When we buy or are given a USB drive, we usually start using it straight away. Even the word formatting sounds strange to us, or like something you only do when the USB isn’t working properly. However, if we ask anyone without technological knowledge what FAT, FAT32 or NTFS formats are, they won’t know what to tell us. This post will explain how to better understand your USB drives.
At the end of the day, USB drives are gadgets we use very frequently. So it’s worth taking a step further in understanding them. Moreover, it’s important to know how to distinguish between these formats (exFAT, FAT32 and NTFS), since they allow better performance if we work with different devices, operating systems (Windows, Mac, Linux…), software platforms…
Let’s get into it. We use USB drives to handle files, as an extension of the hard drive or storage system. Each operating system can work with one or more systems to organise files in their different formats. For example, Windows devices usually use NTFS (New Technology File System), but they can also use FAT.
NTFS is the traditional system used by Microsoft since Windows NT 3.1. It is characterised by relatively good security, good performance, and the ability to assign various encryption functions. It also has good compatibility with other devices, for example, if we want to connect it to a video game console or a smart TV. Although it’s always worth checking the technical specifications to make sure it works properly.
However, with NTFS you may run into problems if you use computers with operating systems other than Windows. For example, if you work on a computer with Microsoft’s system and then switch—or need to switch—to one running Mac. You may be able to read the files, but you won’t be able to modify them or save new ones.
To avoid these issues, the best way to ensure compatibility is for your USB drive to use the exFAT (Extended File Allocation Table) format.
This way, you’ll be able to move between a device with iOS, another with Android, another with Windows… exFAT is also useful for working with large files (over 4GB, for example). This system removes the limitations that FAT32 once had, but remember that it won’t be available on older devices.
Keep in mind that if you have a USB drive formatted as FAT32, you won’t be able to store files larger than 4GB. Even if the device has more capacity, this limitation applies to each individual file. This is a significant drawback if you work with content such as videos in their various digital formats. Even so, it has good compatibility across different operating systems.
When should you use exFAT, FAT32 or NTFS?
We may have overwhelmed you a bit with so much technical jargon. Let’s explain when it’s best to use each format to optimise your USB drive’s performance.
The first option is to use FAT32, especially when talking about more basic USB drives—those with a capacity of up to 16GB. Particularly if you’re going to use it to store text files, music or photos. Many drives already come configured this way from the factory, so you won’t need to do anything, especially if you’re not used to setting up these gadgets.
As we’ve told you, the advantage of having a USB drive in FAT32 format is that it ensures compatibility with most devices currently on the market.
However, if your profession requires you to work with USB drives or external storage devices larger than 16GB, it’s better to opt for the exFAT format. It offers greater advantages when working with larger photographs or video files (for professionals who need to handle these formats), among others.
And what about the NTFS format? You should choose it if you’re going to work with storage devices larger than 128GB, especially if they are more advanced devices such as USB 3.2.
These considerations should be taken into account when choosing the USB drive or external storage device you plan to give away in your advertising campaign. Remember that, by default, these gadgets usually come configured in FAT32 and exFAT formats. Formatting them can be somewhat complicated for people without advanced technical knowledge.
If your audience might need help configuring their USB drive or external storage device, they will appreciate some guidance, so you can include a small manual with the gift explaining how to format these gadgets.
We hope we’ve helped you better understand USB drives. Choosing the right format can be very helpful when working with these devices. Now it’s your turn—we’d like to hear about your experiences with these gadgets and which format you prefer to work with. Of course, we’re also available to help with any questions that may have come up.