In the latest Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 27686, Microsoft has introduced an update to the FAT32 file system, increasing the maximum volume size from 32 GB to 2 TB. This update, which is currently available only to Insider Preview users, does not alter the existing 4 GB file size limit per individual file. The increased partition size for FAT32 volumes can now be achieved through command-line formatting, though it remains uncertain whether this will be integrated into the standard Windows format dialog. Previously, while Windows could read FAT32 volumes up to 2 TB, users had no native option to create such large partitions within the system.

This update primarily benefits enterprises and users dealing with high-capacity removable media that require cross-platform compatibility, such as video equipment. Despite the changes, FAT32 still lacks the advanced features of more modern file systems like NTFS, which supports larger files and offers enhanced security features. For users operating exclusively within the Windows ecosystem, NTFS remains the recommended option due to these additional capabilities.

FAT32, originally introduced with Windows 95, continues to be relevant for specific use cases, particularly with older devices and certain digital equipment that may not support newer file systems. By expanding the partition size limit, Microsoft aims to provide greater flexibility for those who need to work with larger storage volumes in environments where FAT32 is still necessary. The updated FAT32 partition limit is currently in the testing phase with the Windows 11 Insider Preview and is expected to be included in future updates for all Windows 11 users as Microsoft finalizes the feature.

Changes and Improvements

[General]

• Some features that were previously rolled out to Insiders in the Canary Channel may disappear as we flight newer 27xxx series builds. These features should begin rolling out again to Insiders over time.
• We’ve made optimizations to improve battery life for PCs running Build 27686+ in the Canary Channel. Let us know what you think and if you are not seeing the battery life on your PC you are expecting, let us know via Feedback Hub. When filing feedback in Feedback Hub on any battery life issues you experience, be sure to use the “Start recording” button to capture additional logs.

[Settings]

• In response to feedback, we have added a detach virtual hard disk (VHD/`VHDx) button to Settings making it much simpler to detach your VHD/VHDx as needed. This option is available under Settings > System > Storage > Disks & Volumes, in the properties for your VHD/VHDx.

New detach VHD button under highlighted in a red box in properties of attached VHD in Settings.

• [ADDED 8/16] We’re beginning to roll out improvements to Settings > System > Power & battery including the ability to set your Power Mode for both when your PC is plugged in when it’s on battery along with a few other UI improvements to the page.

Ability to set your Power Mode for both when your PC is plugged in when it’s on battery in Settings highlighted in red square.

• [ADDED 8/16] On PCs with HDR displays, we have added the option to allow HDR video streaming even when HDR is off under Settings > System > Display > HDR.

New option to allow HDR video streaming even when HDR is off highlighted in a red box.

[Networking]

• To help us evaluate future improvements in network performance, your device may periodically run network tests in the background to collect diagnostic data. These tests will use a small amount of data (up to 10MB/day) and will only run on Ethernet and Wi-Fi connections that are not marked as metered. This will only occur on PCs in the Canary Channel running Build 27686 and higher.

[Storage]

• When formatting disks from the command line using the format command, we’ve increased the FAT32 size limit from 32GB to 2TB.

Fixes

[Dev Drive]

• Fixed an issue where Dev Drive VHDs weren’t automatically re-mounting when the underlying volume was dismounted and brought back online.

[Lock screen]

• Did some work to help address an issue where the battery icon displayed on the lock screen might be out of sync with the actual battery level of your PC.

[Windows Security]

• Fixed an issue in the Windows Security app where if you browsed the networks under Firewall & Network protection, it showed a broken glyph (a rectangle) next to the network name rather than a network icon.

[Settings]

• Fixed an issue under Settings > System > Storage > Disks and Volumes, where there was no space between the Create and Attach VHD buttons.
• Fixed an issue where the power mode option in Settings > System > Power & Battery was showing in cases where it couldn’t be changed, leading to a blank dropdown.
• Fixed an issue where if you searched in Settings for Kiosk and clicked the result for setting up kiosk mode, it wouldn’t navigate to the correct page for doing that.

[Other]

• Fixed an issue in Registry Editor where when editing a DWORD or QWORD if you pasted in a HEX value into the text box and saved it, the value saved might not be the one you had entered (for example, pasting 0x1 would become 0x411).

Source: Notebook Check / MS Windows