What is the Difference Between NTFS and FAT?

NTFS and FAT32 are two file systems used by Windows operating systems to organize and manage data on storage devices. They have some key differences:

1. File Size and Disk Space: FAT32 cannot store individual files larger than 4 GB, while NTFS can handle larger files. NTFS also has higher disk utilization and can manage disk space more effectively.
2. Read and Write Speeds: NTFS has faster read and write speeds compared to FAT32.
3. Applications: FAT32 is suitable for smaller capacity flash memory devices (such as memory cards, USB drives, and other storage devices), while NTFS is suitable for large capacity disks.
4. Fault Tolerance: NTFS automatically repairs files/folders in case of power failures or errors, while FAT32 maintains two different copies of the FAT in case of damage.
5. Security: FAT32 only offers shared permissions, while NTFS allows you to set specific permissions to local files/folders.
6. Compression: FAT32 does not offer any compression option, while NTFS supports file compression.

In summary, NTFS is a more advanced and robust file system compared to FAT32, offering better performance, security, and file management capabilities. However, FAT32 is still used for smaller storage devices due to its simplicity and compatibility with a wider range of devices.

Comparative Table: NTFS vs FAT

Here is a table comparing the differences between NTFS and FAT file systems:

In summary, FAT is more compatible with older systems and smaller drives, while NTFS offers better performance, security, and features for newer systems and larger drives.