Difference between NTFS and FAT32

In Windows, when we want to format a hard disk or flashdisk, then we will find two types of drive options . Namely:

• FAT32
• NTFS

Many times people are confused, which one to choose between FAT32 or NTFS. Especially considering both are often used, whether it's on a flash or an external hard drive.

Well, even though the difference between the two is very simple, to understand. Here I will explain to those who do not know yet.

But first, we know first about NTFS and FAT32.



What is NTFS?


NTFS is an abbreviation of NT File System. Is the standard drive format used on internal or external hard disks now 😀

Well, actually, NTFS has long been there , you know . Since Windows 2000 to Windows 10 NTFS is still widely used.

Existing features in NTFS include access control , compressed data and security features such as data encryption.



What is FAT32?


FAT32 is a development of the FAT16 system. This format has been released much longer than NTFS. Namely on Windows95 (20 years).

FAT32 is commonly used on various devices. Starting from the hard disk, memory card to flash. Because this format is supported on many operating systems.

In fact, not just a PC or laptop you know . On the console also if you use a hard drive, usually use the FAT32 format.



Difference Between NTFS and FAT32


Earlier we briefly discussed NTFS and FAT32.

That's still a glance huh. To understand the difference more fully, I make it simple to use the table here. Try to check the following:

NTFS	FAT32
Supports multiple operating systems	Supports many operating systems and devices other than PC / laptop
Can copy the files with large size	Copy files up to 4GB / file
Has an encryption feature	Has encryption feature in version 3.0
Can create partitions as desired	Partition maximum of 2TB

Let's discuss again:


1. Operating System Support
This NTFS format is now supported in almost all computer devices. Windows, Mac OS and Linux operating systems are mostly already able to use the NTFS format.

While FAT32 is the same way. However, this FAT32 support is even more universal. Because it can be used for devices other than computers.

For example consoles such as Playstation , storage using FAT32. Or the smartphone's internal memory too.


2. Maximum Copy File Size
NTFS can copy files of any size we want. For example 20GB, up to 1TB is also no problem.

Now, for FAT32 to copy files, the maximum is around 4GB. More than that the message will appear too large .

Likewise with the number of files that we can save. For NTFS it supports up to 4 billion files. While FAT32 has a maximum storage of around 65 thousand files .


3. Encryption Feature
Actually, both of these formats already support encryption features.

For NTFS, we can use the features directly. Just setting it through the system. Well, for FAT32 we must check first. Version of at least 3.0.

After that, we can only do the settings .

4. Supported Partition Size
Another difference between NTFS and FAT32 is the supported partition sizes. FAT32 supports storage of up to 2TB, while NTFS supports storage of up to around 16EB.

What is EB? This EB stands for Exabytes. 1 Exabytes is equivalent to 1 billion GB. So you can imagine the size right?



What Format is the Most Suitable for Your Device?

Well, this goes back to the needs of each and depends on the device used.

For example for computers, you can use NTFS or FAT32. Meanwhile, if you want to play games on consoles for example, of course you have to use FAT32 to support storage.

As for myself, on a flash drive I usually use FAT32. And for external hard drives I usually use NTFS. But sometimes I go back too.



The final word

That's a brief discussion of the differences between NTFS and FAT32. For those who are still confused about this, hopefully they will understand now 😀

I make this explanation simple, more general. So there are some other differences that I don't mention.

May be useful.