ISO file size discussion

Anonymous
2022-03-19T19:40:07+00:00

Split from this thread.

@Sibro,

The install.wim in the MS ISO is too big to fit on a FAT32, so I will have to convert it to install.esd. ��‍♂️

Above the FAT32 limit of 4,294,967,296

Windows Insider program | Windows Insider preview | Install, activate, and Windows update

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments

66 answers

Sort by: Oldest
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2022-03-19T18:07:32+00:00

    I format a 64 GB flash drive to NTFS so I don't have to worry about the FAT32's limit of 4 GB file size. I've done it several times, it's easy to do, and it works just fine.. Of course there's also the possibility of using an external hard drive.

    Was this answer helpful?

    1 person found this answer helpful.
    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2022-03-19T18:09:17+00:00

    Size of install.wim and included content seem to depend on language version.

    For test I download build 22579 fi-fi ISO and it has install.win with 10 different Win 11 editions.

    Compared for your screenshot fi-fi package didn't have Home SL was missing on f-fi package.

    Image

    Hi Pauli,

    Thanks, clearly the ISOs are different in different areas. One less edition seems to be enough to get the install.wim below the 4GiB limit.

    The one I got with 11 editions was too big for FAT32 and had to convert to .esd just for the Pro that I need.

    Another extra pain in the neck for the user.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2022-03-19T18:28:32+00:00

    I format a 64 GB flash drive to NTFS so I don't have to worry about the FAT32's limit of 4 GB file size. I've done it several times, it's easy to do, and it works just fine.. Of course there's also the possibility of using an external hard drive.

    You are missing the point.

    UEFI requires FAT32 for booting, unless you use some other tricks with a small FAT partition for booting.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Pauli O 16,380 Reputation points Volunteer Moderator
    2022-03-19T18:52:14+00:00

    >UEFI requires FAT32 for booting

    Read this.

    GitHub - pbatard/uefi-ntfs: UEFI:NTFS - Boot NTFS or exFAT partitions from UEFI

    I just copy content of Win 11 build 22579 en-US ISO to 32 GB NTFS formatted USB pen drive and 3 out of 4 Win 11 device (Two Dell laptop and one Dell WorkStation) boot from that USB in UEFI mode.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  5. Anonymous
    2022-03-19T19:11:03+00:00

    >UEFI requires FAT32 for booting

    Read this.

    GitHub - pbatard/uefi-ntfs: UEFI:NTFS - Boot NTFS or exFAT partitions from UEFI

    I just copy content of Wi 11 build 22579 en-US ISO to 32 GB NTFS formatted USB pen drive and 3 out of 4 Win 11 device (Two Dell laptop and one Dell WorkStation) boot from that USB in UEFI mode.

    Hi Pauli,

    I know about the tricks around this, but I still prepare my USB installation media with FAT32.

    I don't like Rufus and had several issues before with it.

    I have older UEFI machines that can boot from both NTFS and FAT32, but the new ones I have, only boot from FAT.

    If you use DISKPART to list the partitions of those workaround UEFI:NTFS it will usually show a small FAT hidden partition (Usually after the main NTFS partition) which is used for the boot.

    I prepare my USB flash the same way as MCT does, not weird tricks. 🤣

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments