#How to format my hard drive for mac how to
#How to format my hard drive for mac for mac os
#How to format my hard drive for mac for mac
#How to format my hard drive for mac mac os
#How to format my hard drive for mac update

#How to format my hard drive for mac mac os

Keep in mind that Mac OS can generally read other file formats, but for the best performance and to create a bootable disk, formatting exclusively for your Mac based on its version is required.įormatting an external hard drive would erase everything on it. In a few simple steps you are ready to go and can save your back-up files to the external drive, keeping your information safe and giving you peace of mind. Reformatting an external hard drive for use with Mac OS is not as difficult as it might seem.

#How to format my hard drive for mac for mac

Part 2: Format External Hard Drive for Mac with Disk Utility Luckily, there are third-party tools to help you do so. NTFS: As the default file system in Windows, it can only read by Mac OS and writing to it is not available. Nevertheless, this older file system is limited to no more than 4GB and there might be security issue and disk errors.ĮxFAT: It is similar to ExFAT which can be read by both Windows and Mac, but it can store more than 4GB files. It enables you to regularly share files with your friends. MS-DOS FAT (aka FAT32): In addition to Mac, it can also be written and read by Linux and Windows. You can encrypt it so that no one can access the contents on your drive. Mac OS Extended (encrypted) would be an ideal option if you probably carry your laptop or external drive here and there.

#How to format my hard drive for mac update

Mac OS Extended (Journaled/HFS+): If you didn't update your Mac OS to High Sierra, the default file system on your Mac shoule be Mac OS Extended. What's more, it is compatible with SSD and flash storage devices only. However, it won't be readable and usable on machines that are not running Mac High Sierra, Windows or Linux PCs. Which one is right for your circumstance? We'll describe them here, and you'll be able to make your choice after reading the details.ĪPFS: This is the default file system in Macs with High Sierra. There are a few file formats you can use, but it depends on the purpose you want to use the drive for. The most important, you should decide which format to use.

#How to format my hard drive for mac how to

How to use a PS4 or Xbox One controller on a Mac too.Part 1: Which File Format You Should Choose?īefore you begin formatting the drive, there are a few things to do. How to use an iPad as a second screen on Mac, and For more on getting the most out of your Mac and accessories, take a look at You’re now ready to use your external drive on your Mac (along with Windows and Linux if you went for ExFAT!). You’ll also be asked if you’d like to run First Aid on the drive before erasing – this is more for those with corrupted drives, so feel free to skip if you want.

Click Erase to reformat your drive – this shouldn’t take more than a few minutes, but it could vary depending on storage size and the type of drive you’re using.

Enter the name of the drive and select the format of your choice in the Format dropdown menu.

When you’re ready, hit the Erase button.

If you’re using more than one drive, be sure that it’s the one you want to reformat as the process is largely irreversible.

Select the external drive under the External Drive subheading on the left-hand side.

You can search for the app by accessing Spotlight (Command + Space) or by going to Finder > Applications > Utilities.

Connect your external drive to your Mac.

It’s worth noting that reformatting a drive will erase everything stored on the drive, so make sure you transfer important files before you follow the below steps. Thankfully, reformatting an external drive on a Mac is a relatively straightforward process – Apple even ships Macs with a built-in utility to do so. While it’s not as efficient as Apple’s APFS, the universal support makes this the go-to for most external hard drive users. Like its older sibling, ExFAT is compatible with Mac, PC and Linux, but doesn’t have the same 4GB file limit. ExFATĮxFAT is an upgraded version of FAT32. However, the ageing file system has a big flaw: it’s limited to a maximum of 4GB, and it’s prone to disk errors too. FAT32įAT32 is the go-to for some, offering cross-platform compatibility between Mac, PC and Linux, ideal for those that hop across different platforms on a day-to-day basis.

#How to format my hard drive for mac for mac os

You can also opt for Mac OS Extended (Encrypted) to password-protect the data on the drive – a great security feature for those dealing with sensitive data and/or travelling with an external drive. It’ll play nicely with your Mac, but like the above APFS, Mac OS Extended isn’t compatible with Windows or Linux PCs. If you’re running macOS Sierra or an earlier version of macOS/Mac OS X, Mac OS Extended is the default file format.