NTFS vs. FAT32: Which is better?

Operating systems restrict which file systems they can use, and in the case of Windows, the debate usually centers on File Allocation Table (FAT) vs. New Technology File System (NTFS). It is also worth mentioning that Microsoft introduced Resilient File System (ReFS) as a next-generation format for server environments, starting with Windows Server 2012, and co-developed the High Performance File System (HPFS) with IBM, which can only be found on very old machines running Windows NT up to version 3.5.

While both FAT and NTFS were created by Microsoft, each has different benefits and disadvantages related to compatibility, security and flexibility. In this article, we’ll break down what a FAT file system is, what an NTFS file system is and what the pros and cons are for each system.

What is FAT?

Microsoft created the File Allocation Table file system in 1977. It is the simplest file system supported by Windows NT. It is the older of the two file systems and, therefore, isn’t as efficient or advanced. However, it does offer more compatibility with other operating systems and removable storage devices.

Over the years, Microsoft introduced different versions of FAT to address evolving storage needs. FAT32, the most widely used version, supports larger disk sizes than its predecessors but still has file size limitations. exFAT was later designed to handle larger files and volumes, making it ideal for flash drives, SD cards and other external storage devices where FAT32’s 4GB limit would be restrictive.

FAT describes the allocation status of the clusters — the basic units of logical storage on a hard drive — in a file system and the link relationship between each. It acts as a “table of contents” for the operating system, indicating where directories and files are stored on the disk. The file allocation table is a critical part of the FAT file system. If it is corrupted or lost, the data on the hard disk becomes unreadable. A FAT is often most used in removable storage devices, such as digital cameras, Smart TVs and other portable devices.

However, there are several limitations to using a FAT32 file system:

• FAT32 only supports files of up to 4GB in size and volumes of up to 2TB in size.
• FAT32 isn’t a journaling file system, which means corruption can happen more easily.
• FAT32 doesn’t support file permissions.

What is NTFS?

Microsoft created the New Technology File System in 1993, and it is now the most widely used file system in Windows. It was introduced as a replacement for the FAT file system and has significantly improved performance, reliability and disk space compared to FAT.

One interesting detail about NTFS is that it was originally developed alongside Windows NT to meet the demands of enterprise-grade computing. Unlike FAT, which was designed for simplicity and broad compatibility, NTFS was built with scalability in mind. Its support for features like journaling, security permissions and advanced metadata handling makes it especially suited for modern hard drives, solid state drives (SSDs) and business environments where data integrity and access control are critical.

NTFS supports:

• Very large files
• Different file permissions and encryption
• File compression when running out of disk space
• Establishing disk quotas, limiting the space users can use

It also automatically restores consistency by using the log file and checkpoint information.

FAT vs. NTFS

As we discussed, FAT is the simpler file system of the two, but NTFS offers different enhancements and increased security. Choosing the right file system between these two depends on your needs.

Let’s compare how FAT and NTFS perform across certain features:

• Fault tolerance: NTFS automatically repairs files/folders in the case of power failures or errors. FAT32 maintains two different copies of the FAT in case of damage.
• Security: FAT32 only offers shared permissions, while NTFS allows you to set specific permissions to local files/folders.
• Compression: FAT32 does not offer any compression option. NTFS does allow for individual compression of files and folders, so you don’t slow down the system.
• Compatibility: NTFS is compatible with operating systems back to Windows XP. For Mac OS users, however, NTFS systems can only be read by Mac OS, while FAT32 drives can be both read and written to by Mac OS.

The biggest disadvantage of using the NTFS file system is compatibility:

• Many removable devices, such as Android smartphones, don’t support NTFS.
• While Mac OS X can read support for NTFS drives, it can’t write to NTFS drives without third-party software.
• Some media devices, including Smart TVs, media players and printers, don’t support NTFS.
• NTFS file systems are only compatible with Windows 2000 and later versions of Windows.

When it comes to removable devices, it’s safer to use FAT32, which be used with almost any device.

Final thoughts

There is no clear winner when it comes to FAT vs. NTFS. Choosing the right file system depends on your individual needs and how you plan to use your devices. FAT32 may be the better option for removable drives and cross-platform compatibility. At the same time, NTFS is often preferred for modern Windows systems that require advanced features like permissions, compression and fault tolerance. Understanding the strengths and limitations of each will help you make the right choice for your specific environment.

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