Troubleshooting guide
How to fix the problem
FAT32 cannot store a single file of 4 GiB or more, even if the drive has plenty of free space. Use a suitable file system or split the file into smaller parts. A larger USB drive formatted as FAT32 will have the same single-file limit.
Possible solutions
Choose the method that matches your situation. Start with the simplest suitable option and check the result. If the problem is fixed, you do not need to continue with the other methods.
Replacing the file system with a copy
Suitable if all devices used support the new format.
Steps to follow
- In File Explorer, right-click Media > Properties and verify that FAT32 is listed.
- Check the size in the Properties of the file you need and compare it to a limit of around 4 GiB.
- Copy all media files elsewhere. Formatting will remove them, so check the copy.
- Select exFAT or NTFS according to device support, format only the correct media and return the files.
Splitting a file without changing the format
Good for transfer, but not for all devices to use the file directly.
Steps to follow
- If the format is to remain FAT32, use a reliable archiver from an official source on your computer.
- When creating an archive, choose chunks smaller than 4 GiB, for example 2000 MB.
- Copy all parts to media and extract on the destination computer starting from the first part.
- If the file is to be opened directly by a TV or player, parts of the archive will not work; it needs a supported format or other transfer method.
If the problem persists
If the media is used in a TV, car or other device, check its support before changing the format. If the file is smaller than the limit, check free space, quotas, and media health.
Request a repair