4 Methods to Fix File Is Too Large for the Destination File System Error

Theo Lucia

Dec 16, 2024 • Filed to: Windows Computer Solutions • Proven solutions

If the hard drive on your Windows operating system is formatted with a FAT32 partition, then be ready to face trouble. The "file is too large for the destination file system" is a complicated issue that Windows users have to deal with. The solutions are plenty but implementing them in the right way is also essential. This issue occurs when you will try to move or copy the files larger than 4 GB. To address this problem and give you the solutions, we made the content that can provide significant relief to you. We will let you know about the issue in detail.

What is the 'file is too large for the destination file system' error, and why does it happen?

The "file is too large for the destination file system" error is caused due to the FAT32 limitations. If you are well aware of various file systems, then you must have a little idea of their limitations. A file system is a method or structure used by operating systems for identifying and organizing files on the disk. Windows uses the exFAT, FAT32, FAT, and NTFS file system.

All these file systems come with certain limitations. When you format a hard drive with FAT32, it will not let you add an individual file of more than 4 GB. To fix the errors and transfer files successfully, the only solution is to replace the file system of your hard drive from FAT32 to NTFS. The maximum file size supported by FAT32 is 4 GB, but NTFS can support up to 16 TB. This difference in their limitations results in the "file is too large for the destination file system."

It can be fixed easily by applying various solutions. It was vital for you to know the reason so that the solutions can be implemented properly. And remember that in any circumstance, this error will not allow you to save files higher than 4GB.

How to fix the file is too large for the destination file system

You can fix the file is too large for the destination file system with the help of these solutions:

Method 1: Compressor Split the big files

When the file size is too large then compress or split it to save it on your USB. This will help in saving it to your USB drive quickly even when it is FAT32 formatted.

• Start by right-clicking on a folder of file that you wish to split and compress.
• After that, choose the option "add to archive" from the options shown. Any large file can be split into a smaller one, including movies, videos, documents, etc. This way, users can share the video over the internet effortlessly.
• The option that allows you to split a file or folder is "Split to volumes, bytes." Under these options, you can select the profiles that exist there or type the maximum size of the output file.

• If you don't know then let us tell you that you can select from the preset profiles too and them instantly.
• The default values accepted here are numbers like 1029384 kb etc. Some of you know this, right? How to convert kb into MB or GB?
• Click on "Ok" now because WinRAR will start compressing the source file and it will split it into small compressed files containing preset file sizes.

Method 2: Converting FAT32 file system to NTFS without data loss

The FAT32 file system is not suitable when you are working with large files. When the file is too large for the destination file system error, convert FAT32 to NTFS file system. For this, there is no need for formatting if you are using the AOMEI Partition Assistant Standard tool. This will convert the file system on your hard drive from one to another. Moreover, it contains a graphical and intuitive interface that will permit you to turn a storage device file system from FAT32 to NTFS quickly. Besides, it is compatible with Windows 10, 8, and other versions. Let us find out what can be done for you.

Step 1: Download and install the tool

Download and install the AOMEI Partition Assistant tool on your PC and right-click on the "FAT32" partition where you want to copy large files. Go to "Advanced" > "Convert to NTFS".

Step 2: Check and select Ok

Click on "Ok" to continue further as shown in the below picture.

Step 3: Convert

Now, just click on "Apply" and "Proceed" to initiate the conversion operation and wait for a few minutes to finish.

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Method 3: Format your storage to NTFS file system

Another possible option for fixing the "file is too large for the destination file system", is by formatting your storage to NTFS file system:

1) Format USB drive to NTFS using Windows File Explorer

• Run "File Explorer" in Windows 10 or press and hold the Win key and E key together.
• Find the USB drive and right-click on it. Select "Format."
• Choose the NTFS as the targeted file system and check the "Quick Format" option
• Click on "Start" to begin the format.
• After the process ends, click on "Ok" for confirmation which will change your USB to NTFS.

2) Format USB drive to NTFS using Disk Management

• Right-click on "This PC" >" Manage" and choose "Disk Management."
• Right-click on the USB flash drive or the hard drive and choose "Format."
• Change the USB file system to NTFS and make sure that the "Quick Format" is ticked
• At last, click on "Ok" for confirmation.

Here is one thing: formatting USB drive to NTFS can lead to data loss. Good news is that you can retrieve data from your partitions with high sucess rate just by a few clicks.

Method 4: Use an alternative storage

We understand that you have stored some crucial information on your USB Drive, which is formatted with the FAT32 file system. Now, if the file is too large for the destination file system issue is interrupting, then use an alternative. Don't store the data on the current FAT32 formatted USB drive. Move all the data from it to the USB drive or SD card containing the NTFS file system. Also, you can use another alternative, like putting your data on the cloud. This is also an excellent option to go for.

The Bottom Line

We have given you a broad idea on the file is too large for the destination file system along with the solutions. Going through them must have supplied you with all the knowledge needed to solve the error on your own. For more help and guide, stay in touch with us, and don't forget that the AOMEI Partition Assistant is there for you. This is the best tool that you need for fixing the file is too large for the destination file system. We love this tool a lot as it does not result in any loss of data.