ByWhen we try to copy a file and we get an error like “The file is too large for the volume’s format”, it can be a common but annoying problem. In this article, we will explain in detail why this error occurs and how you can easily fix it.
What does this error mean?
This error occurs when you try to copy a large file (such as an ISO, video, backup or game file over 4GB) to a FAT32 formatted drive (such as a USB drive, SD card or hard drive).
The FAT32 file system has a limitation – it cannot store a single file more than 4GB in size. So when you transfer a large file, this error occurs.
Main causes of this problem
USB drive or hard disk being FAT32 format
Large file size (more than 4GB)
File system limitations of the Windows operating system
Ways to fix the problem
Now let’s know in detail how to fix this problem permanently.
1. Convert the drive from FAT32 to NTFS (without losing data)
Any file, no matter how big, can be saved in NTFS format. Your data will not be deleted in this process.
Steps:
1. Open the Start menu and type cmd.
2. Right-click on Command Prompt and select Run as Administrator.
3. Now type:
“`
convert E: /fs:ntfs
“`
(Here E: is the letter of your drive – change according to your drive)
4. Press Enter and let the process complete.
Note: This process will not delete your files, but it is still wise to keep a backup.
2. Reformat the drive (data will be erased)
If you are ready to format, you can easily convert FAT32 to NTFS.
Steps:
1. Open This PC or My Computer.
2. Right-click on the drive and select Format.
3. Choose NTFS from File System.
4. Select Quick Format and click Start.
This will delete all your data and convert the drive to NTFS.
3. Split a large file into pieces using Splitting Tools
If you don’t want to change the format of the drive, you can split the large file into smaller pieces.
Useful Software:
7-Zip: It allows you to zip the file into parts.
WinRAR: Here, you can specify the size of the Split Volume.
How to do it using 7-Zip:
1. Install 7-Zip.
2. Right click on the file → 7-Zip → Click on Add to Archive.
3. Keep Archive format: zip or 7z.
4. Enter “3900M” or less in Split to volumes, bytes.
5. Click on OK.
You can now copy these parts to the FAT32 drive.
4. Use Cloud Storage
If you have an internet connection, you can share or store large files by uploading them to Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, etc.
This method is best when you want to share the file with someone without formatting the drive.
5. Format the external hard drive to NTFS or exFAT
exFAT is also a better option if you need to use the drive on both Windows and Mac.
Formatting Steps:
1. Connect the drive to the computer.
2. Open This PC → right click on the drive → select Format.
3. Select exFAT or NTFS from the File System.
4. Click Start.
6. Format the drive using Disk Management
1. Press Windows + X → select Disk Management.
2. Right click on the target drive → select Format.
3. Select NTFS or exFAT and apply.
Difference between FAT32, exFAT, and NTFS
| Features | FAT32 | exFAT | NTFS |
|——————–|——————–|————————|————————–|
| Max File Size | 4GB | 16EB (Approx) | 16TB+ |
| Compatibility | All Devices | Windows, Mac, Linux | Windows and some Mac only |
| Speed | Slow | Fast | Fastest |
| Security | No | No | Yes (File Permissions etc.) |
Tips to avoid this error
Always format the new drive to NTFS or exFAT.
Check the file system before transferring large files.
Keep a safe backup on a portable hard drive or pen drive.
Conclusion
“Too Large For The Volume’s Format” is a simple but annoying problem that can be solved instantly by formatting to NTFS or exFAT. We hope that with the above methods, you will be able to solve this problem easily and transfer large files without any interruption.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – ‘Too Large For The Volume’s Format’ Error
Q1. What does ‘Too Large For The Volume’s Format’ mean?
Answer: It means that the file you are trying to copy cannot be stored in that drive’s format (FAT32) because its size is more than 4 GB.
Q2. What is the file size limit in FAT32?
Answer: The maximum size limit of any single file in FAT32 format is 4 GB.
Q3. How to fix this problem without formatting?
Answer: You can convert the drive to NTFS with the help ofthe Command Prompt. This will not delete your data. Command:
“`
convert E: /fs:ntfs
“`
Q4. Is there any way to copy a large file to a FAT32 drive?
Answer: Yes, you can split a large file into smaller parts using software like 7-Zip or WinRAR and then copy them to a FAT32 drive.
Q5. Is exFAT better than NTFS?
Answer: If you want to use the drive on both Windows and Mac, then exFAT is better. But if you are using it only on Windows and want better security and performance, then NTFS is a better option.
Q6. Will formatting the drive delete the data?
Answer: Yes, formatting the drive will delete all the data. It is necessary to take a backup before formatting.
Q7. How to upload a large file to the cloud?
Answer: You can upload a large file to Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive and then share or access it from there. This method is safe and convenient.
Q8. Does this problem also occur in mobile pen drives?
Answer: Yes, if your OTG drive or SD card is in FAT32 format and you try to insert a file larger than 4GB, then the same error will come.
Q9. Does this error come only in Windows?
Answer: This error is especially seen in Windows OS, but the limitations of FAT32 apply to all operating systems, it be Linux or MacOS.
Q10. How to avoid this error in the future?
Answer: Whenever you format a new drive, format it in NTFS or exFAT and avoid FAT32 if you have to transfer large files.
