Why Can't I Transfer Files Bigger Than 4GB to USB Drive?

You'd like to transfer a file, a 5.46GB HD movies, from computer to your USB drive. Everything is prepared, but when you start copying, you get a warning window File Too Large and you have to cancel your operation, and it also means you fail to copy the file.

You must be confused about the warning because your USB drive gets enough memory space to receive the movie. Is that my USB drive corrupted? Of course not! But why can't transfer files bigger than 4GB to USB drive ?

Here comes the answer.

1 : Why is forbidden to transfer files bigger than 4GB?

This error is caused by the file system on the drive. Generally, there are 3 common USB file systems, and usually the default file system of USB drive is FAT32.  4GB is the maximum size(limit size) of FAT32 file system, so once our file is larger than 4GB, you will get a window prevent you transferring the oversize file.
Now, let's focus on how to transfer files bigger than 4GB.

NOTICE: If you'd like to learn more about the USB file system, the article might help you: File System:NTFS vs FAT32 vs exFAT

2 : The method to solve the problem

Method 1: Reformat FAT32 in Windows File Explorer

Using disk format to change file system is allowed on a device. It is NTFS file system that enable you to transfer files which is larger than 4GB. But you should back up your data firstly before you change file system.

Step 1. Double-click on the icon This PC or press win + E keys to open the Windows Explorer.

Step 2. Right-click on the connected USB drive and choose Format.

Step 3. From the File system drop-down list, choose NTFS, and click Start.

 

Method 2: Change FAT32 to NTFS in Windows Command Prompt

Step 1. Press Windows + R keys to bring up the window, type cmd and then hit Enter.

Step 2. On the Windows Command Prompt window, type the command convert [drive letter]: /fs: ntfs and hit Enter.
For example: convert G: /fs: ntfs.

If Conversion complete shows in the end of Command Prompt, you change the file system successfully and you can exit the command prompt.

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