Convert FAT32 to NTFS Without Losing Data [2023 Guide]

In the following, you will uncover 5 practical ways to convert FAT to NTFS without losing data. Pick up one and follow to switch the file system on your storage device to NTFS by keeping your data intact now:

Selection Tip: If you want to optimize the usage of your computer hard drive usage, set your disk with a more reliable file system - NTFS without losing any data. The FAT to NTFS conversion feature in EaseUS Partition Master can fulfill your task. For more details, you may directly move to Method 1 for help.

Let's get started.

How to Convert FAT32 to NTFS (FAT16, FAT12 Available)

Changing a volume file system is not an easy task for those who are not familiar with computer management and the command line. Thus, an easy and safe solution is needed. In this part, you will find two reliable FAT to NTFS conversion methods without losing any data. Pick up either method to get the desired file system for your drive now.

Method 1. Convert FAT to NTFS without Data Loss [Free]

Applicable for: all levels of users - beginners, amateur, and professional computer users, free & 3-step operation.

Free and comprehensive partition manager software - EaseUS Partition Master Free can fully meet this requirement with its Convert to NTFS feature. It enables you to convert FAT to NTFS without any data loss. Changing the device file system format won't require formatting and keeping all valuable device content intact. 

If you need to convert a storage device such as an external hard drive or USB drive to NTFS, insert it into your PC first. All Windows users can execute this task with the following steps:

Step 1. Install and launch EaseUS Partition Master on your computer.

Step 2. On Partition Manager, right-click on a FAT32 partition and click "Advanced", select "NTFS to FAT".

Step 3. Click "Proceed" on the pop-up dialog box to continue.

Step 4. Click "Apply" to start the converting process. Wait until the operation process is finished.

Apart from converting FAT to NTFS, EaseUS Partition Master Free also allows users to change file system to other formats, such as: Convert NTFS to FAT32, Convert exFAT to FAT32, etc.

If you love the provided method here, feel free to share and help more people around you online:

Method 2. Convert FAT32 to NTFS by Using CMD [Manual]

Applicable for: experienced computer users who know Command Prompt lines very well.

Users who are familiar with computer management can use CMD convert command to switch the FAT partition or storage device to NTFS.

How to Convert a FAT or FAT32 drive to NTFS:

1. 1. Open a command prompt window by typing Command Prompt in the search box
2. 2. Right-click Command Prompt and select "Run as Administrator".
3. 3. Type help convert and then press "Enter".

Information about converting FAT volumes to NTFS is made available as shown below.

1. 4. Type in convert drive_letter: /fs:ntfs and press Enter. 
2. Replace the drive letter of the target drive you are converting, such as convert J: /fs:ntfs.

1. 5. Type exit when the converting process completes.

The file system of the target device is now NTFS. You can view and use the saved data on the drive again.

Besides using CMD or third-party conversion software, there are three other 3 ways presented below that can help users change their device file system. It is to format storage devices from FAT to NTFS. 

Method 3. Format to NTFS in File Explorer

Applicable for: Windows beginners, non-technical users

Windows File Explorer is reliable and easy for Windows beginners and non-technical users to switch from a FAT32 format device to NTFS by formatting efficiently. Here is how to do so:

Step 1. Connect your external storage device to your PC and open Windows File Explorer.

Step 2. Locate and right-click the target device, and select "Format".

Step 3. Tick "Quick Format", set the file system as "NTFS" and click "Start" to begin the formatting.

When the formatting finishes, close the formatting window. It's now NTFS, and you can copy the backed-up files back to the formatted device.

Method 4. Format FAT32 to NTFS in Disk Management

Applicable for: Windows experienced users

Connect your external hard drive or USB drive to the PC before you start the formatting with the following steps:

Step 1. Right-click This PC or My Computer, and select "Manage".

Step 2. Enter Device Manager and click "Disk Management".

Step 3. Open Disk Management and right-click the target device, select "Format".

Step 4. Set "NTFS" for the selected device, tick "Quick Format" and click "OK" to confirm. 

Method 5. Quick Format FAT32 Device to NTFS in CMD

Applicable for: Advanced users, professionals

DiskPart command lines are designed for advanced users and professional developers in quickly procedue orders to the operating system so to format the target device to NTFS. Do be careful while typing the command lines as listed in the below step guide:

Step 1. Right-click on the Windows icon, select "Search" and type cmd.

Step 2. Right-click to run Command Prompt as administrator, type diskpart, and hit Enter.

Step 3. Type below command lines and hit Enter each time:

• list disk
• select disk 2 (Replace 2 with your USB disk number)
• list volume
• select volume 11/10 (Replace 11/10 with the volume number of the USB drive that you want to format)
• format fs=ntfs quick

Step 4. Type exit and hit Enter to close DiskPart when it reports to successfully format the volume.

Why Do You Need to Convert FAT32 to NTFS

Many ordinary people don't know how to choose the right file system for their storage devices. If you are having the same issue of unknowing about setting NTFS or FAT32 for your external hard drive, USB, or SD card, continue reading, and you will learn.

NTFS vs. FAT, Which Is Better

Here is a comparison table of NTFS, FAT32, FAT16, and FAT12 that can help you decide which format suits your device the best.

NTFS or FAT32, Which Is for My Device?

It doesn't matter if you are still unclear about setting which format to your drive, here is a suggestion provided by EaseUS editor:

• NTFS: Support for transferring big files with no limit. The most ideal file system for hard drives and external hard drives.

it's clear that NTFS contains more advanced features than FAT, for example, in performance, security, and reliability. NTFS supports big file storage on high-capacity storage devices like an internal or external hard drive.

• FAT32: Support for transferring a single file within 4GB. Used as the file system for SD card, USB flash drive. 

While for SD cards, USB flash drives, FAT32 will be the best.

Conclusion

This page covers the answers of which is better between NTFS and FAT32 and offers two reliable methods to assist users in converting FAT32, FAT16/12 to NTFS without formatting by using EaseUS partition manager free software or CMD conversion command.

Apart from the two FAT32 to NTFS conversion methods, this tutorial article also shows the other three manual formatting ways to help you format the device from FAT32 to NTFS. If you choose the formatting way, remember to back up data from the target device to another location first.

Note that if you format the device without backup, always remember to apply a reliable file recovery software like EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard for help. 

People Also Ask about Converting FAT32 to NTFS

Besides converting FAT to NTFS, some people have more questions about file system conversion between FAT32 and NTFS. And here below, we collected 4 top concerned questions and left answers below each question. Let these answers release your doubts and help you out.

1. Can I convert NTFS back to FAT32 after FAT32 to NTFS conversion?

Once you converted FAT to NTFS, you cannot simply convert it back to FAT or FAT32. You will need to reformat the drive or partition which will remove all saved data, including programs and personal files, on the partition.

You can also refer to this page and find solutions for converting NTFS to FAT32. Remember that it is always a good idea to back up your data before the conversion.

2. Will converting from FAT32 to NTFS erase data?

If you choose to use CMD convert command line convert G: /fs:ntfs (G is the drive letter of the target device) or use the Convert to NTFS feature in EaseUS Partition Master, your data will be securely saved on the device. No data will be erased.

However, if you prefer to use the formatting method, your saved data on the target device will be formatted. To avoid this issue, you should always remember to back up your valuable files in advance.

3. How can I change FAT32 to NTFS without losing data?

The best way to protect your data from loss while converting FAT32 to NTFS is to create a backup in advance. 

You can also use the Convert to NTFS feature in EaseUS Partition Master Free or CMD conversion command as shown on this page for help. No data loss will happen by using either method.

4. How do I change my USB from FAT32 to NTFS without formatting?

The ways to change the USB from FAT32 to NTFS are similar to the ones provided on this page. If you prefer a conversion method rather than formatting, both the Convert to NTFS feature in EaseUS Partition Master Free and the CMD conversion command as recommended on this page can all help.

• Using EaseUS Partition Master Free: Connect USB to PC > Run EaseUS Partition Master and right-click USB > Select "Convert to NTFS" > Execute the operation.
• Using CMD: Open Diskpart > Type list disk and hit Enter > Type select disk 2 (Replace 2 with USB disk number) and hit Enter > Type help convert and hit Enter > Type convert G: /fs:ntfs (Replace G with a USB drive letter) and hit Enter.