Are you having trouble formatting your 128gb USB to FAT32 on Windows 10? You’re not alone. Many users struggle with this issue, as Windows 10 has limitations when it comes to formatting large USB drives to the FAT32 file system.
But don’t worry, in this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to successfully format your 128gb USB to FAT32 on Windows 10. So let’s get started!
Why Format a 128gb USB to FAT32?
Before we dive into the steps, let’s first understand why you would want to format a 128gb USB to FAT32 in the first place.
FAT32 is a file system that is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems. This means that if you want to use your USB on both a Windows and Mac computer, formatting it to FAT32 is the best option.
Additionally, FAT32 has a maximum file size limit of 4GB, which may be useful if you want to use your USB to transfer files between devices that have this limitation.
Limitations of Formatting 128gb USB to FAT32 on Windows 10
While FAT32 has its advantages, there are limitations when it comes to formatting a 128gb USB on Windows 10. The main limitation is that Windows 10 only allows you to format a USB to FAT32 if it is 32GB or smaller.
This means that if you have a 128gb USB, you won’t be able to format it to FAT32 using the traditional methods. But don’t worry, we have a solution for you.
Steps to Format 128gb USB to FAT32 on Windows 10
Step 1: Download and Install a Third-Party Formatting Tool
To format your 128gb USB to FAT32 on Windows 10, you’ll need to use a third-party formatting tool. There are many options available online, but we recommend using the “FAT32 Format” tool by Ridgecrop Consultants Ltd.
You can download this tool for free from their website. Once downloaded, install the tool on your computer.
Step 2: Connect Your 128gb USB to Your Computer
Connect your 128gb USB to your computer using a USB port. Make sure that your computer recognizes the USB and assigns it a drive letter.
Step 3: Open the FAT32 Format Tool
Open the FAT32 Format tool that you downloaded and installed in Step 1. You should see a window with the title “FAT32 Format” pop up.
Step 4: Select Your 128gb USB Drive
In the FAT32 Format tool, select your 128gb USB drive from the drop-down menu under the “Drive” section. Make sure that you have selected the correct drive, as formatting will erase all data on the drive.
Step 5: Choose the File System and Allocation Unit Size
Under the “File System” section, select “FAT32” from the drop-down menu. Then, choose the “Allocation Unit Size” based on your needs. If you plan on storing large files on your USB, choose a larger allocation unit size. Otherwise, choose the default option.
Step 6: Check the “Quick Format” Box
Check the box next to “Quick Format” to speed up the formatting process. This will skip the scanning process and only format the drive.
Step 7: Click “Start”
Once you have selected all the necessary options, click on the “Start” button to begin the formatting process.
Step 8: Confirm the Formatting
A warning message will pop up, informing you that all data on the USB will be erased. Click “OK” to confirm and start the formatting process.
Step 9: Wait for the Formatting to Complete
The formatting process may take a few minutes, depending on the size of your USB. You can monitor the progress in the FAT32 Format tool.
Step 10: Click “OK” to Finish
Once the formatting is complete, a message will pop up informing you that the process was successful. Click “OK” to finish.
Troubleshooting Tips
If you encounter any issues while formatting your 128gb USB to FAT32 on Windows 10, here are some troubleshooting tips that may help:
- Make sure that your USB is connected properly and recognized by your computer.
- Try using a different USB port.
- If the FAT32 Format tool doesn’t work, try using a different third-party formatting tool.
- If all else fails, you can try formatting your USB to FAT32 using a different computer.
Conclusion
Formatting a 128gb USB to FAT32 on Windows 10 may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and steps, it can be done easily. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to successfully format your USB to FAT32 and use it on both Windows and Mac computers.
Remember to always double-check that you have selected the correct drive before formatting, as the process will erase all data on the USB. And if you encounter any issues, refer to the troubleshooting tips for assistance.
We hope this article has been helpful in guiding you through the process of formatting your 128gb USB to FAT32 on Windows 10. Happy formatting!