By Key Points
- Microsoft increases FAT32 partition size limit after nearly three decades.
- The latest Windows 11 Canary build now supports formatting up to 2TB in FAT32.
- The change is currently only available via the command line.
FAT32 remains widely used in USB drives and SD cards despite newer file systems. - Microsoft Finally Bumps FAT32 Partition Size to 2TB
In a long-awaited update, Microsoft has finally addressed the FAT32 partition size limit with the latest Windows 11 Canary build, increasing it from 32GB to a much more substantial 2TB.
This change comes nearly three decades after FAT32’s introduction, marking a significant step forward for users who still rely on this legacy file system.
While the update is not yet available to all users and can only be accessed through the command line, it represents a critical improvement for those managing large storage devices using FAT32.
A Legacy System Gets a Much-Needed Update
FAT32, or File Allocation Table 32, has been around since the days of floppy disks and was the default file system for several versions of Windows before the introduction of NTFS with Windows XP in 2001.
Originally designed for much smaller storage devices, FAT32 has remained relevant due to its widespread compatibility across various operating systems and devices, especially for external storage like USB drives and SD cards.
However, one of its most glaring limitations has always been its 32GB partition size cap, which has frustrated users for years.
According to Dave W Plummer, a former Windows developer, the 32GB limit was initially a placeholder that never got replaced.
Plummer, who also designed the familiar format dialog box in Windows, mentioned that this constraint stemmed from deciding how much “cluster stack” would be too much, inadvertently locking the format size at 32GB.
Despite the emergence of more advanced file systems like NTFS and exFAT, FAT32 has persisted due to its simplicity and broad device compatibility.
#Microsoft removed the #FAT32 size limit in the latest #Windows 11 preview build and increased the maximum partition size from 32GB to 2TB. #infosec #Cybersecurity https://t.co/MshhzhVqK7
— Anonymous🐾🐈⬛ (@YourAnonRiots) August 16, 2024
A Long-Overdue Fix
The new FAT32 size limit, which now extends to 2TB, is only available in the latest Canary build of Windows 11 (build 27686). However, users can only take advantage of this update via the command line using the format command.
This means that while the underlying capability has been enhanced, those relying on the graphical user interface (GUI) will still be limited to the old 32GB cap, at least for now.
This change reflects Microsoft’s continued efforts to modernize legacy systems while balancing backward compatibility—a tricky feat when dealing with something as entrenched as FAT32.
For years, users who needed to format larger FAT32 partitions had to rely on third-party tools, as Windows’ built-in utilities were limited. While Windows could read FAT32 partitions up to 2TB, creating them without external software was impossible until now.
With this update, many users will find it easier to manage large storage devices without resorting to other file systems that might not be as widely supported across different platforms.
It’s important to note that while the partition size has increased, FAT32’s 4GB file size limit remains unchanged.
This limitation is one reason why many users have migrated to file systems like exFAT, which supports larger individual file sizes while retaining broad compatibility.
Despite this, the FAT32 format continues to be the go-to for many devices, especially in cases where NTFS or exFAT are not supported.
Microsoft’s decision to finally address this long-standing issue, albeit in a limited release, signals a recognition of the enduring role that FAT32 plays in modern computing.
As technology continues to evolve, maintaining and updating legacy systems like FAT32 is crucial to ensure compatibility and ease of use for millions of users worldwide.
While this update is currently only available to Windows 11 Insiders using the latest Canary release, likely, the expanded FAT32 size limit will eventually roll out to all users.
If Microsoft also updates the GUI tools to support the new 2TB limit, it could make life a lot easier for users who prefer not to tinker with the command line. For now, though, the change is a welcome improvement, even if it’s been a long time coming.
You May Also Like This Post
