step 2. In Disk Management, right-click the partition you want to format and select "Format."

Step 3. In the "File system" dropdown menu, choose NTFS or exFAT.

Step 4. Click "OK" to begin the formatting process.

Converting an MBR Disk to GPT

If your issue stems from the 2TB limitation of an MBR disk, converting it to a GUID Partition Table (GPT) disk is the solution. GPT disks support much larger volumes. However, be aware that using the built-in DiskPart tool to convert a disk from MBR to GPT requires you to clean the disk first, which will erase all data.

Here are the steps using DiskPart (Warning: This will erase all data on the selected disk):

Step 1. Open Command Prompt as an administrator.

Step 2. Type diskpart and press Enter.

Step 3. Type list disk to see all connected disks.

Step 4. Type select disk X (where X is the number of the disk you want to convert).

Step 5. Type clean to erase all partitions on the disk.

Step 6. Type convert gpt to change the partition style.

Method 2: A Seamless Solution with AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional

For a more versatile and user-friendly approach that overcomes the limitations of built-in tools, AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional is an excellent choice. This comprehensive disk management software is designed to handle a wide array of partitioning tasks with ease and security. It can effortlessly format large drives to FAT32 and convert disks between MBR and GPT without data loss. The software even offers robust features for managing virtual disks, making it a go-to tool for both physical and virtual environments.

AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional stands out with its intuitive interface and powerful features that simplify complex operations. Whether you're a novice or an IT professional, this tool provides the flexibility you need for effective disk management.

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Format partition

Step 1. Download, install, and run AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional.

Step 2. Select the Partition: In the main window, right-click the partition on the large drive you wish to format and select "Format Partition."

Step 3. Choose FAT32: In the pop-up window, select "FAT32" from the file system dropdown menu. You can also specify a cluster size if needed.

Step 4. Apply Changes: Click "Apply" in the top-left corner and then "Proceed" to execute the operation. AOMEI Partition Assistant will then format your large drive to FAT32, bypassing the 32GB limitation of Windows tools.

Convert to GPT

Step 1. Open AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional. Right-click the MBR disk you want to convert and choose "Convert to GPT Disk."

Step 2. A confirmation dialog will appear. Click "OK."

Step 3. Click "Apply" on the main interface to commit the changes. The software will convert your disk to GPT without deleting any of your existing data.

Beyond solving the "volume size is too big" error, AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional offers a suite of other valuable functions. These include migrating your OS to an SSD, cloning disks, merging partitions, and recovering lost partitions, making it a comprehensive solution for all your computer management needs.

To sum up

The "Virtual Disk Service error: The volume size is too big" is a common roadblock for Windows users, primarily caused by the FAT32 file system's 32GB formatting limit in Windows or the 2TB size limit of MBR disks. While native Windows tools like Disk Management and DiskPart offer basic solutions, such as formatting to NTFS/exFAT or data-destructive MBR to GPT conversion, they can be restrictive.

For a more powerful, flexible, and safer solution, AOMEI Partition Assistant Professional excels. It allows you to easily format large drives to FAT32 and convert disks to GPT without data loss, all through a user-friendly interface. By choosing the right tool for the job, you can efficiently manage your storage and overcome this frustrating error.