It is often observed that when you transfer files with lots of data and information to the USB drive or Hard disk you often encounter an error message. Moreover, to be more precise error message like “The file is too large for the destination file system” occurs when a user tries to transfer files whose size is more than 4GB.
Therefore, when you encounter such an error your hard disk or USB drive is formatted using FAT32.
Remember that this is not a Windows error. It is the disadvantage of the FAT32 file system. As the files beyond the size of 4 GB is out of reach for FAT32. Hence in order to solve this error, we provide you with some instructions in this guide. Follow this guide properly to get rid of this issue.
What is a FAT32 File System?
FAT stands for File Allocation Table. FAT32 is an extension or updated version of FAT. In FAT32 data is stored in the parts of 32 bits. As a storage space, it provides 4KB of default cluster size and has supports for EIDE hard disks of sizes larger than 2 gigabytes.
Moreover, FAT32 was used in older versions of Windows which are Windows 95, Windows 98, and Windows Me. But this traditional method of storage is not compatible with the larger data so, it led to the introduction of a new file system known as the New Technology File System (NTFS).
The File is Too Large for the Destination File System [SOLVED]
You can check the following solutions. They are more reliable and surely give them a try.
Method 1: Converting FAT32 File System to NTFS Without Data
Step 1: Commence with opening Command Prompt (Admin). You can open this by right-clicking on the windows icon which is present at the left-hand side corner of your screen. Or by pressing Windows + X simultaneously.
Step 2: After that, your next job is to check the letter which is allocated to a USB flash drive or to the External hard drive.
Step 3: Now, you need to type the following command inside the command prompt but remember to change the driver letter to your own Device driver letter.
Convert G: /fs:ntfs /nosecurity
Step 4: Then, you need to wait for some time for the conversion process. As it takes some time to complete the process depending upon the size of your disk. Further, there is a need to run the Check Disk (Chkdsk) command if there is a glitch in the above command. This will fix the drive.
Step 5: Now, you need to type the other command inside the command prompt window. But make sure to change the driver letter from g: to your own USB flash drive name.
chkdsk g:/f
Step 6: After the above step, again run Convert G: /fs:ntfs /nosecurity command. This time the command will run without any error.
Step 7: Then, try to copy large files to the hard drive or USB drive which was problematic before.
Step 8: It is observed that in the majority of cases this would solve the error “The File is Too Large for the Destination File System”. And remember that this action will not lose any existing data in the disk.
Check whether your problem is solved or not by following this method if not move to the next method to get rid of this flaw.
Method 2: Format your Device using NTFS File System
For formatting, your device using the NTFS file system follow the given steps below.
Step 1: Begin with right-clicking on the USB drive. After that, you need to choose the Format option from the list.
Step 2: Then, click on the File system drop-down and change it to NTFS.
Step 3: After that, you need to change the Allocation unit size to Default allocation size.
Step 4: Then, press start. After that, if the system prompts for confirmation press OK.
Step 5: This process may take few moments. So, wait for some time and again try to copy all the files which you have tried earlier.
Verify if this method was successful for you or not. If not then move to the next method to solve this error.
Method 3: Split Large Files
Splitting up the large files is one of the least preferred options. As it uses the traditional FAT32 file system to store large files. Hence, this is not an efficient option. But, any of the above methods did not work for you then you can choose this option of splitting the large files into smaller chunks.
In order to split the files, you need to download WinRAR if you do not have that application. After that, you can use this software to split the files. By following this method you can store large files on a USB flash drive and can transfer them to a different computer. These chunks of files cannot be joined in a USB drive but they can be joined in a different PC without any issue.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, the main cause behind this “The File is Too Large for the Destination File System” is FAT32. As it is unable to store files that exceed 4 GB. Therefore, in this guide, we have provided some of the methods. These methods can help you get rid of this error.
It is suggested to follow these instructions carefully. Do tell us which method worked for you in the comment section below. Thank you for reading.