The storage system on your computer can support different file sizes. In this way, it can easily transfer files between internal and external drives. But every now and then, when transferring some files, you’ll get an error saying the file is too large to be copied. If you’re encountering the ‘File is too large for target file system’ error, try these fixes.
The occurrence of this error does not mean that the target storage has limited space. This means that the file system cannot support individual transfers of certain file sizes.
If you transfer a file larger than 4GB and your USB drive uses the FAT32 file system, the error will most likely pop up. Also, transferring a file larger than 2 GB over the FAT16 file system may cause errors. This happens because FAT32 and FAT16 can handle a maximum of 4GB and 2GB respectively on any individual file size.
Fortunately, converting your file system from FAT32/16 to NTFS will fix the problem. In addition, compressing and splitting files into smaller sizes will facilitate the transfer process.
Here are the workable solutions you should try to resolve the ‘file is too large for target file system’ error in Windows 10.
Note: Most of these fixes will delete data from your storage. That’s why we recommend making a backup of your data first.
1. Format Storage to NTFS Using Disk Management
Most Windows systems use NTFS storage. But when transferring files to a USB device with FAT32 or FAT16 file system. To solve this problem, you can format the alternative storage to support large files. Here’s how you can use disk management to change the file system.
Stage 1: Press Windows + R keys to open the Run dialog.
Step 2: Medicine diskmgmt.msc To access the disk management window
Stage 3: Right-click the drive that needs changes and press Format.
Step 4: Select NTFS in the file system. Scroll down and check Perform quick format, then hit OK to complete the process.
2. Convert FAT32 File System to NTFS Using File Explorer
Windows’ built-in system allows you to convert files to NTFS or exFAT. These file systems support larger files and are therefore ideal for transferring single files exceeding 2GB or 4GB.
Stage 1: Press Windows key + E to open File Explorer and select This PC and locate the file you want to convert.
Step 2: Right click on it and choose Format.
Stage 3: Expand the file system option and select NTFS. Check the quick format option and click Start.
Step 4: Wait for the process to complete and then transfer your files.
3. Compress and Split Large Files
Compressing or splitting large files will enable you to transfer files. Follow the steps below to minimize large files.
Stage 1: Press Windows key + E to open File Explorer, select This PC to find the file you want to replace and select Add to archives.
Step 2: Find the divide by units, bytes option and enter the maximum file size you want to use.
Stage 3: Press OK and the compression process will start.
4. Use Command Prompts to Convert FAT32 Files
Using command prompts allows you to convert files without formatting your drives. Here’s how you can do that.
Stage 1: Medicine command prompt In the windows search bar and choose to run as administrator.
Step 2: Medicine Convert D: /FS:ntfs with D is the name of the drive you want to convert. Press enter to start the scan.
Confirm that the file system is now reading NTFS after the process is complete. Then, if the files have been converted, transfer the files to the target drive.
5. Use Alternative Storage
If all else fails, consider replacing your storage. For example, if the current USB drive has a FAT32 file system, converting it to NTFS storage may fix the problem. Again, it depends on the file size.
Alternatively, consider other online storage options such as the Cloud. The cloud is an excellent storage platform that supports all kinds of files. It is also accessible on various operating systems and devices.
Transferring Large Files
It is possible to transfer large files even when working on FAT32 or FAT16 file system. Simple formatting or splitting of files will ensure they are compatible with the Windows 10 transfer system. It also resolves the ‘file too large for target file system’ error.
