Microsoft brings back FAT32 format and updates Windows Sandbox Client
The current preview version of Windows 11 breathes new life into the FAT32 file system. It also updates the Windows Sandbox Client.
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Microsoft is reversing a restriction that was incomprehensible to many users and is once again supporting the FAT32 file system with data carriers that hold more than 32 GB of data. Previously, third-party tools were regularly required for this. The Windows Insider Preview also includes an updated preview of the Windows Sandbox Client.
FAT32 is an old file system and has some restrictions: Files may not be larger than 4 GByte, and the partition size is limited to 8 TByte. However, it is widely supported by older hardware and operating systems other than Windows. Many devices are therefore compatible with it.
Limited compatibility
With the introduction of exFAT, Microsoft wanted to circumvent the now relevant restrictions - the file system has no significant limitations in terms of file and partition size in the foreseeable future. It is also now officially supported by Linux and macOS. Nevertheless, many IoT or hardware devices cannot do anything with the file system.
Microsoft released a new Windows 11 Canary build on Thursday this week, which now raises the limit for FAT32 file systems to 2 TByte. The command line command format can format such partitions with FAT32 in the preview version. This eliminates the need to use third-party tools.
Microsoft is also updating the Windows Sandbox Client. In the future, this will be updated via the Microsoft Store.
(Image: Microsoft)
The developers explain that the new version allows the clipboard to be redirected at runtime, enables audio and video input control and allows directories to be shared with the host system. These options can be accessed via the new "..." icon in the top-right corner of the app. The preview also comes with very early command line support. The possible parameters and details are returned by calling wsb.exe -help.
The preview version raises Windows 11 to build number 27686. As of this build, the developers are also asking for feedback on battery life - they have added some optimizations that are not specified in detail.
(dmk)