How to Change Format of External Hard Drive Without Deleting Files

The majority of people use the NTFS file system as it is superior to FAT. Just like FAT, NTFS also keeps records of files on a hard disk. A file system is a set of algorithms used to allocate and manage space on a disk volume. At times, it is required by the users to alter the file system. However, before any change, it is important to take a backup of all the files to prevent any loss. This guide explains how to convert FAT32 to NTFS and vice versa without losing data, focusing on external hard drive format changes.

The below-given specifications will help you understand the features and functionality which is rendered by NTFS and FAT32 file system. NTFS is the latest file system with advanced features. Therefore, it is capable of repairing the files automatically. On the other hand, FAT32 is the earlier file system that is supported in older versions of the Windows operating system.

First, take a look and then move on to how to change the format of external hard drive without losing data.

“I have an urgent requirement to convert the hard drive format from FAT32 to NTFS. Before converting the formats, I need to check whether I can convert the file format from one to another. Please advise, the procedure to be followed to convert the file format of the external hard drive without any data loss. Kindly revert back at the earliest. “

How Can A User Change FAT32 File to NTFS File Format?

Before converting the file format from FAT32 to NTFS. Make sure that you archived or backed up the data that are saved in the FAT32 file system. Otherwise, all the data will be deleted after the file formats are converted. Now to migrate the file format from FAT32 to NTFS, simply follow the below-mentioned steps,
Here, we are using Convert.exe-CMD to convert the FAT32 partition to NTFS format

1. Firstly, right-click on the Windows icon and click on the Search option
   
2. After that, type Command Prompt in the Search box.
3. Then, right-click on Command Prompt and click on Run as Administrator option.
   
4. Under the Command window, type help converts and hit Enter. All the information in converting the FAT volume to NTFS is shown below,
   
5. After that, type convert D: /fs:ntfs and press the Enter key
   Note: Ensure to replace the drive letter to D which is the partition or storage device
6. Now, wait till the file converts from FAT32 to NTFS file format
7. Once the conversion process completes, exit from the Command Prompt window
8. Finally, the file formats of the external hard drive have been changed without data loss, as the backup is taken for the same

“My external hard drive is in NTFS file format. Whenever I plug into PS4, it does not recognize the external hard drive. Why do I face this issue? How to convert the formats of the external hard drive without deleting files? Please explain, looking forward with your feedback at the earliest! Thanks in Advance.”

In the above query, the user needs to change the file system to FAT32. This is because the first partition of the hard drive is in NTFS format which is the new file system. Hence, it does not get supported to the PS4 game console.

How to Change NTFS File System to FAT32 Format?

1. Firstly, connect your external hard drive to the computer
2. Right-click on My Computer and select Manage to launch Disk Management
3. Then, right-click on the target partition and click on the Format option
   
4. Now, change the format of the external hard drive to FAT32 by converting the file system
   

Note: The above Disk Management technique to change the format of the external hard drive can only format files which is smaller than 32 GB. Now it is become quite easy to change format of external hard drive without deleting files.

Easily Retrieve and Destroy Files Without Any Hassle!

The most recommended tool to restore and wipe any external storage devices without data loss is SysTools Hard Drive Data Recovery Software and Hard Drive Wipe Tool respectively. It is a complete solution to retrieve and permanently delete files or folders.

Conclusion

This blog explains the method to change the format of external hard drive without losing data using both manual and automated approach. While using the manual method, it is important to create a backup of the file before converting the file formats. Apart from that, it requires technical expertise else the data will be permanently lost. To overcome these consequences, it is advised to download and install Hard Drive Recovery software which is an efficient tool to convert the formats of external hard drive without any loss of data. The best part is, that one can use this software on any version of Windows OS.