FAT32, or File Allocation Table 32, is a file system used to organize and manage files on storage devices such as hard drives, USB flash drives, and memory cards. It was introduced in 1996 as an enhancement of the older FAT16 file system. The “32” denotes that it uses 32-bit entries in its file allocation table, allowing for improved file and partition size limits compared to its predecessors.
FAT32 supports a maximum file size of 4 GB and a maximum volume size of 8 TB (with certain conditions), making it suitable for smaller drives and devices. It is widely used due to its compatibility across various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux, as well as its simplicity and efficiency in managing smaller files.
However, due to its limitations regarding maximum file size and lack of support for advanced features like file permissions and journaling, other file systems like NTFS and exFAT are often preferred for larger or more complex storage solutions. Despite these limitations, FAT32 remains popular for portable storage devices due to its broad compatibility.
Long-Awaited Modification In a groundbreaking development, Microsoft has unveiled a monumental enhancement to the FAT32 file system after nearly thirty years of its introduction. The previous 32GB partition size limit…