How to Change Format of External Hard Drive Without Deleting Files?

External hard drives are necessary applications for storing and backing up data. But at times, you might detect yourself in a circumstance where you want to change format of external hard drive without deleting files. It could be due to support problems, the need for quicker file transfer, or easily individual preference for a different file system. But, the thought of losing important files during the reformatting process can be intimidating.

Good news! It’s possible to change file system on external hard drive without losing data. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to change disk format without losing data safely, without risking data loss. Before knowing the solution, let’s take a look at the user’s query first.

User Query

“I have an urgent requirement to convert the hard drive format from FAT32 to NTFS. Before converting the formats, I need to check whether I can convert the file format from one to another. Please advise, the procedure to be followed to convert the file format of the external hard drive without any data loss. Kindly revert back at the earliest. “

What is File System Format?

Before going into the methods, it is most important to understand what file systems are and why they matter. A file system is the solution your OS system uses to organize or manage and store files on a storage device like an external hard drive. Some usually file systems include:

• FAT32: Often used for smaller external drives, compatible with Windows and macOS, but with a 4GB file size limit.
• NTFS: The default file system for Windows drives, better compatible with larger files.
• exFAT: A newer format designed for cross-platform use between Windows and macOS, without the 4GB file size limit of FAT32.
• HFS+: The normal file system used by macOS, perfect for Apple devices.
• APFS: Apple is the latest file system, optimized for SSD & used in the current versions of macOS.

Changing a hard disk file format means converting from one file system to another, like from FAT32 to exFAT or from NTFS to APFS. Every file system has its opportunity, and the great choice depends on how you proceed to use the drive.

The below-given specifications will help you understand the features and functionality which is rendered by NTFS and FAT32 file system. NTFS is the latest file system with advanced features. Therefore, it is capable of repairing the files automatically. On the other hand, FAT32 is the earlier file system that is supported in older versions of the Windows operating system.

First, take a look and then move on to how to change format of external hard drive without losing data.

How to Change Format of External Hard Drive Without Deleting Files?

Before converting the file format from FAT32 to NTFS. Make sure that you archived or backed up the data that are saved in the FAT32 file system. Otherwise, all the data will be deleted after the file formats are converted. Now to migrate the file format from FAT32 to NTFS, simply follow the below-mentioned steps,
Here, we are using Convert.exe-CMD to convert the FAT32 partition to NTFS format

1. Firstly, right-click on the Windows icon and click on the Search option
   
2. After that, type Command Prompt in the Search box.
3. Then, right-click on Command Prompt and click on Run as Administrator option.
   
4. Under the Command window, type help converts and hit Enter. All the information in converting the FAT volume to NTFS is shown below,
   
5. After that, type convert D: /fs:ntfs and press the Enter key
   

   Note: Ensure to replace the drive letter to D which is the partition or storage device

6. Now, wait till the file converts from FAT32 to NTFS file format
7. Once the conversion process completes, exit from the Command Prompt window
8. Finally, the file formats of the external hard drive have been changed without data loss, as the backup is taken for the same

“My external hard drive is in NTFS file format. Whenever I plug into PS4, it does not recognize the external hard drive. Why do I face this issue? How to change format of external hard drive without losing data? Please explain, looking forward with your feedback at the earliest! Thanks in Advance.”

In the above query, the user needs to change the file system to FAT32. This is because the first partition of the hard drive is in NTFS format which is the new file system. Hence, it does not get supported to the PS4 game console.

Read More: Hard Drive Not Reading

How to Change File System on External Hard Drive without Losing Data?

1. Firstly, connect your external hard drive to the computer
2. Right-click on My Computer and select Manage to launch Disk Management.
3. Then, right-click on the target partition and click on the Format option.
4. Now, change the format of the external hard drive to FAT32 by converting the file system.
   

Note: The above Disk Management technique to change the format of the external hard drive can only format files which is smaller than 32 GB. Now it is become quite easy to change format of external hard drive without deleting files.

Easily Retrieve and Destroy Files Without Any Hassle!

The most recommended tool to restore and wipe any external storage devices without data loss is SysTools Hard Drive Data Recovery Software and Hard Drive Wipe Tool respectively. It is a complete solution to retrieve and permanently delete files or folders.

Tips for Safe File System Conversions

• Always Backup Your Data: Even if the solution you use doesn’t involve erasing the drive, backing up your data is always a good precaution.
• Choose the Right File System: Choose a format depending on what you’ll be using the drive for. For example, if you want support with Windows and macOS, exFAT is a good choice.
• Make Sure you Have Enough Space: Make sure you have enough free space on the drive to create new partitions and copy files during the process.

Conclusion

This blog explains the method to change format of external hard drive Without deleting files using both manual and automated approach. While using the manual method, it is important to create a backup of the file before converting the file formats. Apart from that, it requires technical expertise else the data will be permanently lost. To overcome these consequences, it is advised to download and install Hard Drive Recovery software which is an efficient tool to change format of external hard drive without losing data. The best part is, that one can use this software on any version of Windows OS.