However, if the hard drive is 1TB or larger, the formatting will give error “The volume is too big for FAT32”. Most computer users own more than one hard drives or external drives. Though it’s recommended to format disk into NTFS, some users still want to format removable disk to FAT32 in order to transfer files from Mac. Here is a real story told by customers. If desired, you can specify reserve and quota sizes for each volume. Each volume uses only part of the overall container, so the available space is the total size of the container, minus the size of all the volumes in the container. Choose one of the following APFS formats for Mac computers using macOS 10.13 or later. APFS: Uses the APFS format.
This is due to FAT32 limitation. Files larger than 4GB can NOT be stored on a FAT32 volume. Formatting the flash drive as exFAT or NTFS will resolve this issue.
WARNING: Backup your data. Formatting will delete all the data in your device.
SOLUTION 1 - Format in exFAT
exFAT file system that allows a single file larger than 4GB to be stored on the device. This file system is also compatible with Mac.
It Is Too Large For The Volume Format Mac Disk
It Is Too Large For The Volume Format Macbeth
Windows 7 and Mac OS 10.6.6 and higher are compatible with exFAT out of the box. Older operating systems may need a patch installed for exFAT compatibility.
NOTE: exFAT file system is NOT compatible with some host devices such as TV, game systems, older operating systems, car stereos etc.
Formatting a drive in exFAT
1. Double-click on My Computer.
2. Right-click on the flash drive or memory card, then select Format.
3. In the File System list, click exFAT.
4. Click Start.
5. Click OK to start formatting.
Click Here for Instructions to format with Mac
SOLUTION 2 - Format in NTFS
WARNING:
- Formatting the device as NTFS will make it unwriteable on a Mac computer. Most Mac computers can read NTFS, but not write.
- NTFS is a journaled file system, this creates more read/write activities. Therefore, it MAY decrease life expectancy of your device.
- Once the device is formatted as NTFS, you MUST use 'Safely Remove Hardware' to remove your device.
STEP 1 - Optimize the flash drive for performance
1. Plug in the device to the PC.
2. Open The Computer Management Console
a) Windows 8
b) Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7
3. On the Left side selectDevice Manager
4.On the right side expandDisk Drives
5. Right-click on the flash drive, then select Properties.
6. Click the Policy tab.
7. Select Optimize for performance, then click OK.
STEP 2 - Format the flash drive
1. Double-click My Computer.
2. Right-click on the flash drive, then select Format.
3. In the File system list, click NTFS.
4. Click Start.
5. Click OK to start formatting.