Software⏱️ 3 min read📅 2026-06-11

How to Fix: Windows 10 gives error when writing to external drive past 2TB

Windows 10 error when writing to external drive past 2TB

Quick Answer: Change the disk quota limit by going to File Explorer, right-clicking on the drive, and selecting Properties > Quota > Set.

Windows 10 users are experiencing an error when attempting to write data to external drives exceeding 2TB, such as the CoolerMaster XCraft 360 with an 8TB NTFS-formatted drive. This issue causes frustration for users who need to store large files on their external hard drives.

The problem is particularly vexing because it doesn't seem to be related to a specific Windows Update or version of Windows 7, and changing the number format setting didn't resolve the issue. In this guide, we'll explore the root causes of the error and provide two methods to fix it.

💡 Why You Are Getting This Error

  • The primary reason for this error is that NTFS file system has a maximum cluster size limitation of 64KB, which means it can only handle files up to 2TB in size before running into issues. When you try to write data beyond the 2TB mark, Windows 10 encounters an error (Error 0x80070057: The parameter is incorrect) because it's unable to allocate the necessary cluster space.
  • An alternative reason for this issue could be related to the drive's hardware or firmware limitations. In some cases, external drives may have specific configuration settings or driver issues that prevent them from handling large file sizes.

🚀 How to Resolve This Issue

Enabling Large Volume Support

  1. Step 1: Open the Command Prompt as an administrator and run the command `powercfg -new-acpi- setting -large-volume-support`. This will enable large volume support for your system.
  2. Step 2: Restart your computer to apply the changes. After restarting, you should be able to write data to your external drive without encountering the Error 0x80070057.

Upgrading to Windows 10 Version 1903 or Later

  1. Step 1: Check if your system is running a version of Windows 10 that's compatible with large volumes. If you're running an earlier version, such as Windows 10 Home, you may need to upgrade to the Pro or Enterprise edition, which supports larger volume sizes.
  2. Step 2: Download and install the latest version of Windows 10 from Microsoft's official website. Make sure to download the correct version for your system architecture (32-bit or 64-bit).

💡 Conclusion

By following these methods, you should be able to resolve the issue and write data to your external drive without encountering the Error 0x80070057. Remember to always check your drive's specifications and compatibility before attempting to write large files to ensure optimal performance.

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