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Formatting 64GB USB Drive to FAT32

Anonymous
2021-02-08T21:07:33+00:00

Is this possible?  I've read many threads.  I followed these steps:

B1.Insert the USB flash drive into the USB port.
2.Click Start, type devmgmt.msc in the Search textbox and press Enter.
3.Find Disk Drives and expand it.
4.Find the USB flash drive you want to format, and double-click it. It opens the Properties dialog box.
5.Click Policies tab.
6.By default, the Optimize for quick removal option selected, switch it to Optimize for performance and then press OK.
7. Now open Computer. Right click on the USB Flash Drive and select Format. The Format dialog box now appears.
8.Select FAT32 in the File System field.
9.Press Start and wait while the process will be completed.
10.Now your USB Flash Drive is formatted with FAT32 format.

Regarding step 8: no, there is no choice for FAT32, only exFAT and NTFS.  I thought I had completed a FAT32 format but it hung up at 99% and then closed down with a "Volume too Big" error message.

My car radio needs FAT32.  How do I get there?

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

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  1. Rodrigo Queiroz 70,350 Reputation points Independent Advisor
    2021-02-08T22:25:36+00:00

    Hi Curmudgeon10,

    I'm Rodrigo, Independent Advisor and I will help you.

    Windows don't format USB drives bigger than 32GB to fat32, to do that you need an alternative tool. This one can help you, but you can use another if you like

    https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/usb-d...

    Note: This is a non-Microsoft website. The page appears to be providing accurate, safe information. Watch out for ads on the site that may advertise products frequently classified as a PUP (Potentially Unwanted Products). Thoroughly research any product advertised on the site before you decide to download and install it.

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  1. Anonymous
    2021-02-09T01:14:22+00:00

    OK, thanks very much confirming that 3rd Party SW is required.  I hate having to fill MS voids with third party stuff, so I decided just to get a 32GB stick.

    1 person found this answer helpful.
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  2. Anonymous
    2021-02-09T01:17:00+00:00

    Say, just out of curiosity, could you partition the 64GB stick, and FAT32 a partition less than 32GB?

    2 people found this answer helpful.
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  3. Anonymous
    2021-04-10T13:27:56+00:00

    "Say, just out of curiosity, could you partition the 64GB stick, and FAT32 a partition less than 32GB?"

    I downloaded the suggested app (as well as another TP app recommended on another site) - no success reformatting a brand new Memorex 64G USB stick that is USB 3.1 capable. I even wiped the stick's formatting to RAW, but it almost seems the stick itself won't allow itself to be FAT32 formatted. The app gives me the option and tries about 3 ways to do it then ultimately fails. I can only do exFAT or NTFS. I am using it for your exact purpose, an older car stereo. I can't understand why either the USB drive manufacturers or Microsoft won't allow FAT32 which is almost universal on devices.

    I think I will do what you did, Curmudgeon10, and buy a 32G stick. I have wasted about 6 hours on this already for a $13 drive. :(

    6 people found this answer helpful.
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  4. Anonymous
    2021-04-10T14:41:21+00:00

    Update! I finally found a program that can partition & format any drive to any of the 4 main formats! It is called AOMEI Partition Assistant Server. Now my 64GB flash drive is usable in my car radio!

    10 people found this answer helpful.
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