Convert NTFS to FAT32 without Formatting Partition

When referring to converting partition between NTFS and FAT32, many people know that this task can be accomplished by formatting the NTFS partition. However, you should also know that formatting will erase all data on the partition. Although you can back up data in advance, what if there is not available storage media for data backup? Is there any way to change NTFS partition to FAT32 file system without formatting it?

Can You Change NTFS to FAT32 without Formatting?

You can use a partition magic named IM-Magic Partition Resizer for partition converting so that you do not need to format the partition.

When referring to partition magic, it is usually used to resize hard drive to resolve problem on low disk space on system partition or there is not enough free space on a partition. As a partition magic, IM-Magic Partition has the ability not only to resize disk partition but also convert NTFS to FAT32 file system without formatting. With this partition software, you are able to change file system from NTFS to FAT32 within several steps.

The features of this partition include:
>> Convert NTFS to FAT32 without formatting
>> Convert NTFS to FAT32 without losing data
>> Change NTFS to FAT32 without rebooting your computer

Here are the steps to convert a disk/usb/memory card from ntfs to fat32 without reformatting.

Step1: Download and run Partition Resizer

Step2: Open Partition Resizer, and right click the drive that you want to change to fat32, and then select the option CONVERT TO FAT32

Step3: Click APPLY CHANGES in the software to get the above steps applied.

Download Proper Version of IM-Magic Partition Resizer

For Windows 11/10/8/7/Vista/XP/2000 ==> Download IM-Magic Partition Resizer Free

For Windows Server All versions ==> Download IM-Magic Partition Resizer Server

==> Guide to convert NTFS to FAT32

How to Change NTFS to FAT32 with Formatting in Windows?

Formatting is the most common method for partition converting between NTFS and FAT32, but it is very important to back up all data from the NTFS partition to another drive before formatting in case of data loss. Then, follow the steps below to format NTFS to FAT32 partition:

Step1. Double click "My Computer" on desktop of your PC so that you can see all partitions.

Step2. Right click the NTFS partition and select "Format" option.

Step3. Choose "FAT32" under the "File System" section.

Step4. Click "Start" button to begin formatting the selected partition.

You will get an FAT32 partition when the formatting is finished.

>> Visit Convert NTFS to FAT32 without data loss to learn more ways to format a partition or convert partition file system from NTFS to FAT32

Failed to Format NTFS to FAT32 on Windows?

FAT32 is a file system that was released earlier than NTFS, so it has many limitations. Although it is easy to handle to format a partition to change its file system, sometimes you may fail to accomplish the task in following situations:

1. No media for data backup

You do not have another storage media or drive for data backup, but the partition you want to convert contains lots of important data. You may not dare to convert the file system of partition to FAT32 by formatting if there is no media for data backup because formatting will erase everything immediately.

2. FAT32 file system does not support partition size larger than 32GB

You will be not able to reformat a NTFS partition to FAT32 file system if this partition is larger than 32GB because FAT32 file system only supports 32GB partition size at most. Therefore, if a NTFS is larger than 32GB, you cannot convert to FAT32 by reformat.

3. Cannot format system partition

On previous Windows platform like Windows 98 and Windows Me, system partition usually has FAT32 file system. However, Windows OS such as Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8 and Windows 10 usually formatted its system partition to NTFS file system for a better performance. You are not allowed to reformat a system partition to convert its file system unless you can reinstall the system.