Windows is probably one of the most common operating systems used by people across the world. It might have improved in managing the space, but there are always some odd problems showing up to the Windows users. In case you have formatted the hard drive of your windows OS with the FAT32 partition, you might face some challenging times.
One of the most common issues Windows users face is “file too large for the destination file system.” If you are getting such messages, you must know that it is a complex scenario you might have to deal with. Even when there are plenty of solutions, implementing them requires knowledge and following the correct process.
This issue generally occurs when you start trying to copy or move files that are bigger than 4GB. So, to provide you with the correct solution, we have created this article with all the significant fixes. However, before we directly jump into the answers, we will find out the general causes of such issues.
What Are The Reasons For ‘File Is Too Large For The Destination File System Error’?
“File too large for the destination file system” is the error that is mostly caused by the limitation in FAT32. If you have technical knowledge about the different file systems, you might have this idea about the restrictions. The file system is the structure or method commonly used by an operating system to identify and synchronize files properly. Windows mostly use NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, and FAT file systems.
All the names of these file systems mentioned have some restrictions. So, in the times you format your hard drive with the FAT32, the file system itself will restrict you from adding any file data beyond 4GB. In order to fix the error and quickly transfer files to the destination, you can simply replace the system from FAT32 with another file system like NTFS.
Remember that the max file size that FAT32 can support is 4GB. However, NTFS has the capability of supporting 16 TB. Even when the overall size of files that FAT32 has the capability to save is up to 2TB but when it comes to individual files, you cannot exceed more than 4GB.
Hence, you will get this error message whenever you choose to save larger individual files.
How Can You Fix The Error?
As we have already mentioned above, there are some restrictions in the file system; you must follow them to avoid such issues. Apart from this, there are several fixes that you can choose in order to get rid of the problem. So, here are some of the most common solutions we have found that can help you to solve the error.
Method 1: Compressor Split The Big Files
While transferring the files, if you find the file size is huge, it is better that you split or compress the file and then save it on the USB drive. It can be highly beneficial for you as it can easily keep the file in your USB drive when formatted with FAT32.
Following are the steps that you can perform to compress and split this type of big file.
- Right-click on the folder that you would like to split and then choose to compress.
- Once you have done the step, you will find an option called Add to archive from the drop-down menu. You can easily split any large files into smaller parts, including documents, videos, movies, and a lot more. This is one of the common ways users can choose to share videos easily on the internet.
- You will find the option saying Split to volumes, bytes, which will allow you to split any folder or file easily. You will get different choices from the drop-down. This is where you can select or can type the size of the file that you wish.
- If you’re unsure, you can easily choose from all the preset profiles provided, and it will instantly get it done.
- Here the default value is the number 1029384KB. You can use a converter to easily check the values into GB.
- Once you’re done, click the OK button present at the bottom. Once you click it, WinRAR will start its work to compress the file and then split it into smaller files containing preset file sizes.
Method 2: Converting The FAT32 To The NTFS File System Without Experiencing Data Loss
You must have got an idea by now that FAT32 is the file system that is incapable of working with larger file sizes. Whenever you choose to keep individual files that are larger than the limitation of the file system, it will show the error. However, you can easily convert FAT 32 to another file system like NTFS to solve the issue.
Remember that this step does not require any formatting if you are using a standard tool. AOMEI partition assistant is a great tool that can convert the file system from one hard drive to another. Apart from this, it also has an intuitive graphical interface to help you understand and easily turn the storage file system into NTFS.
However, this tool is only compatible with Windows 8, 10, and several other versions. If you’re using different systems, the following are some of the steps to follow.
Install the tool: The first step is to look for the AOMEI partition assistant tool and install it on your PC, and right-click on FAT32 to partition. You have to make sure that you choose the correct partition where you would like to copy the larger files.
Then choose “Advanced” followed by “Convert to NTFS.”
Check mark and then choose OK: Then you will find the option saying “OK.” Click on it to let the tool continue the other process.
Convert: Now you can’t find the “Apply” button present on top. Click on the Apply button and then choose “Proceed” to initiate conversion, and then you need to wait for a few minutes.
Method 3: Format The Storage To The NTFS File System
Another common way to fix the ERROR is just to format the storage file system into the NTFS file system.
Using the Windows file explorer, format the USB drive into NTFS.
- If you are using Windows 10, you need to run File Explorer. You can also press and hold the Windows key and the letter E
- Look for the USB drive and then choose to Right click.
- From the drop-down, select the option Format.
- You need to select the Target file system as NTFS and then simply check on the quick format button.
- Hit the Start button to proceed with formatting.
- Once the process completes, users need to click OK to provide permission that will immediately change the USB to the NTFS file system.
Using disk management, choose to format the USB drive to the NTFS file system.
- You need to look for the option “This PC.”
- Right-click on the option This PC followed by Manage and select Disk management.
- Next to this, you need to find a USB flash drive or hard drive. Right-click on it and choose format.
- Now change the system to NTFS and thoroughly check that you have Checked the quick format box.
- Once done, click on the OK button to give confirmation.
Method 4: Use Any Other Alternative Storage
It is very much understandable that you save all your critical files on the USB drive. This is where you need to format using The FAT32 file system. However, in case the file you have stored is larger than the file system can handle, it will generally interrupt and show the error. So, one of the most common and alternative techniques is not to store the information on the formatted FAT32 drive on your USB.
You can move the data and choose a USB or SD card with an NTFS file system. Apart from this, you can also choose other alternatives, like using the cloud to keep your large data. This is also another fantastic option that you can choose from.
Conclusion
Hopefully, now you have got a comprehensive idea about resolving the file too large for destination file system error. As we all know, this file system will always have problems with larger files. Since this particular file has a restriction, you will not be able to add individual files of more than 4GB in size. So, you can simply follow the guides mentioned above and all the alternatives to make sure of getting rid of the error.
You can also take the help of a great tool that can assist you. Remember that this is an inbuilt thing made by the Windows operating system. With all the other alternatives mentioned, which can become easier for you to keep the larger files while not facing the error message.
