Solving USB Drive Issues When File System is Not NTFS

Windows can read FAT32 and ExFAT file systems, which are common out of the box on most USB drives, depending on their capacity. However, if the drive has been used on other operating systems like Linux or macOS, it might have an EXT4 or APFS file system. Despite these challenges, there are several solutions to read and write files on drives with formats other than NTFS.

Identifying the File System on Your USB Drive

Checking the properties of your USB drive is the first step in determining its file system. Most modern operating systems, including Windows, can read and edit ExFAT and FAT32 file systems. If your drive is in one of these formats, you should have no trouble accessing it. Here's how to check:

Insert the USB drive into your computer. Right-click on the drive and select Properties. Go to the General tab to see the file system type.

Options for Reading and Writing to Non-NTFS Drives

If the file system is not NTFS, you have several options for reading and writing to the drive:

1. Using WSL (Windows Subsystem for Linux)

WSL, an optional but free add-on for Windows, can read EXT4 file systems. Here's how to install it:

Open the Command Prompt as an administrator. Run the command wsl.exe --install.

It's worth noting that WSL can only read EXT4 file systems and not write to them.

2. Using Commercial Software for APFS

For drives with APFS file systems, there are commercial products available for Windows that can read and write to them. Some popular options include:

EASEUS Todo Backup Macrium Reflect Free R-Drive Image

These applications often come with a free trial, allowing you to evaluate their functionality before making a purchase.

3. Windows Built-in Foreign File System Reader

For a free, limited solution, you can use a tool called Linux Reader. This application can read but not write to foreign file systems. To use it:

Download and install Linux Reader from its official website. Insert the USB drive. Use the application to browse and access files on the drive.

Conclusion

While NTFS is a widely used file system, many USB drives come with FAT32 or ExFAT, which are easily readable by most modern operating systems. If your drive uses another file system, such as EXT4 or APFS, there are several solutions available. Whether you choose to use WSL, commercial software, or a limited reader application, you can ensure your USB drive is accessible and usable across different systems.