How to format a flash drive to ntfs. Using the Command Line

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Most USB flash drives produced today come with the FAT32 file system. This is the most versatile file system. Most devices that have a USB connector will be able to read it.

The main disadvantage is the inability to store documents whose size exceeds the 4 Gigabyte mark. This is not critical until the need arises to record something larger than 4 GB in size.

The NTFS file system will help you handle files of this size (New Technology File System). This development is newer than FAT. It has a huge maximum file size.

This is a number with eighteen zeros, so you don't have to worry about exceeding this number. Row multimedia devices does not support file system (FS) (DVD players, PS3, Xbox 360), but compatibility with PC operating systems is high.

That is, if there is no need to transfer large files, then there is no need to worry about the file system. And if the need does arise, then you can format the FS flash drive in different ways: standard tools operating system and with the help command line.

Let's look at each of them in more detail.

Formatting a flash drive using Windows

With this method of changing the file system, everything stored on the flash drive will be irrevocably erased. Therefore, it is better to make a backup on HDD PC, if, of course, this is the necessary data. Otherwise, you don't have to worry about the contents of the flash drive.

First of all, you need to connect the USB drive itself to the PC. Then in “My Computer” click on the flash drive icon right click. In the drop-down menu, find the “Format” item and click on it.

The formatting settings window will open. In the drop-down menu you need to select NTFS, as shown in the image. No further changes are required. Now you can click the “Start” button.

Before starting the process, the system will warn you again about permanent deletion all information from a USB drive.

After confirming the operation, the flash drive will be quickly formatted in NTFS under Windows OS. Upon completion, the file system of the media will be changed.

Format USB flash drive in command line

Note! Formatting a flash drive in NTFS on the command line (using the convert utility) allows you to change the device’s file system without losing data. The word “conversion” is more appropriate for this process than “formatting.”

So, first you need to connect the media to your computer. Looking at “My Computer”, you can find its icon; under it is the volume label assigned to the disk by the system. IN in this case this is (F:).

For a number of reasons and factors, the volume label may be different. In any case, it needs to be remembered. Next you will need a command line. It opens in different versions operating systems different ways.

Windows 7:

To access the interpreter Windows commands 7, you can use the same method as for the previous OS. The Start menu, in the Accessories folder, also provides the ability to open a command line.

Windows 8:

In the open command line you need to enter the following request: convert F: /FS:NTFS. In place of “F:” you need to enter the volume label of the removable disk, which was remembered earlier. After pressing “Enter”, file system conversion will begin.

No data will be lost during the process. When finished you will get something like this:

As you can see, the system has been changed from FAT32 to NTFS:

And the data is all there:

Although converting a file system using the command line allows you to save data, play it safe and do backup copy the PC still has a hard drive;
A certain amount is required for conversion free space on the media. If it is missing, the process will not complete and an error message will appear:
« Total on disk: 8006656 KB
Free: 40549 KB
Required for conversion: 50549 KB
Not enough space for conversion
Conversion failed F: has not been converted toNTFS»
To successfully retry the conversion, you will need to free up the missing space by deleting or moving some files.
You need to carefully select the device volume label; if you make a mistake and specify a different one, then another disk will be formatted;
It is better not to format a removable drive if it is often used with outdated Windows 98;
It is also better not to format bootable flash drives, otherwise they will no longer be bootable;
Changing the file system removable media on NTFS it will slightly increase the speed of data operations;

Now reformatting a flash drive is not a problem. The main thing is to remember that in most cases you can do without it.

So, for constant interaction with many different multimedia devices, it is better to leave FAT32. Although NTFS improves reliability and durability removable disk, not all devices can interact with this file system.

The capacity of flash drives is increasing almost every day. Flash drives are becoming more accessible, and today any computer user can purchase a flash drive with a capacity of more than 4 GB. After purchasing such a device, users rightly believe that they can now easily carry large volume information. However, they often encounter the impossibility of writing a file larger than 4 GB to a flash drive. This is due to the fact that devices of this type are sold formatted, by default, in the FAT file system.

One of its disadvantages is the limitation maximum size 4 GB file (more about file systems ah, read Here). Solve file writing problem big size maybe two in simple ways. Or “cut” the file into smaller parts - we will not consider this method. Or, format the flash drive to the NTFS file system.

There are several ways to format a disk. How to format a flash drive to NTFS? Let's look at two, in my opinion, the most convenient. I will consider the example in Windows 7, although it is also suitable for older versions. Attention!!! Further actions produces only after Reserve copy data from a flash drive to another medium!

First way;

Open the “System” applet using the keys Win+Pause/PauseBreak. Go to “Device Manager”, expand the branch “ Disk devices" Find the disk (your flash drive) and right-click on it. Next, go to the “Policies” tab. Turn on the radio button for “Optimal performance” and click “Ok”. Now open File Explorer using the keys Win+E, right click on the desired disk and click "Format". Select the NTFS file system from the list, if necessary, and confirm formatting with the “Start” button.

The second method, formatting a flash drive, seems convenient to me. Despite the fact that this utility converts the file system of a flash drive without losing data. However, I highly recommend not relying solely on it. correct operation. That's why, Please backup your data before use!!! So;

– launch the command interpreter. Run as “Administrator”: click Start -> Run... -> Run a program -> cmd -> OK;

– switch (if necessary) the keyboard layout to EN;

– after the system prompt C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator>enter

convert<буква_диска>: /fs:ntfs /nosecurity /x

(for example, to format a flash drive H: enter convert h: /fs:ntfs /nosecurity /x);

– click ;

– after the conversion is complete, enter exit (or close the command interpreter window).

After this, the device does not have to worry about the limitation of the fat file system.

(click to enlarge)

Additional Information

Please note that converting the file system back from NTFS to FAT is not possible. You can only format the device again if necessary.

There must be enough free space on the disk for conversion. If you receive an error: “There is not enough disk space for conversion.” Move or delete some files from the flash drive to your computer. Also consider the following nuances:

1. Be careful when choosing a device to format so as not to accidentally format another removable drive which is required.

2. Before formatting the flash drive, make a backup copy of the data from the flash drive to your computer’s hard drive!

5. Formatting a flash drive in NTFS allows you to forget about such a disadvantage of FAT/FAT32 as lost clusters and increases the reliability and durability of flash drives, and also increases the speed of reading/writing data.

6. Convert utility keys (Converting the file system of a FAT volume to NTFS):

CONVERT volume: /FS:NTFS

volume– Specifies the drive letter (followed by a colon), mount point, or volume name.

/FS:NTFS– Target file system: NTFS.

/V– Enable message output mode.

/CVTAREA:filename a – Specifies a contiguous file in the root folder to reserve space for system files NTFS.

/NoSecurity– Security settings for converted files and folders will be available to change.

/X– Force removal of this volume (if mounted). Open handles to this volume will become invalid!
For greater clarity, I suggest you watch the video on how to format a flash drive:

Along with the increase in the volume of media - in particular flash drives, there has also been an increase in cases of problems with incorrect display space available for recording. Many manufacturers initially install the FAT32 system, but it does not allow recording and, in general, using space over 4GB.

FAT32 can be used as an alternative to NTFS and the format looks pretty good for burning Live CD programs. They are needed to run something from the operating system, especially important in case of failures or diagnostics of PC components.

The limitation of writing only 4GB on a flash drive is easily removed if you change the file system. A more modern, technologically advanced and reliable format today is NTFS. Therefore, before you go to service center store, try changing the flash drive to NTFS.

To change the format, you can do without using third party programs, because Windows functionality allows you to achieve the desired result. The only problem is that the question of how to format a flash drive in NTFS in Windows xp and some other systems is a little difficult due to the initially locked format. That is, NTFS is simply not available for formatting.

Preparing a flash drive

Before using formatting directly, you need to configure the media, for this:

Right-click on “My Computer” and select “Properties”;
Now follow the “Device Manager” link;
Expand the “Disk devices” list;
Select the flash drive and double click;
Then go to the "Policies" tab, where you set it to "Optimize for execution".

Now it should be noted that if you format the flash drive in NTFS, you will lose your files stored here. Therefore, before continuing, copy them to your hard drive.

How to reformat a flash drive to NTFS?

Go to “My Computer”;
Make a RMB on the flash drive and select “Format”;

The main thing is to install NTFS in the “File system” section. You can also check the box next to “Quick Format”;

At the end of the process, make sure everything works as it should. Then do the opposite of the first procedure. In the “Policy” tab, set the value to “Optimize for quick removal».

Formatting using the HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool

An extremely simple, intuitive utility that allows you to format storage and does not require any additional manipulations with it. The program can also create bootable USB flash drive, you can use the function to burn any Live CD application or Windows.

Download the utility;
After launch, indicate the path to your drive in the first column;
Set the “File System” to the NTFS system we need;
If desired, install “Quick Format”;
Agree to the warning window about data deletion;
Wait for it to finish.

Now your flash drive will use the entire capacity to the maximum, without any restrictions.

Format the flash drive using HDD Low Level Format Tool

A distinctive feature of the utility is low level formatting both HDD and Flash. Thus, the information will not be available for recovery using appropriate programs. So if you need full formatting with information cleaning, then this program is an excellent solution.

Download the utility;
Select the drive for the procedure;

Specify the required format and run the program.

All of these methods are aimed at formatting the flash drive and displaying it correctly in the future. Each method has its own unique features, so use any option that suits your taste. Even if one method does not work, you can always resort to another. Also, if nothing works, then you should look for the problem deeper, namely, either install a driver for it, or the flash drive has failed.

If you still have questions on the topic “How to format a flash drive in NTFS?”, you can ask them in the comments

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As you know, today the Windows operating system offers users two types of file systems: FAT32 and NTFS. A file system should be understood as a way of organizing data on a particular medium. The file system can be changed on: USB flash drives, hard drives(including removable) and other media. The topic related to changing the file system is most relevant for USB flash drives. The thing is that the FAT32 file system is more suitable for small files (large files are simply not supported by this system). NTFS, in turn, allows you to download files with both small and large sizes, while the speed of operation (reading, viewing, copying) will not change.

Is it worth formatting to NTFS: advantages and disadvantages

USB drives with the NTFS file system installed allow you to access files much faster small size and show high performance when working with large files. As for security, a file system such as NTFS, unlike others, shows high reliability of information storage. In addition, NTFS is the most reliable file system (that is, failures and shortcomings when working with such flash drives are much less common).

Unfortunately, NTFS also has a number of disadvantages. For example, the main disadvantages of this file system include more low speed work (compared to FAT32). This is due to the fact that NTFS allows you to work with both large and small amounts of information. The next and final drawback of this file system is the high requirements for random access memory.

Of course, all the advantages and disadvantages are conditional and are not always critical when choosing a particular file system for a USB flash drive.

Changing the file system

In order to format a particular media and change the file system used, you can use one of the following options: use either standard means operating room Windows systems, or special utilities. Of course, the first option is much faster and easier than the second. To do this, just open “My Computer” and right-click on the removable media icon. Will open context menu, in which you should select “Format...”. After clicking, a new window will appear. Here you have to directly select the file system that will belong to the flash drive. To do this, click on the “Format” button and select NTFS or FAT32 from the list that appears, depending on your preferences. In order to complete the procedure, you will need to click on the “Format” button (if you select “Quick Format”, the file system will not change). Then all that remains is to wait for the procedure to complete.

Formatting a flash drive is not only quick way cleansing him from unnecessary files, but also the choice of a specific file system that will allow a wide variety of devices to easily read information from this media: PCs, laptops, radios, TVs, DVD players, game consoles, etc. Therefore, first, let’s look at which system is best for formatting a flash drive for you, touching on the features of each. Then we will dwell in detail on formatting algorithms for the popular FAT32 and NTFS.

What is a file system

A file system is a variant of organizing data on a particular medium. Every OS (and even has one) music player) its own system, harmoniously compatible with it. Or even several. Thus, when formatting an external or hard drive with a specific file system, you first of all determine which OS will be able to read it.

Many people believe that it is only possible to format a flash drive in FAT32 or NTFS, but this is a misconception. There are many more file systems. Let's list the most famous:

On Windows: FAT32, exFAT, NTFS.
On Mac OS: HFS+.
On Linux: EXT2, EXT3.

Let's get to know each of them in more detail.

FAT32

This file system is the oldest, most widespread and most reliable - it is the one that replaced FAT16. Therefore, many people, when deciding to format a flash drive in FAT32 or NTFS, traditionally choose the first option.

This is a rare format that is supported by all operating systems and almost all game consoles and other devices with USB. But FAT32 imposes the following restrictions: the size of one file on the disk should not be more than 4 GB, and one partition should not be more than 8 TB.

Many flash drives sold in stores are set to good old FAT by default, so that these drives can be read by both modern and legacy devices. For hard drives this system is completely unsuitable today - to install modern Windows, the drive must be formatted in at least NTFS.

Your choice is FAT32 if you want to get a flash drive on which you are supposed to write light-weight information, and with which the maximum number of different devices can work.

NTFS

Another Microsoft product. A flash drive formatted in this system can work mainly with Windows, sometimes with Linux. Apple technology can only read it, but gaming consoles and do not support it at all (Xbox, PS). NTFS allows a single file size on media larger than flash media available today, and the partition limit is 16 Eb!

In addition, the file system includes the following capabilities:

recording changes to restore the system in case of a crash;
establishing access rights to stored files;
disk quotas;
encryption, etc.

Thus, formatting a removable drive on this system is not practical because... it is more tailored for hard drives and to work with Windows, rather than with other operating systems.

exFAT

When figuring out where it is better to format a flash drive - in FAT32 or NTFS, many ignore the more modern exFAT, also the brainchild of Windows. And it allows you to write files of almost unlimited size, setting the limit for one partition to a cosmic 64 Zb! Windows works well with it, the latest versions of Apple OS and Linux during installation additional packages. Modern versions game consoles also support exFAT, which cannot be said about the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3.

So, exFAT is the most modern file system from Windows, incorporating the compatibility capabilities of FAT32 and the broader functionality of NTFS. One drawback - it only works with latest versions existing OS and is useless on devices with outdated hardware.

EXT2, 3 and HFS+

HFS+ is a file system developed by Mac OS. Linux and Xbox also work with it; Windows is not supported. There are practically no restrictions on the size of one file; for a section - 8 Eb.

EXT2, 3 is a Linux product. The maximum file size on a flash drive formatted in this system is 16 GB, for a partition - 32 TB. Among third-party OSes, only Xbox works with this format.

How to format a flash drive to FAT32

The algorithm is very simple:

Connect external storage to the computer, after the system sees it, go to “My Computer”. No formatting software is required for this system.
RMB on the desired flash drive - “Format”.
The desired system, as a rule, is already selected by default - all you have to do is click on “Start”.
After a while, the computer will notify you that formatting is complete. That's all!

How to format a flash drive to NTFS

Formatting in this file system is more difficult, because it, in fact, is not intended for For the procedure, you will need the flash drive itself and a PC:

In the "Control Panel" go to "System".
In "Properties" you need the "Hardware" tab, and then "Device Manager".
Next - “Disk devices” - double click on the desired flash drive to open its properties.
Then "Policy" and "Optimize for Execution". Confirm the action and close the windows.
Now go to "My Computer", select the desired removable drive.
RMB by its name, then “Format”.
How to format a flash drive to NTFS? The name you are looking for now appears in the "File system" drop-down menu - select it.
Format the drive by clicking on "Start".
In "My Computer" go to "Systems".
Next - "Hardware", "Device Manager" - "Disk".
Select the formatted removable drive, then go to its Properties.
In the "Policy" check "Optimize for quick removal", confirm your choice.

What's easier: format a flash drive in FAT32 or NTFS? The answer is obvious.

Support programs

To format a drive in a rare file system, sometimes the capabilities of one OS are not enough. Let's introduce some helper programs for formatting:

In NTFS - convert.exe (built-in Windows utility), HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool, Format USB Or Flash Drive Software.
In HFS+ and for SD, SHDC, SDXC, SD-C, LLC cards - SD Formatter.
For JetFlash, Transcend and A-DATA - JetFlash Recovery Tool.
Support for all file systems - MiniTool Partition Wizard.

When thinking about whether to format a flash drive in FAT32 or NTFS, first of all, note what you need this drive for - for recording large files, working with a variety of devices, storing secret data, etc. After familiarizing yourself with the pros and cons of these file systems, you can easily choose the desired formatting algorithm in this article.