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Which file format FAT32 or NTFS for USB 32B GB drive

Anonymous
2021-03-21T08:55:27+00:00

Hi,

I have a BUFFALO USB3.0 compatible USB memory standard 32GB black RUF3-C32GA-BK which I bought to be used in making boot drive but I could not make it, therefore thinking to re-format and use for saving data most probably images/videos on my Windows 10 laptop. For making boot drive I had used rufus-3.13.exe.

As there are various file formats I do not know which should select FAT32 or NTFS.

Additional: Before formatting USB memory standard 32GB I have copied the contents refer screen shot.

Any suggestion/advice or help in this regard will be appreciated.

Thank you

Windows for home | Windows 10 | Files, folders, and storage

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  1. DaveM121 872.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2021-03-21T09:31:33+00:00

    Hi Ari94

    I am Dave, an Independent Advisor, I will help you with this . . .

    1

    If you are intending to use that USB Flash drive for storing data like Images and Videos, you should use NTFS, because FAT32 have an upper file size limit and NTFS is more efficient

    2

    If you want to create a Windows 10 Bootable USB on that Flash Drive, you should use the Media Creation Tool to create that Media, the process is automatic, and no need to select a format, the tool will do that for you

    3

    If you want to use Rufus to create a bootable Windows 10 USB, then the Format to choose is NTFS with a cluster size of 4096 Bytes

    20+ people found this answer helpful.
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Answer accepted by question author

  1. Anonymous
    2021-03-21T09:05:15+00:00

    Hi, 

    See: Should I Use FAT32 or NTFS on a Flash Drive? The Differences, and a Third Alternative - Ask Leo!

    FAT32 is old and has been around since MS DOS. This means it is compatible with many operating systems (Linux, Mac. . .) Also, files on a FAT32 drive are limited to 4GB. 

    NTFS is new, in the name "New Technology File System", NTFS has some good security options compared to FAT32. It is also faster and reliable.

    I would recommend NTFS.  

    Cheers!

    10+ people found this answer helpful.
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  1. DaveM121 872.6K Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2021-03-21T09:53:37+00:00

    Hi Ari94, glad to Help!

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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  2. Anonymous
    2021-03-21T09:52:40+00:00

    Hello Dave, thank you very much for the quick and detailed reply.

    I am going to read your reply.

    Thank you.

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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  3. Anonymous
    2021-03-21T12:02:36+00:00

    Hi Nayan Patel, thank you very much for the reply. Before your answer I watched Ask Leo video too. Also thank you for providing the URL link.

    Your answer was also helpful.

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