FAT32 vs. exFAT vs. NTFS: What’s the Difference?

FAT32, exFAT, and NTFS are file systems used to manage and organize data on storage devices like hard drives, USB flash drives, and memory cards. Here are the main differences between these three file systems:

  1. FAT32 (File Allocation Table 32) is an older file system that is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Windows, Mac, and Linux computers, as well as gaming consoles, cameras, and other devices. It has a maximum file size of 4 GB and a maximum volume size of 2 TB.
  2. exFAT (Extended File Allocation Table) is a newer file system that was developed by Microsoft. It is also compatible with a wide range of devices, and it supports larger file sizes and volume sizes than FAT32. It has a maximum file size of 16 exabytes (EB) and a maximum volume size of 128 PB.
  3. NTFS (New Technology File System) is a file system that is used primarily on Windows computers. It supports larger file sizes and volume sizes than both FAT32 and exFAT, and it also has better security features, such as file and folder permissions. NTFS has a maximum file size of 16 TB and a maximum volume size of 256 TB.

In summary, FAT32 is an older file system that is compatible with a wide range of devices, but it has limitations on file size and volume size. exFAT is a newer file system that supports larger file sizes and volume sizes than FAT32, but it may not be as widely supported as FAT32. NTFS is a file system primarily used on Windows computers, and it supports larger file sizes and volume sizes than both FAT32 and exFAT, but it may not be as widely supported on other devices.