What is the most common Windows file system that can handle files up to 16 TB in size?

The New Technology File System (NTFS) is the most common Windows file system that can support files up to 16 terabytes in size. NTFS is specifically designed to handle large files and large volumes, providing advanced features such as file compression, encryption, and support for larger disk sizes and file sizes compared to other file systems.

One of the key advantages of NTFS is its ability to efficiently manage disk space and improve data integrity through journaling, which helps protect against data corruption. As a result, NTFS is typically the file system of choice for modern Windows operating systems, especially for applications that require handling larger files and complex data structures.

In contrast, FAT32, while still in use, has a maximum file size limit of 4 GB, making it unsuitable for larger applications. exFAT expands on FAT32's capabilities and supports larger file sizes than FAT32, but it is more commonly used for external storage devices. HFS+, primarily associated with macOS systems, is not utilized in Windows environments, thereby limiting its applicability in this context. Therefore, NTFS emerges as the optimal choice for handling sizable files within a Windows environment.