NTFS has long been the default Windows file format, which makes it an incredibly useful choice if your primary machine runs any Windows operating system. Unless your new hard drive was factory formatted for use with a Mac, it’s likely formatted NTFS. If you need to transfer files larger than 4 GB between Macs and PCs: Use exFAT. If you absolutely, positively will only be working with Macs and no other system, ever: Use Mac OS Extended (Journaled). Here’s a basic rundown of which format we recommend for your USB flash drive, broken down by use case.

In the Erase dialog, click the Scheme pop-up menu, then choose a partition scheme.

In the sidebar, select the disk you want to format to use with Windows computers.

In the Disk Utility app on your Mac, choose View > Show All Devices.

How do I format a Mac hard drive for Windows?įormat a disk for Windows computers in Disk Utility on Mac

Give the partition a name and select exFAT for the format.

Select the drive you want to format and click erase.

In disk utility, you will have an internal and external drive.

How to create an external hard disk compatible on Mac and Windows?

How do I make my external hard drive compatible with Mac and PC? Then, click Erase at the bottom to format the drive.

… In the Volume Format list, select Mac OS Extended (Journaled). Why is my hard drive read only on Mac? Can you use Mac OS Extended Journaled with Windows?Ĭonversely, you can format the HD to HFS+ and use HFSExplorer for Windows to read and write to the Mac-formatted hard drive.How do I convert my Mac hard drive to Windows without losing data?.How do I format my hard drive for Mac 2020?.What external hard drives are compatible with Mac and PC?.What is the best format for external hard drive Mac and PC?.How do I make my external hard drive compatible with Mac and PC without formatting?.Can a hard drive be used for both Mac and PC?.Which hard drive format is best for Mac?.Should I use Mac OS Extended Journaled?.How do I format a Mac hard drive for Windows?.Can you reformat an external hard drive from Mac to Windows?.

How do I make my external hard drive compatible with Mac and PC?.

Can you use Mac OS Extended Journaled with Windows?.

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