If you’re trying to copy a file to a USB drive and receive the error “File is too large for the destination file system” despite having enough free space, the issue is likely due to the file system format.

Why Does This Happen?

Most USB flash drives are formatted with FAT32 by default, which has a maximum file size limit of 4GB. If your file is larger than this, you will see this error even if there is sufficient storage space.

Solution: Convert or Reformat the USB Drive

To fix this issue, you need to change the file system from FAT32 to NTFS or exFAT, which support larger file sizes.

Method 1: Convert FAT32 to NTFS Without Losing Data

This method allows you to switch to NTFS without formatting:

1. 1. Press Windows + X and select Command Prompt (Admin).
   2. Type the following command and press Enter:

convert X: /fs:ntfs

1. (Replace X: with the actual drive letter of your USB stick.)
2. Wait for the process to complete, then try copying your file again.

Method 2: Format USB to NTFS or exFAT (Data Will Be Erased)

If converting doesn’t work or you prefer a fresh start, format the USB drive:

1. Back up any important data on the USB drive.
2. Open File Explorer (Windows + E).
3. Right-click on the USB drive and select Format.
4. Under File System, choose:
   • NTFS (best for Windows devices).
   • exFAT (best for compatibility with both Windows and Mac).
5. Click Start and confirm formatting.
6. Once complete, try copying the file again.

Conclusion

The error occurs due to the FAT32 file system’s 4GB size limit. Converting to NTFS or exFAT resolves the issue, allowing you to copy large files to your USB stick without problems.

For more “Windows 11” solutions, please check our Windows 11.