NTFS General Information > NTFS Basics > exFAT Overview

ExFAT overview

Extended File System (exFAT) is a successor of FAT family of file systems (FAT12/16/32). It has similar design though renders many significant improvements:

• Larger volume and file size limits;
• Native Unicode file names;
• Bigger boot area allowing a larger boot code;
• Better performance;
• Time zone offset support;
• OEM parameters support.

ExFAT overview 

• exFAT vs. FAT32 Comparison

• Volume Layout

• Boot Sector

  • Extended Boot Sector

• OEM Parameters

  • OEM Parameter Record
  • OEM Parameter Record. Boot Checksum

• File Allocation Table (FAT)

  • Cluster Heap

• Allocation Bitmap

• Up-case Table

  • Mandatory First 128 Up-case Table Entries
  • Mandatory First 128 Up-case Table Entries in compressed format

• Directory Structure

• Generic Directory Entry Template
• Generic Primary Directory Entry Template
• Generic Secondary Directory Entry Template
• Defined Directory Entries
• Allocation Bitmap Directory Entry
• Up-Case Table Directory Entry
• Volume Label Directory Entry
• File Directory Entry

• Timestamp Format

  • Time Zone Offset Table

• Volume GUID Directory Entry

  • TexFAT Padding Directory Entry
  • Windows CE Access Control Table Directory Entry
  • Stream Extension Directory Entry
  • File Name Directory Entry

• Invalid File Name Characters

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