What is the maximum file size allowed in FAT32?

In the FAT32 file system, the maximum file size that can be supported is 4 gigabytes minus 1 byte. This limit is due to the way the file system organizes and addresses files. FAT32 uses 32 bits for storing file size information, which restricts the maximum single file size to this limit. Consequently, if you have a file that exceeds this size, it will not be possible to store it on a FAT32-formatted drive. This characteristic is an important consideration when using FAT32, especially for storing large files such as videos or databases.

Understanding this limitation is crucial for anyone working with different file systems, as other systems like NTFS allow for much larger file sizes, which can accommodate modern data storage needs.