Formatting Drives: What File Structure Should I Use (NTFS, FAT32, exFAT)

Formatting a drive is the process of deleting all files and starting with a clean slate. There are 3 common file structures to format your drives into. We cover how to format your drive and discuss what file types are best for the 3 most common scenarios. NTFS(NT File System), FAT32(File Allocation Table 32) and exFAT(Extended File Allocation Table).

0:00 Intro
0:46 Format Utility
2:01 FAT32
2:50 NTFS
3:14 exFAT
3:43 Formatting
5:24 More Videos!

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[DJBigMac]

Thank you! Unlike the many videos trying to teach the same thing, your video was straight to the point, easy to understand and no extra BS in between. I appreciate your time!

[lelanddamon]

That was cool no babbling straight to the point, detailed definitions and very useful for someone how had no idea what different file types meant or for someone how wasn’t exactly sure 👍 TY for your time putting this info out here.

[SpiritintheSky.]

(1.1.24) Eloquently explained. I'm now much the wiser. Thank you.
PS I've subscribed and hope you'll continue making videos during 2024.

[TheSuccessfulLeader]

Excellent Job. Your delivery gave me that added connection needed for my formatting.

[sanjaykrishna]

I am having SanDisk 64gb pendrive. It was defaultly selected as exfat and it has only exfat and nfts, no fat32. I wasn't able to use exfat on tv and i changed it to NTFS and now it worked. Will this slow my pendrive or is there any other problem with NTFS

[Darignobullseye]

Thank You! Very Helpful and allows me to understand my choices on different formats.

[projecte]

Much appreciated on the precise, to the point info!

[apersonwhoknows]

What format would you suggest when creating a media windows tool to install into a laptop? Or the allocation size?

[sanjaykrishna]

Whenever I plug my usb on Android. It automatically creates file( like Android, media, podcasts etc). I think it's default thing but it's so annoying. Is there any way to remove these things or should I let it like that

[bmzaron]

Thanks a lot for the easy to understand comparison layout :)

[ARBhat]

I want to format my USB to create a recovery drive for windows 11 . Which should I use?

[jenjens]

what if i formatted my fLash drive exfat into nfts so that i can use it on my tv, can i use on phone too ?

[randyragsdale]

So Helpcloud if I want to transfer files from a Windows laptop to a Mac, I should use ExFat to format my drive. Correct?

[hawnborn]

Im trying to upload family videos and sons basketball games to the external hard drive but not sure which format is best for just uploading straight from phone to hard drive.

[reggiejones]

I bought a new LG CM4590 boom box stereo with 2 USB ports. I have spent a week trying to get the ports to recognize the flash drives. I have gone from 64gig, 32 gig and now 16 gig. The drives playin the PC and car USB ports, but not home stereo. I even took the unit to retailer and exchanged it, same issue. I need those ports to work. Can you enlighten? I have tried all 3 formats, Fat32, exFat and the other one, can’t remember name. I am pulling out my hair! Thanks

[SultriAccess]

How do i format it for my andriod? Its a NTFS .Apparently it doesn't work.

[BennyTravelTV]

What is the best format for external hard drive. For android tv?

[nikkojaycalixtro]

The default file format of my flashdrive is fat32, the speed is 100mbps.

If I will formatted it in NTFS? Would it change the transfer speed?

[ericlloyd]

no help, i even let it format for over 24 hours and nothing, my only options were NTFS or default exFAT no FAT32 option, the few files i loaded onto it for testing are stuck on it wont delete and wont accept any more files either, wont accept name change to anything, its been 3 days fighting with this brand new Lexar (S45) 64g jump drive, and im sure someone out there can only reccommend i download some super hero program. No viruses as the files were from a daily used identical model usb I transfered to if for the test.

[cooperread]

Thank you for the info. Do you know if exfat is compatible at movie theaters? Almost every theater uses Microsoft to run their films.