Note
Access to this page requires authorization. You can try signing in or changing directories.
Access to this page requires authorization. You can try changing directories.
Question
Tuesday, December 13, 2016 4:28 AM
When creating a backup image of my Windows 10 PC to a USB drive, should it be formatted as FAT32 or NTFS? I've read conflicting accounts.
-Thanks
All replies (7)
Tuesday, December 13, 2016 8:45 AM | 2 votes
Personally I would probably use NTFS because it removes some limitations that might cause problems, such as the 4GB file size limit that FAT32 has. I don't really see a downside to using NTFS so it tends to be what I use when dealing with backups or images.
Hope this helps!
Rory Fewell
(CCNA, MOS)
Windows Server 2012 and Networking Fundamentals Apprentice
Tuesday, December 13, 2016 8:55 AM | 1 vote
Hello,
In case of Windows, NTFS works best and I too would go with it. FAT32 works great in case of Mac.
Regards.
Microsoft MVP (Windows and Devices for IT)
Windows Insider MVP
Windows Help & Support [www.kapilarya.com]
Wednesday, December 14, 2016 3:14 AM
Here is the reason for my confusion - When you create a Windows recovery USB drive, it is automatically created as FAT32, because FAT32 is bootable, and NTFS is not. But the Windows image drive should be NTFS.
Wednesday, December 14, 2016 3:14 AM
Personally I would probably use NTFS because it removes some limitations that might cause problems, such as the 4GB file size limit that FAT32 has. I don't really see a downside to using NTFS so it tends to be what I use when dealing with backups or images.
Hope this helps!
Rory Fewell
(CCNA, MOS)
Windows Server 2012 and Networking Fundamentals Apprentice
Here is the reason for my confusion - When you create a Windows recovery USB drive, it is automatically created as FAT32, because FAT32 is bootable, and NTFS is not. But the Windows image drive should be NTFS.
Wednesday, December 14, 2016 7:14 AM
Hi zzBernie,
If you want to create a recovery drive, the drive should be formatted as FAT32(yes, your concern is right). If you just want to use it as a storage media, we could format it as NTFS.
Best regards
Please remember to mark the replies as answers if they help.
If you have feedback for TechNet Subscriber Support, contact [email protected].
Wednesday, December 14, 2016 7:33 PM | 1 vote
This information is incorrect. You certainly can create NTFS bootable USB keys. If you are referring to compatibility with a specific program or method, then it should be stated with your response, and not some blanket statement regarding the file system on a bootable USB.
Thursday, December 15, 2016 1:31 AM
Hi Tripredacus,
I got that information from the link below. Based on this link, I think we should format the drive as FAT32 if we want to create a recovery drive with the built-in tool.
Create a USB recovery drive
Best regards
Please remember to mark the replies as answers if they help.
If you have feedback for TechNet Subscriber Support, contact [email protected].