How to Convert Raw to NTFS Using CMD

Updated by

Roxanne 

Written by

Cici 

Updated on Apr 01, 2025

A RAW file system indicates that a storage device—such as a hard drive, USB, or SD card—lacks a recognizable file system (e.g., NTFS, FAT32). This renders the drive inaccessible and poses significant data loss risks. Converting RAW to NTFS is critical to restore functionality, but traditional formatting erases data. This guide explores two reliable methods: using Command Prompt (CMD) and leveraging third-party tools like EaseUS Partition Master's RAW Disk Manager.

Overview of Raw and NTFS

Before diving into the conversion process, it's crucial to understand the basics of RAW and NTFS file systems.

• RAW File System: A RAW file system indicates that the drive is not formatted with a file system that Windows can recognize. This often happens due to corruption, improper shutdown, or physical damage to the drive. A RAW drive is essentially unreadable and inaccessible, making it impossible to retrieve data without proper conversion or recovery.

• NTFS File System: NTFS (New Technology File System) is a file system developed by Microsoft, widely used in Windows operating systems. It offers features like file compression, encryption, and access control, making it a robust choice for storing data securely. NTFS is also a journaling file system, which helps in recovering data in case of system crashes or power failures.

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How to Convert Raw to NTFS Using CMD

The convert command in CMD reconstitutes the file system without formatting the drive, provided the issue stems from logical corruption (e.g., partition table errors, improper ejection of USB drives, or sudden power loss). It checks the disk for errors, rebuilds the file system structure (NTFS in this case), and retains existing data where possible.

Step 1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator:

• Click on the Start menu or press the Windows key.
• Type "cmd" or "Command Prompt."
• Right-click on "Command Prompt" and select "Run as administrator."

Step 2. Identify the RAW Drive:

• Type diskpart and press Enter to launch the DiskPart utility.
• Type list disk, list partition, and press Enter to list all available disks.
• Identify the RAW drive based on its size and label.

Step 3. Convert RAW to NTFS with command line:

• Type select partition X (replace X with the number of the RAW volume) and press Enter.
• Type format fs=ntfs quick and press Enter to format the drive to NTFS quickly. If you prefer a full format, omit the "quick" option.
• Wait for the formatting process to complete.

Using CMD to convert RAW to NTFS is a little bit complex. Thus, we also prepared another easier alternative way - a reliable Raw Disk Manager.

Alternative: Convert Raw to NTFS Using EaseUS Partition Master

For users who prefer a more user-friendly interface or want to avoid potential data loss associated with CMD, EaseUS Partition Master Professional offers a convenient alternative. This software allows you to manage partitions, convert file systems, and even recover data from RAW drives.

Step 1. Launch EaseUS Partition Master.

Right-click on the RAW partition or RAW external hard drive/USB/SD card that you need to format and choose "Format".

Step 2. Format RAW Partition and reset the file system.

Assign a new partition label, set the file system to NTFS/FAT32/EXT2/EXT3/EXT4/exFAT, and cluster size to the selected partition, then click "OK".

Step 3. In the Warning window, click "Yes" to continue.

By clicking Yes to allow this program to format the target RAW partition to the selected file system format on your drive.

Step 4. Execute the operations.

Click the "Execute 1 Task(s)" button in the lower right corner to view all the changes, then click "Apply" to start formatting your RAW partition/USB/SD/external hard drive.

Conclusion

Converting RAW to NTFS is achievable through CMD or third-party tools like EaseUS Partition Master. Always prioritize data recovery before attempting conversion. For non-critical drives, formatting is a quick fix, while CMD offers a balance of safety and efficiency. Third-party tools simplify the process for novice users but ensure compatibility with your system.

FAQs About Converting Raw Disk to NTFS Without Losing Data

1. Can I convert the disk to NTFS in Windows?

You can convert a disk to NTFS using Windows tools like Disk Management or Command Prompt, but for RAW drives, you typically need to format them first due to limitations with the "convert" command.

2. Why is the convert feature not available for raw drives?

The "convert" feature in Command Prompt is not available for RAW drives because it only supports converting FAT32 to NTFS, and RAW drives are not recognized by Windows as a valid file system that can be converted directly.

3. Why has my disk become raw?

A disk becomes RAW due to various reasons such as bad sectors, file system structural damage, partition table corruption, improper shutdowns, or virus/malware attacks, which render the drive unreadable by Windows.