A file system is a way of arranging files on disk and organizing user access to them. NTFS requires more resources than FAT32, and therefore became popular later, after the advent of computers with faster performance and more RAM.
Necessary
administrative rights
Instructions
Step 1
You can convert FAT and FAT32 to NTFS using Windows tools. It should be borne in mind that this process will go slower than if the disk was simply formatted in NTFS. If you have older versions of Windows (95/98) installed and you do not want to abandon them, leave FAT32, because earlier versions cannot work with NTFS.
Step 2
It is believed that the conversion takes place without data loss. However, abnormal situations are possible - for example, a power outage during the process. In this case, the data stored on the disk will be lost. Therefore, save important information to another medium before converting.
Step 3
If you do not know which file system is installed on the logical drive, right-click on its icon and select "Properties". On the General tab, under the Type section, the file system will be listed.
Step 4
You will need administrator rights. Free up some hard disk space first, otherwise the conversion will not start. Close programs running from the disk or partition you want to convert.
Step 5
Run Command Prompt. To do this, select Run from the Start menu and type cmd into the search bar.
Step 6
Write the command convert Disk: / fs: ntfs [/v], where Disk is the letter of the logical partition to be converted. To monitor the progress of the process, add the / v attribute - the system will display the current messages on the screen. If you are converting a system disk, you will need to restart your computer.
Step 7
After conversion, the partition may need to be defragmented. Call the drop-down menu by right-clicking and select "Properties". In the "Tools" tab, click "Defragment".
Step 8
In the new window, use the Analyze button to get information about the current state of the disk. Run defragmentation if necessary.
