How to change FAT32 on NTFS on a flash drive, hard disk or SSD without data loss

If for any reason, for example, due to the limit on the file size in the FAT32 file system, you needed to convert a flash drive, partition on the hard disk or SSD from FAT32 in NTFS without losing data and formatting, to make it very simple and can be done by built-in tools. Windows 10, 8.1 or Windows 7.

In this instruction detailed how to change the FAT32 file system on NTFS on a flash drive, hard disk or SSD so that all data on it remains intact. In the context of the topic under consideration, it may be useful: FAT32 or NTFS - which file system is better for a flash drive.

• Conversion from FAT32 to NTFS without data loss
• Video instruction
• Additional Useful Information

Conversion of the file system from FAT32 to NTFS

In order to convert the disk file system, flash drive or other drive from FAT32 to NTFS in Windows 10, 8.1 and Windows 7 there is a built-in utility of the command line, which is called convert.exe. How to use it:

1. Run the command prompt on behalf of the administrator. In Windows 10, this can be done using the search in the taskbar (type "Command Line", and then select the "Startup from the administrator" item or press the right-click on the command line and select the same item). Other ways are described here: how to run the command line on behalf of the administrator.

   

2. This step is not required, but I recommend it to do before you begin to convert FAT32 to NTFS. Enter the command (replace the letter D: on the drive letter, which is required to be changed): CHKDSK D: / F And press ENTER. In the example, on the screenshot of the letter convertible flash drive is different.

   

3. After checking the disk on errors, enter the command (also replacing the drive letter to your): Convert D: / FS: NTFS

   

4. Wait for the conversion to complete. Consider that he can take a long time on slow hard drives. At the end of the process, you will receive a message that the file system conversion is completed.

This will be completed on this process, and the file system on the flash drive, disk or any other drive will be NTFS instead of FAT32.

Video instruction

Additional Information

At the end of several additional points, the knowledge of which can be useful when changing the file system:

• In order to change FAT32 on NTFS on a flash drive or disk should be free space. The amount of the required location for the conversion is displayed when executing the command on the 3rd step.
• If you want to make sure that the file system has changed, you can use methods from the instructions how to find out the file system on the hard disk, SSD or USB flash drive.
• If you do not need data on the drive, you can simply format it in NTFS using steps from the article how to format a USB flash drive in NTFS.