CONVERT: Converts FAT volumes to NTFS. You cannot convert the current drive.

Microsoft Windows [Version 10.0.19045.3693]
(c) Copyright 1985-2023 Microsoft Corp.

C:\\WINDOWS>

Converts FAT volumes to NTFS.

CONVERT volume /FS:NTFS [/V] [/CvtArea:filename] [/NoSecurity] [/X]

  volume      Specifies the drive letter (followed by a colon),
              mount point, or volume name.
  /FS:NTFS    Specifies that the volume is to be converted to NTFS.
  /V          Specifies that Convert should be run in verbose mode.
  /CvtArea:filename
              Specifies a contiguous file in the root directory to be
              the place holder for NTFS system files.
  /NoSecurity Specifies the converted files and directories security
              settings to be accessible by everyone.
  /X          Forces the volume to dismount first if necessary.
              All opened handles to the volume would then be invalid.

The `CONVERT` command in Windows Command Prompt is used to convert a FAT32 file system to an NTFS file system. Here are some examples with comments: Example 1: Convert drive C: from FAT32 to NTFS:

CONVERT C: /FS:NTFS

Description: This command converts the C: drive file system from FAT32 to NTFS. Example 2: Conversion with setting the file allocation unit (cluster size):

CONVERT D: /FS:NTFS /V /C

Description: Here the file system of the D: drive is converted from FAT32 to NTFS with the cluster size fixed. `/V` outputs detailed progress information, and `/C` is used to set a file allocation unit (cluster size). Example 3: Query before conversion:

CONVERT E: /FS:NTFS /NOSECURITY

Description: This command converts the E: drive file system from FAT32 to NTFS without asking for confirmation. `/NOSECURITY` means the conversion is performed without security permissions. Example 4: Conversion with Chkdsk before conversion:

CONVERT F: /FS:NTFS /X /NOSECURITY

Description: Here the file system of drive F: is converted from FAT32 to NTFS. `/X` performs a chkdsk check before conversion, and `/NOSECURITY` means the conversion is performed without security permissions. Example 5: Conversion using drive labels with spaces:

CONVERT "G:drive" /FS:NTFS

Description: This example converts the file system of the drive "G: drive" from FAT32 to NTFS. Note the use of quotation marks for drive labels with spaces. Example 6: Enable conversion with compression:

CONVERT H: /FS:NTFS /COMPRESS

Description: Here the file system of the H: drive is converted from FAT32 to NTFS and compression is enabled. Example 7: Undoing NTFS conversion:

CONVERT I: /FS:FAT32

Description: This command converts the file system of drive I: from NTFS back to FAT32. Example 8: Show help:

CONVERT /?

Description: This command displays help and information about the available options for the `CONVERT` command. It is important to note that converting the file system from FAT32 to NTFS makes irreversible changes to the file system. Make sure important data is backed up before using the `CONVERT` command. Also note that the `CONVERT` command cannot be used on system partitions while Windows is running. In such cases, it is recommended to perform the conversion from a bootable environment.

There are a few important aspects to note when using the `CONVERT` command in the Windows Command Prompt: 1. Irreversible Changes: Conversion from FAT32 to NTFS is an irreversible change. You cannot simply revert back to the previous file system after the conversion is complete. Make sure you have backed up all important data before using the `CONVERT` command. 2. System Partitions: The `CONVERT` command cannot be used on the system partition while Windows is running. If you want to convert the operating system drive, plan the conversion to be performed from a bootable environment. This could be a Windows installation CD or other bootable media. 3. Data Security: Conversion from FAT32 to NTFS generally should not cause any data loss. However, it is always advisable to back up important data before making any changes to the file system. Unforeseen problems can arise and backing up your data ensures that important files are protected. 4. Confirmation: By default, the `CONVERT` command asks for confirmation before conversion. You can prevent this by using the `/NOSECURITY` option, but be careful to avoid unintentional conversions. 5. Chkdsk before conversion: It is recommended to perform a file system check with Chkdsk before conversion. This can ensure that the file system is healthy before the conversion begins. You can use the `/X` option to have this done automatically before conversion. 6. Cluster Size: The `/C` option allows you to set the cluster size (file allocation unit). This may affect performance in certain scenarios, but in most cases it is best to use the default settings. 7. Compression: If you use the `/COMPRESS` option, compression will be enabled on the converted NTFS file system. This can save storage space, but be aware that compressed files require more processing power to read and write. 8. Drive label quotation marks with spaces: If the drive letter or drive label contains spaces, use quotation marks to ensure that the input is interpreted correctly. 9. Available Space: Make sure there is enough free space on the drive to perform the conversion. The conversion cannot be performed if there is not enough disk space. So use the `CONVERT` command carefully and follow these guidelines to ensure a smooth conversion and protect your data.