How to Convert FAT32 to NTFS Without Losing Data in Windows 11 or 10?

Why Convert File System from FAT32 to NTFS?

A file system is the way your computer organizes and stores data on a drive. It determines how files are named, accessed, and managed. Windows supports several file systems, with FAT32 and NTFS being the most common. While FAT32 is widely compatible, it has limitations such as file size restrictions and fewer security features. Changing a drivefrom FAT32to NTFS can unlock several advantages:

• 🎉Supports Larger File Sizes – NTFS can handle files larger than 4GB, unlike FAT32.
• 🎉Better Security – NTFS allows you to set file permissions and encrypt data for enhanced protection.
• 🎉Improved Reliability – Features like journaling and error recovery reduce the risk of data corruption.
• 🎉Advanced Features – Supports compression, disk quotas, and shadow copies for better file and storage management.

How to Convert FAT32 to NTFS without Losing Data using CMD?

After understanding the reasons to convert FAT32 to NTFS, the next important question is how to do it safely without losing your data. Should you use the "Format…" option in Disk Management or Windows File Explorer to convert FAT32 to NTFS? No, since doing so will erase all data on the target drive.

Fortunately, Windows provides a way to convert FAT32 to NTFS directly using the Command Prompt. Unlike formatting, which erases all data on the drive, the "CMD conversion command" allows you to change the drive from FAT32 to NTFS keeping your files intact. This makes it a reliable and safe option for users who want the benefits of NTFS without risking their important documents, photos, or videos.

Step 1. Press "Win + S", type "cmd", and select "Run as administrator" to open Command Prompt with elevated privileges.

Step 2. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter: convert X: /fs:ntfs (Replace "X:" with the letter of the drive you want to convert.)

Step 3. Wait for the process to complete. CMD will show a progress message and notify you once the conversion is successful.

Step 4. After conversion, you can check the file system of the drive by right-clicking it in "This PC > Properties". Its file system should now display "NTFS".

Safe Alternatives to Convert FAT32 to NTFS without Losing Data in Windows 11 / 10

While using the CMD conversion command is the safest way to upgrade FAT32 to NTFS without losing files, there are alternative approaches if you prefer or need to format the drive:

1. Backup Data Before Formatting

Before performing a direct format to NTFS, you can manually back up all important files to an external drive, USB flash drive, or cloud storage. For example, you can back them up to an external drive using File History or Backup and Restore (Windows 7), both reliable Windows inbuilt backup features.

✅Backup via "Windows File History"

Step 1. Connect an external drive (USB, HDD, or SSD) to your computer.

Step 2. Search "Control Panel" in Windows search box and click "Open" under the matching result.

Step 3. Go to "Save backup copies of your files with File History" in the "System and Security"section.

Step 4. Click "Turn on" button to enable the File History Feature. Click "Add a drive" and select your external drive.

Step 5. (Optional) Click "Exclude Folders" to add or remove specific folders. Click "Advanced Setting"can set backup frequency & retention.

✅Backup via "Backup and Restore Windows 7"

Step 1. Go to "System and Security > Backup and Restore (Windows 7)" in Controal Panel.

Step 2. Select "Set up backup". Follow the wizards and choose your external drive as the backup destination, then click "Next".

Step 3. Select "Let Windows choose (recommended)" or "Let me choose" to pick specific files.

Step 4. Review and confirm backup settings. Then click "Save settings and run backup" to start.

Once the backup is complete, format the drive to NTFS using Disk Management or File Explorer. After formatting, simply restore your files from the File History or Backup and Restore Windows 7 backup. This ensures that no data is lost during the process.

2. Recover Data After Formatting

If you have already formatted a FAT32 drive to NTFS and didn’t back up your data, you can still recover your files using reliable data recovery software like MyRecover. Such tools can scan the formatted drive and retrieve documents, photos, videos, and other important files.

Step 1. Install and open the program, choose the drive you have formatted to NTFS from FAT32. Click "Scan".

Step 2. For formatted drive, in most cases MyRecover will automatically run a "Deep Scan". After the scannning, browse and preview found files to quickly locate what you need.

Step 3. Select the files you need, click "Recover", and save them to a different drive.

Summary

To convert FAT32 to NTFS without losing data in Windows 11 or Windows 10, the safest way is using the "convert x: /fs:ntfs" command. If formatting is necessary in your situation, always create a backup beforehand using tools like File History or Backup and Restore (Windows 7). And if you’ve already formatted without a backup, professional recovery software like MyRecover can help restore your lost files.

In addition to recovering files from formatted drive, MyRecover is also able to restore data after Windows downgrade/ upgrade, system crash, emptied Recycle Bin, power outage, transfer failure, and so on.