Which file system is commonly used by Microsoft Windows?

The file system commonly used by Microsoft Windows is NTFS (New Technology File System). NTFS offers several advantages over older file systems like FAT32, making it the standard for modern Windows operating systems.

NTFS supports larger file sizes and volumes than FAT32, accommodating files larger than 4GB, which is a limitation of FAT32. It also provides enhanced security features, such as file permissions, encryption support, and the ability to log changes to the file system, which improves recovery options in case of corruption or system failure. Additionally, NTFS supports advanced data management features like disk quotas and compression, further showcasing its robustness and suitability for both personal and enterprise environments.

In contrast, ext4 is predominantly used by Linux operating systems, and HFS+ is mainly associated with Apple's file systems. While FAT32 is still used in some applications for compatibility reasons, especially with removable media, NTFS is the definitive choice for Windows systems, particularly for their built-in functionality and enhanced features.