In a significant update for Windows 11 users, Microsoft has eliminated the long-standing 32GB size limit for FAT32 partitions. This arbitrary restriction, in place for decades, has finally been lifted, allowing users to create much larger FAT32 volumes.

FAT32 Partition Limit Expanded

Previously, Windows systems enforced an arbitrary 32GB limit when creating FAT32 partitions, even though the file system itself could support much larger sizes. While it was possible to create larger FAT32 partitions using third-party tools or PowerShell commands, the default Windows formatting tools imposed this restriction.

With this update, Microsoft has removed the 32GB limit when using the format command in the command line, enabling users to create FAT32 partitions up to 2TB, according to The Verge.

This change is part of the Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27686, released for Windows Insiders in the Canary Channel. Once this update reaches the stable channel, all Windows 11 users will be able to format larger FAT32 partitions without needing to resort to third-party software or administrative PowerShell commands.

Related Article: How to Upgrade to Windows 11 on Unsupported PCs: Step-by-Step Guide

Command Line vs. GUI Formatting Tools

It's important to note that this update applies specifically to the command line format command. The graphical user interface (GUI) in Windows still enforces the 32GB limit for FAT32 partitions, meaning users who prefer the GUI for disk management will continue to encounter this limitation. However, for more advanced users comfortable with the command line, this update provides a much-needed expansion of FAT32 partition capabilities.

New Features in Windows 11 Canary Build 27686

Alongside the FAT32 update, Microsoft has also introduced the Windows Sandbox Client Preview in the latest Canary build. Bleeping Computer reports that the updated Sandbox Client includes several new features aimed at improving the user experience and expanding functionality:

• Folder Sharing: Users can now share folders with the host system at runtime, providing greater flexibility in file management within the sandbox environment.
• Command-Line Support: The Sandbox Client now includes early command-line support, with the "wsb.exe -help" command offering more information on available commands.
• Clipboard Redirection and A/V Input Control: New runtime clipboard redirection and audio/video input controls enhance the Sandbox's usability, particularly for users who need to share content between the sandbox and host systems.

Performance Improvements and Bug Fixes

In addition to these new features, Microsoft has made several optimizations to improve battery life for devices running Build 27686 and higher. A bug that caused the battery icon on the lock screen to display out-of-sync battery levels has also been fixed.

Background Network Testing for Future Enhancements

Another notable addition in this Canary build is the introduction of background network tests for devices enrolled in the Windows Insider program. These tests, which will use a small amount of data (up to 10MB/day), are designed to help Microsoft evaluate and improve network performance in future updates. The tests will only run on Ethernet and Wi-Fi connections that are not marked as metered, ensuring minimal disruption to users.

Dave Plummer, a former developer who worked with Microsoft was the one who created the format dialog box. He's also the one who chose the 32GB limit for FAT32. For many decades, it remained stagnant.

"I also had to decide how much 'cluster slack' would be too much, and that wound up constraining the format size of a FAT volume to 32GB. That limit was also an arbitrary choice that morning, and one that has stuck with us as a permanent side effect," Plummer wrote on X.

I wrote this Format dialog back on a rainy Thursday morning at Microsoft in late 1994, I think it was.

We were porting the bajillion lines of code from the Windows95 user interface over to NT, and Format was just one of those areas where WindowsNT was different enough from… pic.twitter.com/PbrhQe0n3K

— Dave W Plummer (@davepl1968) March 24, 2024

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