Microsoft Docs

Overview

Windows supports several file system formats, each optimized for different scenarios. The most common are NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, and ReFS. Understanding their capabilities, limitations, and appropriate use cases helps you design robust storage solutions.

• NTFS – Default for modern Windows installations; provides security, compression, and resiliency.
• FAT32 – Legacy format, widely supported by many devices but limited to 4 GB maximum file size.
• exFAT – Ideal for flash drives and external media, removes the 4 GB limit while staying lightweight.
• ReFS – Designed for high‑availability storage, offering built‑in integrity features.

NTFS (New Technology File System)

NTFS is the default file system for Windows client and server operating systems. It supports advanced features such as ACLs, encryption, disk quotas, and file compression.

Key Features

• Access Control Lists (ACLs) for granular security.
• Encrypting File System (EFS) for transparent file encryption.
• File compression (per‑file or per‑folder).
• Support for large volumes (up to 256 TB) and files (up to 16 TB).
• Transactional NTFS (TxF) – now deprecated but historically allowed atomic updates.

Sample Commands

# Create a new NTFS volume
format D: /FS:NTFS /Q /V:"DataDrive"

# Enable compression on a folder
compact /c /s:"C:\Logs"

# Set an ACL
icacls "C:\SecureFolder" /grant:r "Domain\User:(OI)(CI)F"

Read more about NTFS at NTFS details.

FAT32 (File Allocation Table 32)

FAT32 remains popular for removable media due to its broad compatibility across operating systems and devices.

Limitations

• Maximum file size: 4 GB.
• Maximum partition size: 2 TB.
• No built‑in security or compression.

Typical Use Cases

• USB flash drives when cross‑platform compatibility is required.
• Older embedded devices and cameras.

Formatting a drive to FAT32:

format E: /FS:FAT32 /Q /V:"Backup"

More details: FAT32 documentation.

exFAT (Extended File Allocation Table)

exFAT combines the portability of FAT32 with support for large files, making it ideal for high‑capacity flash storage.

Advantages

• No 4 GB file limit; supports files up to 16 EB.
• Optimized for flash memory with low overhead.
• Works on Windows, macOS, and many Linux kernels (with exfat-utils).

Formatting Example

format F: /FS:exFAT /Q /V:"Media"

Additional reading: exFAT overview.

References

• Microsoft Docs – File System Overview
• Microsoft Docs – Storage Reference