FAT32 vs NTFS vs exFAT

Now a days computers have become essential  part of our life. We store our work and many other files on it. But have you ever think that how operating system (Windows or Linux etc.) stores these files inside your hard disk. Well if you don’t, in this article I will tell you how.

File System

In real life, when you want to store some files you think of a place where you can find them easily and place them there. Similarly, operating systems have FILE SYSTEM to store your files on hard disk where it can easily find these files when user wants them. 

In modern operating systems, FAT32, NTFS and exFAT are used. Now let have a look on the differences between these file systems.

FAT32 File System

File Allocation Table or simply FAT is the oldest file system, introduced in 1977. FAT32 latest variant of this file system. It has 32-bit file allocation table. In past few decades, FAT32 was the best file system because it can store information of files up to 4GB. But with advancement of technology this advantage became limitation of FAT32. But still FAT32 is used in gaming consoles, USB ports where individual file does not exceed 4GB. Due to its limitations, computer scientists developed a new and better file system called NTFS.

NTFS File System

NT file system was firstly introduced by Microsoft in Windows NT in 1993. NTFS can support up to file size of 16EB. Which is HUGEE. Surely now you were thinking that your files are not much bigger. But NTFS was developed with idea that it will serves new generation computers. Now a days, many operating systems by default format partition with NTFS format. 

exFAT File System

Extended FAT or simply exFAT is a property of Microsoft. Microsoft developed this file-system for removable storage devices. Like NTFS, it can offer up to 16EB file size. Also it is lighter than NTFS. Since, Microsoft doesn’t make exFAT open source so vendors have to get license to format their devices to exFAT. This file system is used where NTFS is not feasible to use like high capacity memory cards.

This was an overview of popular file systems used these days. Hope so you find this article informative. If it is then please share and subscribe my blog. Thanks!