
- #Format thumb drive for mac and pc how to
- #Format thumb drive for mac and pc mac os
- #Format thumb drive for mac and pc windows
Apple File System (APFS)ĪPFS is the default file system for Mac computers that are running macOS 10.13 (High Sierra) or later. Now, we will introduce these four Mac file systems and this information can help you find the best file system format for external hard drive on Mac. Thus, NTFS is not a recommended file system on Mac. Apple’s macOS can read NTFS drives, but it can’t write to them. Tip: There is another familiar file system: NTFS.
exFAT: the file system is compatible with both Mac and Windows. MS-DOS ( FAT ): the file system is compatible with both Mac and Windows.
Mac OS Extended (HFS+): the file system is used by macOS 10.12 (Sierra) or earlier. Apple File System (APFS): the file system is used by macOS 10.13 (High Sierra) or later. Which Mac File System Is the Best for an External Drive?īefore choosing the best format for Mac external drive, you should know which file system formats are available in Disk Utility on Mac.ĭisk Utility supports the following file system formats: Well then, which is the best format for external hard drive Mac? You can get some useful information from the following part. No matter under which circumstance you need to use an external storage device on your Mac, you may want your Mac external drive to be formatted with the best file system to make it to be recognized on your Mac and maximize the best performance. If you want to transfer your Mac data to another computer, you need to use an external hard drive. If your Mac runs out of space, you can use an external hard drive to increase the storage. If you want to back up your Mac data using Time Machine, you need to use an external hard drive to save the Time Machine backups. In many cases, you need to use an external hard drive on your Mac computer. When Do You Need to Use an External Hard Drive on Mac? Best Format for External Hard Drive Mac FAQ. How to Recover Data from an External Hard Drive on Mac?. How to Format External Hard Drive on Mac?. Which Mac File System Is the Best for an External Drive?. When Do You Need to Use an External Hard Drive on Mac?. Once the formatting is complete, you’ll see an icon for your flash drive appear on your Mac’s desktop. This option is at the top of the Disk Utility window.Ĭlick Erase, then click Erase when prompted. It’s on the far-left side of the Disk Utility window.Ĭlick the “Erase” tab. You’ll likely find this option in the middle of the Utilities page.Ĭlick your flash drive’s name. This option is in the Go drop-down menu.ĭouble-click “Disk Utility”. If you don’t see Go, first click the Finder icon, which resembles a blue face in your Mac’s dock.Ĭlick “Utilities”. It’s a menu item in the top-left side of the menu bar. Note: Some Macs don’t have USB ports, so you’ll need to purchase an adapter.Ĭlick “Go”. Your flash drive has successfully been formatted. Doing this will cause Windows to begin formatting your flash drive for you.Ĭlick “OK” when prompted. If you’ve formatted your drive before and you’re positive that it isn’t broken, you can also check the Quick Format box.Ĭlick Start, and then click OK. Note: exFAT format USB flash drives do not work with ClonerAlliance products.Ĭlick a format option (FAT32 or NTFS). Works with most computers and gaming consoles. If you’re using your drive as a secondary Windows drive, you’ll need to choose this option.įAT32 - The most widely compatible format. NTFS - The default Windows operating system format. A drop-down menu will appear with the following options: It’s below the “File System” heading near the top of the page. Doing so opens the Format window.Ĭlick the “File System” box. This option is near the middle of the drop-down menu. It’s beneath the “Devices and drives” heading in the middle of the page.Ĭlick Format. The drive, so make sure you back up your files before formatting yourĬonnect the USB flash drive to your computer. Note: Formatting your flash drive will remove all files or folders on How to format a USB flash drive (Windows and Mac)? ¶