Unsupported File System + NTFS

All Discussions > Steam Forums > Help and Tips > Topic Details

This topic has been locked

Nanabozo Sep 23, 2021 @ 10:38pm

Unsupported File System + NTFS

If you get the error "Unsupported File System" when trying to download a game or an update, first check that your drive's file system is NTFS.

But if your drive IS NTFS and you receive the "Unsupported File System" error anyway, maybe you have some drives in your Steam Library Folders (configured in Settings > Downloads) that have other file systems, like FAT32.

It may help to try removing these drives from your Steam Library Folders (if necessary make Steam backups of the games in there), then start the download again.

Last edited by Nanabozo; Sep 24, 2021 @ 9:01am

< >

Showing 1-7 of 7 comments

ReBoot Sep 23, 2021 @ 10:59pm

Fun fact: Visual Studio doesn't want to be installed on (ex)FAT either. I wonder whether I shall format the SD card in my tablet with NTFS or not, but I'd really rather not...

Iceira Sep 23, 2021 @ 11:59pm

NTFS and previous os system FAT do not have same security on them, thats why you cant mix them.

and sense steam has stop support XP , that is almost same as say fat is dead
vista introduces NTFS doing installation , so you could say, who has fat anyway ( this is pc )
not tablet or other usb stick that might still be there at some users.

ps.
you need to be geek to have a a old windows ( for old games maybe or something like that )
and it dont help if you make a VM with it. ( still your problem. )

rule is if steam is installed on fat then its a diffrent matter , but if they dont support XP whats the point. ? not sure is steam actual still work at a true FAT system or old OS.

it most be very few user that still have a winxp and use that. and you also need a old steam client that cant be update, well anyway gl with it , not sure any still need that info, or soon dont care about it, they are outdate system

Last edited by Iceira; Sep 24, 2021 @ 12:00am

CSX3451 Mar 1, 2023 @ 4:09pm

also what do I do if my drive is FAT32?

d3str0y3r Mar 1, 2023 @ 4:25pm

Originally posted by Unknown Player:
how do you check if your drive is NTFS?

Depends on the OS. For Windows 10/11 Open File Explorer > Click This PC > Right Click Drive > Properties > General Tab

Originally posted by Unknown Player:
also what do I do if my drive is FAT32?

In windows Open CMD as Administrator and run: convert G: /FS:NTFS

* Change "G" to the correct drive letter.
* The above command should keep all files on the drive, but things can go wrong so use at your own risk.