Microsoft released an update for the Windows XP operating system that adds support for the extended File Allocation Table (exFAT).

The exFAT file system is the successor to FAT32 in the FAT family of file systems. The exFAT file system is a new file system format that addresses the growing needs of mobile personal storage on different operating systems. It handles large files, such as those that are used for media storage, and it enables interoperability between desktop computers and devices, such as portable media devices. Because of this functionality, you can copy files between the desktop and external devices or between the desktop and other operating systems.

Users of Windows XP SP2 and SP3 are currently able to download the xFat driver here.

After you download the file, you will be able to format external media in the exFAT format. Additionally, you will be able to format external media that is larger than 32 GB, and exFAT-formatted media will be recognized on the computer.

The exFAT file system incorporates several improvements over FAT32. These improvements include the following advances:

- Support for very large files and storage devices
- Support for performance improvements
- Support for extensibility features for future innovation
- Added compatibility for flash media

The exFAT file system uses 64 bits to describe file size. This allows for applications that depend on very large files. The exFAT file system also allows for clusters as large as 32MB, effectively enabling very large storage devices.

The exFAT file system has been already adopted in the latest "SDXC" standard released by the SD association.