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A user reports that their Windows 10 computer is experiencing slow performance and frequent crashes. Upon investigation, a technician notices that the operating system is running low on disk space. Which of the following file systems is commonly used by Windows to manage storage, and what is its maximum theoretical partition size?
- ANTFS; 256 TB
- BexFAT; 128 PB
- CFAT32; 2 TB
- DHFS+; 16 EB
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. NTFS; 256 TB
NTFS is the standard file system for modern Windows installations, offering features like security, journaling, and support for very large partition sizes. While the theoretical maximum for NTFS is 16 EB, the practical maximum partition size supported by Windows is 256 TB.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. exFAT is designed for flash drives and external storage, not typically the main OS drive, and has much larger theoretical limits.
- C. FAT32 is an older file system with limitations on file and partition size (4GB file size, 2TB partition size).
- D. HFS+ is a file system used by macOS, not Windows.
NTFS (New Technology File System)
A proprietary file system developed by Microsoft for its Windows operating systems. It offers improved performance, reliability, and security over older file systems.
- Default file system for Windows OS drives.
- Supports large files and partitions.
- Includes features like journaling, compression, and encryption.
Memory trick: NTFS: New Tech For Storage.