7 Methods: How to Format SD Card to FAT32

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Have you ever encountered problems formatting your SD card? Per you have formatted it to NTFS earlier, but are now trying to restore it to FAT32, regardless of which program you use. In this situation, the formatting process failed. Showing an error message “Can’t finish formatting.” Is there a solution to the problem of formatting SD card into FAT32? Of course!

The SD card is an external storage device that stores additional data for various devices, including Android, iOS, and Windows. SD cards may not work with some devices due to their format. Formatting SD card to FAT32 is a simple and popular method for compatibility.

We’ll now discuss 7 powerful SD card formatting to FAT32 methods with step-by-step instructions for diverse data storage.

Part 1: Understand FAT32 format

Before we dive deeper into how to format, let’s first clarify what a FAT32 format means. FAT is a symbol of the File Allocation Table, and FAT32, a disk formatting tool designed to format storage devices larger than 32GB using the FAT 1932 classification system. While some operating systems and applications require or support FAT32, specifically this format is designed primarily for Windows XP. It works best with drives with 512-bit sectors and is compatible with Windows. Various versions of Linux and Mac console games. The FAT32 format has features such as Read-only, Hidden, System, Volume, Directory and Archive.

With a comprehensive understanding of the FAT32 format, we reached our main objective—formatting SD cards to FAT32.

Part 2: How to format 32GB or less SD card as FAT32

Method 1: Formatting with Windows Disk Manager

To format a 32GB or less microSD card, the easiest solution is to use Windows Disk Management. This integration tool has an easy-to-use interface and supports NTFS, FAT,FAT32 and exFAT formats. Here are step by step instructions:

  • Enable Disk Manager by running “diskmgmt.msc” in the command bar. (CMD).
  • Find SD card. Right-click and select “Style” option.
  • Configure audio labels, file systems, and distribution unit sizes as desired in the Formatting dialog. Enable quick file and folder compression if needed.
  • Check your intentions by clicking “OK” and start formatting your microSD card to FAT32.

In a few minutes, your microSD card will be formatted to FAT32.

Method 2: Formatting with Windows Explorer

In addition to disc management, there are other ways to format a microSD card to FAT32 using Windows Explorer. Follow these steps to format it quickly:

  • Right-click on the microSD card in Windows Explorer and select the “Format” option from the GUI.
  • Select the desired file system. Size of the allocation unit and enter the volume label. Choose a quick format if available.
  • Accepted a warning message stating that formatting will delete all data on disk. Click “OK” to proceed.

These simple steps will complete the formatting process in seconds.

Method 3: Formatting with Diskpart

For rapid FAT32 microSD card formatting (32GB or less). When data seems RAW, Diskpart can help. How Diskpart helps:

  • Search for “Diskpart” or use Windows + R, then choose Diskpart and click “OK” to enable it as an administrator.
  • To display all device disks, type “Disk List”.
  • Use “select disk n” to select the SD card’s disk number. (replace “n” with disk number).
  • Create a list partition on an SD card with “List Partition”.
  • Use “select partition m” to choose a partition.
  • Start formatting with “format fs=fat32 quick”.

To format your microSD card to FAT32, follow these instructions. 

Part 3: How to format 64/128GB SD card to FAT32

Method 4: Formatting with FAT32 Formatting Tool

The powerful FAT32 Formatting Tool formats 64GB and 128GB USB devices and SD cards. A portable program makes this third-party utility easy to use on PCs and mobile devices. Format SD cards with these steps:

  • FAT32 Formatting Tool download and installation
  • Open the tool and choose the drive to format.
  • Label sounds and choose formatting easily.
  • Click “Start” to format.
  • Check the warning message to know all drive data will be destroyed.
  • Finish formatting to perform your actions. 

Method 5: Format with HP USB Disk Storage Tool

FAT32 formatting 64GB SD cards with HP’s USB disk storage formatting tool is also dependable. Formatting is excellent with this lightweight, free alternative. Follow these steps:

  • Visit the URL to get HP USB Disk Storage Format Tool.
  • Right-click HPUSBDisk.exe in Explorer to enable admin.
  • Choose your SD card from the device’s drop-down.
  • FAT32 File System
  • Click “Start” to format. 

Method 6: Formatting with PowerShell

PowerShell has a simple and integrated solution for formatting SD cards to FAT32, whether it’s a 64GB or 128GB SD card. It doesn’t require a third-party application and follow these steps:

  • Click Windows + X and select PowerShell (admin) from the Unmount menu to run Power Shell as an administrator.
  • In the PowerShell dialog, enter the command “format /FS:FAT32 X:” (replace “X” with the appropriate drive letter).
  • Press Enter to start the formatting process, which may take about an hour to complete.

Part 4: How to format SD card to FAT32 on Mac

To format an SD card to FAT32 on a Mac, you can rely on the built-in Disk Utility tool. This method works with any SD card size. Follow these steps:

  • Open Disk Utility
  • Select your SD card from the outside
  • Click on the “Delete” option.
  • Configure a name (if desired) in the name section
  • Select MS-DOS (FAT32) from the file plug-in menu
  • Click “Delete” to start the formatting process.

How to format an SD card to FAT32 using WinfrGUI

Formatting an SD card to FAT32 is an easy process using WinfrGUI. The graphical version of Microsoft’s Windows File Recovery interface eliminates the need to use complicated commands and parameters. With an easy-to-use formatting solution. Here’s a step-by-step guide to how to use WinfrGUI:

  • Connect your SD card to your computer and start WinfrGUI.
  • Select an SD card from the list of existing drives
  • Select FAT32 as the desired file system
  • Click the Format button to start the process.
  • Monitor progress through the interface
Download WinfrGUI Free

WinfrGUI Advanced Features

WinfrGUI goes beyond simple formatting and has additional features to add functionality:

  • File recovery capabilities: In addition to WinfrGUI formatting, as well as strong file recovery options, make sure file recovering is deleted or missing from your SD card.
  • WinfrGUI’s graphical interface is easy to use for beginners and experts. Its simple design avoids mistakes and simplifies formatting.
  • WinfrGUI supports several storage devices and file systems, making it a flexible tool for formatting and recovering SD cards, USB drives, and external hard drives.

With the help of WinfrGUI, SD card formatting to FAT32 was a problem-free experience.

Conclusion

Formatting an SD card to FAT32 is simple with the appropriate tools. Whether utilizing an integrated Windows device or a third-party software, SD card compatibility and storage will be smooth. Apply these strategies to your device’s storage needs and capabilities.

Formatting properly is essential for speed and compatibility. Follow these recommendations without hesitation. Use your SD card without issues!

>>Also Read: How to Recover Pics from SD Card