Learn how to change an external hard drive to exFAT without losing data. Convert safely, avoid formatting, and explore step-by-step methods for Windows and macOS compatibility.
Are you trying to change your external hard drive to exFAT without losing data, but worried that reformatting may erase everything? You're not alone. Many users, especially those who move files between Windows and macOS, eventually discover that FAT32's 4GB file limit and NTFS's restricted macOS support make both formats inconvenient. That's exactly where exFAT becomes the ideal choice: it eliminates size limits, works seamlessly across systems, and is lightweight for all storage devices.
If you want a way to convert or switch to exFAT safely, keep reading; this guide explains how to do it with and without formatting.
If your goal is to convert FAT32 or NTFS to exFAT without losing files, the most reliable solution is EaseUS Partition Master. The new Version 20.0 introduces full exFAT support, enabling you to directly convert FAT32 to exFAT safely, no formatting, no data loss, no command lines required.
More than just a FAT32 to exFAT converter, it works as a complete exFAT management toolkit, letting you:
💡Why Choose EaseUS Partition Master?
Download it, try it, and share it with anyone who needs a reliable exFAT conversion tool.
If you want to switch your external hard drive to exFAT without reformatting, the safest method is using a specialized partition conversion tool - EaseUS Partition Master.
Guide 1. Convert External Hard Drive From FAT32 to exFAT
Step 1. Install and launch EaseUS Partition Master on your computer.
Step 2. In the "Disk Converter" window, select "FAT => exFAT" and click "Next."
Step 3. In the new window, choose a partition you wnat to format to exFAT, click "Convert."
Step 4. Wait when the operation is in process.
Step 5. Click "Done" after the process is completed.
Guide 2. Format NTFS External Hard Drive to exFAT
If your external hard drive is using NTFS, you can back it up first and format external hard drive to exFAT with EaseUS Partition Master:
Step 1. Launch EaseUS Partition Master, right-click the partition on your external hard drive/USB/SD card which you want to format and choose the "Format" option.
Step 2. Assign a new partition label, file system (NTFS/FAT32/EXT2/EXT3/EXT4/exFAT), and cluster size to the selected partition, then click "OK".
Step 3. In the Warning window, click "Yes" to continue.
Step 4. Click the "Execute 1 Task(s)" button in the top-left corner to review the changes, then click "Apply" to start formatting your external hard drive/USB/SD card.
If you don't mind erasing the drive, or you already have a backup, these formatting methods also allow you to reformat or change an external hard drive to exFAT. (⚠️ All methods below will delete existing data, so back up your files before proceeding.)
File Explorer is a quick way for Windows users to format an external drive to exFAT. Without any software, you can change the format of your external hard drive to exFAT.
Disk Management is useful if File Explorer cannot open or format the drive. Follow the steps to switch to exFAT:
Command Prompt is ideal for advanced users who prefer using commands to reformat disks.
Here is how to format an external hard drive to exFAT with CMD:
Press Win + R, type cmd in the Run box, and press Enter.
Type diskpart and press Enter to launch DiskPart.exe.
Then, type the following command lines and press Enter after each:
Press Enter and wait for the process to complete.
In most cross-platform scenarios, yes, switching to exFAT is the best choice. Here's how to decide:
You Should Use exFAT If You:
Here is a real case from Reddit:
Is formatting a hard drive to exFAT 32 safe? Reading some spooky stuff
byu/Powerful-Employer-20 inDataHoarder
| Feature | exFAT | FAT32 | NTFS |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max file size | Unlimited | 4GB limit | Unlimited |
| Max partition size | 128PB | Limited (32GB) | Very large |
| macOS support | Full read/write | Full read/write | Read-only (by default) |
| Best for | Cross-platform storage | Small devices | Windows system drives |
If you value simplicity, portability, and compatibility, exFAT is the clear winner. Feel free to share this guide with anyone deciding how to format or convert their external drives.
Choosing the right file system determines how smoothly your external hard drive works across devices and operating systems. For users who frequently move files between Windows and macOS, exFAT offers unmatched flexibility, no file size limits, no compatibility issues, and no unnecessary overhead. Whether you prefer to convert to exFAT without losing data or reformat the drive from scratch, this guide provides every option.
Tools like EaseUS Partition Master make the process easier, safer, and completely beginner-friendly, especially for those who want to avoid data loss or using command lines. With full exFAT support and cross-version Windows compatibility, it's one of the most reliable ways to migrate from FAT32 or NTFS.
1. How do I convert to exFAT without losing data?
Use a professional partition converter such as EaseUS Partition Master, which can convert FAT32 to exFAT directly without formatting or losing any data.
2. Can I change the format of my external hard drive without losing files?
Yes, but only with a tool that supports non-destructive conversion, such as EaseUS Partition Master. Standard formatting will erase data.
3. How do I change my external hard drive to exFAT?
You can reformat using File Explorer, Disk Management, Command Prompt, or convert it directly without data loss using EaseUS Partition Master.
4. What are the downsides of exFAT?
exFAT has fewer security features than NTFS and is less optimized for system drives, but it excels for portable storage and cross-platform use.
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