When copying files in Windows 11, you might encounter the error message: “Item can’t be copied, too large.” This can be frustrating, especially when you need to move important files quickly. Fortunately, this problem usually has simple fixes.
This guide will walk you through easy, step-by-step solutions to resolve this issue. Each step is explained clearly, even if you’re not very familiar with computers.
By the end, you will know why the error happens and how to fix it effectively. Let’s begin with some quick checks before diving into detailed solutions.
Follow these instructions carefully to get your files copied without errors.
Quick Note: What to Check Before You Start
- Check the file size: Make sure the file you want to copy is not larger than the available free space on the destination drive.
- Check the drive format: The destination drive might be formatted in a way that limits the size of files it can hold.
- Check file permissions: Ensure you have permission to copy or write files to the destination folder or drive.
- Check for storage errors: Sometimes, disk errors can cause copying issues. Running a disk check can help.
Step 1: Understand the Cause of the Error
The most common reason for the “Item can’t be copied, too large” error is the file system format of the destination drive. Many USB drives and external hard disks come formatted as FAT32. This file system has a maximum file size limit of 4 GB. If the file you’re copying is bigger than 4 GB, Windows will show this error.
Knowing this helps you decide the best fix. Let’s look at the easiest way to fix it first.
Step 2: Check the File System of the Destination Drive
Before making changes, find out what file system your destination drive uses. Here’s how:
- Open File Explorer by pressing
Win + E. - Right-click on the destination drive (e.g., your USB drive) and select Properties.
- Look next to File system in the General tab to see if it says FAT32, exFAT, or NTFS.
If you see FAT32 and your file is larger than 4 GB, this confirms the source of the problem.
Step 3: Convert or Format the Drive to a Compatible File System
There are two main ways to solve this: convert the drive to NTFS without losing data or format the drive to a file system that supports large files. Both methods have pros and cons.
Option A: Convert FAT32 to NTFS Without Losing Data
This is the safest way because it does not erase any files on the drive. Follow these steps:
- Press
Win + S, type Command Prompt, right-click it, and choose Run as administrator. - In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
convert X: /fs:ntfsReplace X: with the letter of your destination drive (you can find this in File Explorer).
Wait for the process to complete. This command changes the file system to NTFS without deleting files.
Option B: Format the Drive to exFAT or NTFS
If you don’t mind erasing all data on the drive, formatting is a quick way to fix the problem.
- Back up any important files from the destination drive to another location.
- Open File Explorer, right-click the destination drive, and select Format.
- In the Format window, choose exFAT or NTFS from the File system dropdown. Both support large files.
- Click Start to begin formatting. Wait until it finishes.
After formatting, try copying the large file again. This should fix the error.
Step 4: Check for Disk Errors
If changing the file system doesn’t help, there might be errors on your drives. Use the built-in Windows tool to scan and fix them:
- Open File Explorer and right-click the destination drive.
- Select Properties > Tools tab.
- Under Error checking, click Check.
- Follow the prompts to scan and repair any errors found.
This step ensures the drive is healthy and won’t cause copying problems.
Step 5: Use an Alternative Copy Method
If the problem persists, try copying files using different methods:
- Use File Explorer drag-and-drop or copy-paste.
- Use the Command Prompt with the
xcopyorrobocopycommands for more reliable copying.
Example of robocopy command:
robocopy "C:SourceFolder" "X:DestinationFolder" filename.extThis command copies a specific file from the source folder to the destination folder. Replace paths and filename accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why does Windows show “Item can’t be copied, too large”?
This usually happens because the destination drive uses the FAT32 file system, which cannot handle files larger than 4 GB.
Can I copy files larger than 4 GB to a USB drive?
Yes, but only if the USB drive is formatted as NTFS or exFAT, which support large files.
Will converting FAT32 to NTFS delete my files?
No, using the convert command converts the file system without deleting files. However, it’s always good to back up important data before making changes.
Is exFAT better than NTFS?
exFAT works well for external drives you want to use with both Windows and macOS. NTFS is better for Windows-only systems and offers more security features.
What if the file is still too large after formatting?
Make sure the drive is properly formatted and there is enough free space. Also, check if any file corruption or system issues exist.
When Nothing Works
If none of the above steps fix the problem, consider these final options:
- Try using a different external drive or USB stick formatted with NTFS or exFAT.
- Check for Windows updates, as some system bugs can affect file operations.
- Use third-party file transfer tools designed to handle large files.
- Visit the official Microsoft support page for more help: Windows Support.
Conclusion
The “Item can’t be copied, too large” error in Windows 11 is usually caused by file system limitations on the destination drive. By confirming the drive format, converting or formatting it to NTFS or exFAT, and ensuring there are no disk errors, you can fix this problem easily.
Always back up important data before making changes to your drives. Using the right file system and tools will help you copy large files without trouble in the future.
Follow these simple steps, and your large files will copy smoothly every time.