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Difference between FAT32, exFAT, and NTFS File Systems
File System in an operating system provides a way to organize files and manage the drives. It specifies how data will be stored in the form of file and folders and provides the metadata about the files like name, permission, size and other attributes.
FAT32, exFAT and NTFS are file systems used by the Windows Operating System. FAT32 is the oldest one, exFAT is a replacement of FAT32 and is compatible on multiple devices. NTFS is the latest file system.
Read this article to learn more about FAT32, exFAT, and NTFS file systems and their unique features.
What is FAT32?
FAT32 stands for File Allocation Table 32. It is the oldest file system available to Windows operating systems. FAT32 was introduced in 1995 to replace the older FAT16 systems used by MS-DOS and Windows 3.
FAT32 file system has limitations of 4 GB maximum file size, and 8 TB maximum partition size. Therefore, a FAT32 partition would have to be less than 8 TB size. FAT32 file system is compatible with all versions of Windows, Mac, Linux, game consoles, and anything that comes with a USB port.
What is exFAT?
exFAT stands for Extensible File Allocation Table. It is a file system that was introduced by Microsoft in 2006. The exFAT file system is mainly optimized for flash memory drives like USB drives, SD cards, etc.
exFAT file system is best suited option where NTFS file system is a feasible option due to data structure overhead. exFAT file system can works with all versions of Windows, MAC OS X. But, it requires additional software on Linux.
What is NTFS?
NTFS stands for New Technology File System. NTFS is a modern file system used by Windows systems. It is a default file system for windows systems, it is because the system drive is formatted with NTFS file system when Windows OS is installed. NTFS file system was first seen in consumer versions of Windows XP; it was originally known as Windows NT.
NTFS file system has very high limits of file size and partition size, thus there are no chances of user running up against it. NTFS has advanced features that cannot be found on FAT32 and exFAT file systems. Also, it supports file permissions for security. Another important features that NTFS provide are shadow copies for backups, encryption, disk quota limits, and hard links. NTFS is compatible with all Windows versions, read-only compatible with Mac OS, and partially compatible with Linux distributions.
Difference between FAT32, exFAT, and NTFS
The following are some of the important differences between FAT32, exFAT, and NTFS File Systems −
Key |
FAT32 |
exFAT |
NTFS |
|---|---|---|---|
Introduction |
FAT32 was introduced with Windows 95 to replace older FAT16 file system used in DOS and Windows 3. |
exFAT was introduced in 2006 with Windows XP and Vista. |
NTFS was introduced with Windows NT and widespread usage happened with Windows XP. |
Features |
Easy to use and format. Quick to access. |
Suited for Flash drives. Lightweight. Have features but no overhead of NTFS file system. |
NTFS supports file permissions, change journal, helps quickly recover from error when computer crashes, shadows copies for backup, provides encryption, disk quota limits, hard linking, etc. |
Compatibility |
Works with all versions of Windows, MAC, Linux, etc. Any drive having USB port can use FAT32. |
Works with all versions of Windows, MAC OS X. Requires additional software on Linux. |
Compatible with all versions of Windows, Read-Only with MAC and some version of Linux |
Limitation |
Maximum file size 4 GB, Maximum partition file size 8 TB. |
No file size or partition size limits. |
No file size or partition size limits. |
Ideal Use |
Best for removable drives having max size of 8 TB |
Best for flash drives |
Best for Windows System and Internal Drive used by Windows. |
Conclusion
The most important point that you should note here is that FAT32 is best suited for removable drives having max size of 8 TB, exFAT file system is best suited for flash drives, and NTFS is best suited for Windows Systems and Internal Drives used by Windows.
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