An item can’t be copied error message will pop up for users when they try to transfer files larger than 4 GB to FAT32 USB sticks. The same issue arises on both Windows and Mac platforms, but with different error messages. Those error messages are: The first is the Mac error message, and Windows displays the second error message. The issue arises because 4 GB is the max file size limit for FAT32 USB drives. Therefore, users can’t save files larger than 4 GB on USB sticks. The file is too large for the destination file system.

How can I fix the item can’t be copied error?

1. Convert the USB Drive’s format to NTFS

Windows users need to change their USB drives’ formats to NTFS to fix the file is too large error.

2. Convert the USB Drive’s format to Mac OS Extended (for Mac users)

3. Compress the file

If the file you’re trying to transfer to a USB stick isn’t much larger than 4 GB, you might be able to compress it to less than 4 GB. After reducing a file to less than 4 GB, you can save it on the FAT32 USB drive without needing to change the USB storage. You can compress videos with numerous software and web utilities. The video compression software post provides further details for some of the best Windows 10 video compression software. To compress other file types, check out the best file compression tools post.

So, that’s how you can fix the item can’t be copied and the file is too large errors on Mac and Windows platforms. The resolutions are similar for both Mac and Windows platforms, except that you need to covert the USB drive to different file systems.

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