Table of Contents
When you try to transfer a file and get the message “File is too large for the destination file system,” it’s because of the file system you used to format your storage drive or USB. If you use a Windows OS formatted with the FAT32 file system, your PC might get the file is too large for destination file system error. When you try to move or copy a file that is bigger than 4 GB, you get this error.
The file system tells the drive how to store, find, and organise files. Most Windows users use FAT, FAT32, and NTFS as their file systems. FAT, also called FAT16, can only handle files that are no bigger than 2GB each. For FAT32, the largest file size that can be used is 4GB. For NTFS, on the other hand, a single file can be up to 16TB in size. You can also go to the official Microsoft support site for more information about this issue.
Sharing information from one place to another is a normal part of working in a digital setting. Whether you’re copying documents for work, sharing photos and videos, or sending important files through an external drive. It is important to copy the data and then save it somewhere else so it can be moved. We mentioned below are the ways to Fix “File is Too Large For The Destination File System”.
Ways to Fix “File is Too Large For The Destination File System” in windows
Split Large Files Using GSplit
If you don’t want to format the drive for some reason, you can use GSplit to break up large files into smaller pieces and then move those pieces to the destination drive. Here’s what you need to do.
- Installing GSplit is as easy as downloading the gsplit.exe file and running it.
- Start the app, and then click on Original File.
- Click “Browse” and find the file you want to split.
- Next, click on Destination Folder in the left pane. Here, you can choose where you want the file to go. You can also save the file to the drive you want to use.
- Next, click Split File in the left pane.
- Click the Split button once more, and then wait for the process to finish.
Now you can move the split files to the drive where you want them to go. But because the files are in.gsd format, you’ll need to join them together before you can use them. Install GSplit on the computer where you want to join the files, then follow these steps.
- Open the app and go to the tab called “Unite.”
- Click “Browse” and then choose the first part of the file.
- Next, click on Select Output and choose where you want to save the file.
- Choose Save.
- Last, click the Restore File button to put the files back together. GSplit will automatically find the rest of the files in the same folder and join them back together.
Use an alternative storage
We know that you have important information on your FAT32-formatted USB Drive, where you have saved some files. Now, if the file is too big for the destination file system and this is causing problems, you should try something else.
Don’t put the data on the FAT32 USB drive you have now. Move all of its data to the USB drive or SD card that has the NTFS file system on it. You can also do something else, like put your data in the cloud. This is also a good option to choose.
Change File System in Command Prompt
You will do it the same way as above, but at the command prompt instead of disc management.
- Press the Window and R keys together.
- Press “Enter” after typing “cmd.”
- In the Command Prompt window that comes up, type “convert [drive letter]: /fs: file system.”
- Click OK.
Reformat FAT32 to NTFS With the Built-in Windows Tool
The easiest way to fix the “file is too large for destination file system” error is to change your FAT32 drive to the NTFS file system. But this process will wipe out everything on the drive. So, make a copy before moving on to the next steps.
- Plug your USB drive into your desktop computer.
In the File Explorer, right-click on the storage drive where you want to save your files and choose Format. - Click the drop-down menu next to File System in the Format window and choose NTFS.
- Check the box next to Quick Format in the section called Format options.
- Click “Start,” and then wait for the message that it worked. Close the format window and give moving your file another try. Now you shouldn’t get a file system error when you try to move your file.
FAQ
How do I transfer files larger than 4GB to FAT32 without formatting?
Files bigger than 4GB can be moved to FAT32 for free, with or without formatting. If you want to save some very large files, you have to try to break the FAT32 file size limit. The only way to fix this is to change the file system to one that works with Windows, usually NTFS.
Is too large for the destination file system USB fix?
that has a maximum size for the files it can hold. The FAT32 max size problem, where a file is too big for the USB drive, is easy to fix. You just need to change the file system of the removable drive from FAT32 to something more modern, like exFAT or NTFS.
What does file too large for the destination file system mean?
If you get the error “File is too large for the destination file system,” you are probably trying to copy a file larger than 4GB to a partition with the FAT32 file system. FAT32 says that no file can be more than 4GB in size.
Should I format USB to NTFS or FAT32?
If you use the USB drive between two Windows computers, you can use either FAT32 or NTFS. The only difference is that only NTFS can handle files bigger than 4GB. But if you want to use the USB drive between Windows and a Mac or between Windows and a printer, FAT32 will work.