What Is FAT32?
Learn about the FAT32 file system, how it compares to NTFS and exFAT, and when to use each file system.
![[Featured image] An IT support specialist is on their laptop taking notes on FAT32.](https://d3njjcbhbojbot.cloudfront.net/api/utilities/v1/imageproxy/https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/7EfkvnKjbASVJJAcfrGJyU/adbe472ade1ce1c92605c01aebff6aeb/0a6xMFzT.jpeg?w=1500&h=680&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive&auto=format%2Ccompress&dpr=1&w=1000)
Key takeaways
FAT32 is the 32-bit version of the FAT file system, which defines how data is stored and organized on a hard drive.
FAT32 is the file system of choice for memory cards, USB drives, and external hard drives that need to be widely compatible.
FAT32 was standard in Windows 95 before NTFS replaced it in 1993.
You can enhance your information technology (IT) support skills by learning more about FAT32, NTFS, and exFAT file systems.
Discover the key characteristics of FAT32, including its advantages and limitations compared to NTFS and exFAT. If you’re ready to start preparing for a role in IT support, consider pursuing Google’s IT Support Professional Certificate to develop the skills needed to perform routine IT support tasks such as computer assembly and wireless networking.
What is FAT32 used for?
FAT32 is the 32-bit version of the file allocation table (FAT) file system. A file system specifies the protocol for storing and organizing data on a hard drive with file names and certain permissions. Before the advent of the new technology file system (NTFS) in 1993, Windows operating systems like Windows 95 used FAT32 until NTFS took over when Windows NT was released.
What systems use FAT32?
Memory cards, USB drives, and external hard drives that need wide compatibility use the FAT32 file system. It is compatible with all versions of Windows, Mac, Linux, gaming consoles, and other devices with a USB port. Individual files on a FAT32 system have a maximum size of four GB and a maximum partition size of two TB. Any drive with a size greater than 2 TB will require multiple FAT32 partitions on the drive. FAT32 drives are best used when you need maximum compatibility and have file sizes smaller than 4 GB that are needed to play on various devices.
Read more: Information Technology (IT) Terms: A to Z Glossary
Is FAT32 still being used?
Unlike the file systems before it, FAT12 and FAT16, FAT32 remains one of the common options available today. You can use this file system for up to four million files, and it has a maximum file size of four gigabytes.
FAT32 vs. NTFS vs. exFAT
Let’s compare key factors in different file systems.
| File system type | Maximum file size | Maximum partition size | Compatible with | Best used with |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FAT32 | 4 GB | 2 TB | Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems, as well as other USB devices | Removable drives that need maximum compatibility and have file |
| NTFS | 8 petabyte | 8 petabyte | Windows, read-only on Mac, and works with some Linux operating systems | Windows system drives and other internal hard drives running on Windows operating system |
| exFAT | 128 petabyte | 128 petabyte | Windows, modern versions of macOS, and requires software on older Linux systems, but works with Linux Kernel 5.7 or newer operating systems | Removable drives that have file sizes larger than 4 GB but don’t need the compatibility of FAT32 |
Which is better, FAT32 or NTFS?
While exFAT and NTFS have larger file and partition sizes, FAT32 is still a necessary file system for USB drives and computers with operating systems not compatible with exFAT or NTFS. If you are using a Windows operating system, it is best to format your internal hard drives to NTFS. However, if you are using an external hard drive or flash drive and need storage capacities greater than four GB, use exFAT; if you need compatibility not found in exFAT, format external media to FAT32.
Related terms
Enhance your IT support skills with our free resources
Plug into Career Chat, Coursera’s LinkedIn newsletter, for weekly updates on popular tools and certifications. Gain career insights from fellow IT professionals, discover in-demand IT skills, and learn how to use artificial intelligence (AI) to personalize your learning by subscribing to our other free digital resources:
Watch on YouTube: Top Skills You'll Gain in the Google IT Support Professional Certificate
Hear from an insider: Meet the IT Support Tech Advancing Toward a Cybersecurity Career
Accelerate your career growth with a Coursera Plus subscription. When you enroll in either the monthly or annual option, you’ll get access to over 10,000 courses.
Coursera Staff
Editorial Team
Coursera’s editorial team is comprised of highly experienced professional editors, writers, and fact...
This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.