Fix: The file is too large for the destination file system

Trying to copy a file to a USB flash drive but get the following error message: 'The file is too large for the destination file system'? Here's a solution.

WARNING! Before you begin, make sure to back up all the files on the USB flash drive. The solution below will delete all files from the USB drive.

How to fix: The file is too large for the destination file system

  1. Connect the USB flash drive to your computer.
  2. Open File Explorer.
    Windows File Explorer
  3. Go to This PC.
    This PC in Windows File Explorer
  4. Right-click on the USB drive.
  5. Click on Format.
    Format USB drive
  6. Select NTFS or exFAT at File system.
    Select a file system
  7. Click on Start.
    Format Start button
  8. A warning message will appear, warning you that this process will erase all data on the USB drive. Click on OK to continue.
    Format warning message
  9. File Explorer will now format the USB flash drive. When the 'format complete' message appears, you click on OK.
    Format complete message
  10. Click on Close.
    Format Close button

You can now copy the file to the USB flash drive.

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