Mac Format For Ntfs

Utilities • Sept.15, 2020

Most of the time, people don't like to combine Microsoft and Apple products. Even though these two companies have been rivals from decades ago – they're still on the top, and the choice is a hard one to make.

But many people try to juggle between these two choices and get the best of both worlds. And if that's you, you've probably needed to write files on Microsoft's NTFS drive.

But is that even possible?

Well, truth to be told – it takes a bit of patience and research. However, it's very much possible.

Most Mac users will be better off formatting external drives with exFAT, ensuring they work well on both Windows and Mac OS X without any extra work. If you must write to an NTFS drive, one of the paid, third-party drivers will be the easiest option with the best performance and least risk of file corruption. Install NTFS driver for Mac. Some third party developers have released NTFS read/write driver for Mac OS X that overwrites the default (read-only) NTFS driver provided by Apple. Once the NTFS driver is installed, you will be able to write to NTFS formatted disks on your Mac just like any other Mac-compatible disk drives. How to Format NTFS on Mac. NTFS is a commonly used file format for Windows systems and external devices. The format is not used for the internal hard drives in Mac. Thus, if you wish to format NTFS on Mac, then you must be using an external storage unit. For instance, you might wish to format as SD card, pen drive, external hard disk, etc.

In the post down below, you'll be able to find out everything you need to know about NTFS format, how to use it properly, and even what apps could you use on Mac to write files directly to the NTFS's drive.

What is Microsoft NTFS for Mac?

NTFS stands for an NT File System which is a file system developed by Microsoft. If you have used the Windows operating system by any chance, you could notice that NTFS is a default file system in Windows.

But why is this important for Mac?

As we have mentioned earlier – if you have been trying to get the best of both worlds (Microsoft and Apple), you would come across the time when you'd want to transfer some files from Mac to a hard drive that's using Microsoft's NTFS format. It's also great when transferring files from Windows to Mac directly.

Microsoft NTFS for Mac is a term for apps that make this possible, and without them – it would be impossible to read & write information from the Mac system to a hard drive that uses Windows format.

And if you'd like to do this type of a file transfer – you would need one of these apps that will help you transfer files from a Mac system to an external hard drive that's formatted by NTFS file system. Even though the transfer is the time when you occur this problem the most – you can also come across this problem when you're copying, moving, or deleting files on Microsoft NTFS volumes directly from Mac.

Who Should Get an NTFS for Mac?

If you've ever tried transferring files from your Mac to an external drive – you'd know that you've come across a problem when the data couldn't be written to the disk.

Even if you didn't realize it yet – you're someone who should get an NTFS for Mac app that will help make this file transfer possible if you're a Mac user. Therefore, this app is aimed at Mac users because the Mac operating system doesn't use the NTFS system.

You might not even be a fan of Windows OS, and yet if someone hands you an external drive for you to transfer some files on there – you'd still need an NTFS for Mac app to make this happen.

Therefore, this type of app is suitable for almost everyone who uses a Mac and often shares files 'offline', by connecting external hard drives or USB sticks.

How We Tested and Picked the Microsoft NTFS for Mac?

The winners have to include all three aspects of the criteria:

It's important that you can quickly drag and drop files so an app that is easy to use and has a simple-to-understand interface is a must.

Snappy results in just seconds is important so the efficiency of the apps includes the installation process, loading speeds, and its size in general.

Most of these apps also support other file systems and if you've experienced a problem with NTFS files transfer on your Mac – you never know when you might experience issues with different formats in the future.

Therefore, we look for apps that can help you handle other formats that you might come across, such as exFAT. However, we also pay attention that these apps can handle both NTFS and Mac-specific formats such as APFS (Apple File System).

Microsoft NTFS for Mac We Recommend

We did our research based on the factors we've previously mentioned and explained, but we also went a bit further to give these apps a thorough try, so we were able to narrow our choice down to top 3 of them.

This way, you know you'll be using the best possible apps that are made to deal with this type of a problem and solve it for you in no time. We are pretty sure that at least one app will fit your needs.

Disclosure: We sometimes use affiliate links which means that, at zero cost to you, we may earn a commission if you buy something through our links.

1. Microsoft NTFS for Mac by Paragon Software (our top pick)

Paragon Software has one of the most efficient and easiest to use apps when it comes down to Microsoft NTFS for Mac. It's an app that makes life easier for Mac users that need help with transferring files or directly managing Windows files on Mac without getting the writing/reading file error.

The truth is that Apple has limited support for Windows files – and sometimes, you can't avoid having these two worlds collide. However, Paragon Software serves as a bridge between these two types of files (and companies).

It's very simple to install and use, and yet all the most important functions are just a couple of clicks away.

The unlimited read/write support works with all types of external drives, and it even works with SSD drives. Paragon Software knows the struggle of Mac users when it comes down to this problem – so they ensured that Mac users never have any similar conflict that's related to this issue.

They offer unlimited support for a couple of Mac OS releases and once you install the app, restart your Mac, and connect the external drive – you're ready to go.

In the simple and yet very efficient drop-down menu, Paragon Software shows all connected drives and gives you more information about them. Once you open the drive – you just have to transfer the files by dragging and dropping them in (just like you would usually do).

In the background, Microsoft NTFS for Mac by Paragon Software does everything for you. So as long as you keep the app running and you access the drive through Paragon Software – you won't have to think about any other thing.

Microsoft NTFS for Mac by Paragon Software costs $22.34 USD (one-time payment), but it also has a free trial version.

Pros

• Unlimited support
• Quick and simple interface
• Fast read/write speeds

Archive for mac outlook settings. Cons

• Works only with OSX 10.8 and later

2. Microsoft NTFS for Mac by iBoySoft

iBoySoft is a pretty lightweight NTFS program for Mac that can be easily downloaded and it runs every time you start your Mac. Since it's a lightweight app, it runs in the background easily, and this comes with perks.

Every time you connect an NTFS external drive to your Mac, iBoySoft app recognizes it, and it mounts it automatically through the app. This way, you won't have to encounter this problem ever again, and yet you won't have to think twice before dragging & dropping files to an attached drive either.

Mac Format For Ntfs File

This Microsoft NTFS for Mac app does it all for you – which is just one more reason why it is one of only 3 of the best apps for this post. Even if you had no idea why such a problem occurs, all you would need to do is install iBoySoft – and the app would take it from there.

Another thing that is great about iBoySoft is that it can manage NTFS drives and partitions, as well as write and read files – which is as important.

It's free to use for the first seven days, which is more than enough time to try this app out and see if it solves all of your issues.

However, Microsoft NTFS for Mac by iBoySoft will cost you $19.95 (one-time payment) and it's also available on Setapp as well.

Pros

• Simple user interface
• Customizable preferences
• The ability to work as a disk manager

Cons

Format Usb For Mac And Pc

• Support could be improved

3. Microsoft NTFS for Mac by Tuxera

Tuxera is one of the quickest Microsoft NTFS for Mac apps and yet it's also as reliable as the other two options above. It's an app that is, like the other two apps, very light which allows it to run in the background effortlessly.

Press 'Command + Spacebar' and search for 'terminal' to open Terminal app. Linux bootable usb for mac.

What we like is that it fits both beginners who have no idea about NTFS files or file transfers. But it's also suitable for advanced users since it comes with advanced features such as extended NTFS attributes, ability to format NTFS drives, and even repair NTFS drives and partitions.

Most users will notice the quick execution by Tuxera, and with the increased security – there's also one more thing where Tuxera excels. It's the ability to help and prevent file loss even before the error happens. It can preserve files in various cases such as power cut without damaging the drive itself.

Therefore, Microsoft NTFS for Mac by Tuxera does the job brilliantly. Still, it is as good as dealing with the information, preventing the file loss, or drive damage as well which makes it a great all-in-one app for users who just want to solve the issue or improve the way they transfer files and use external hard drives.

Microsoft NTFS for Mac by Tuxera costs $17 (one-time payment).

Pros

• Reasonably priced
• Decent read/write speeds
• Easy installation

Cons

• Bulk transfers are done at lower speeds and take a bit longer

Other Candidates

Fuse for Mac is the best app if you're dealing with endless issues, even if you've tried some of the apps listed above.

The reason for this is that Fuse (also known as OSXFuse) has the ability to extend the system file capabilities in order to allow you to freely use third party files (such as Windows' NTFS type).

And if you've already been using the similar version known as MacFUSE – you should know that this is the maintained and newer version while MacFUSE is no longer receiving the system support so it won't work with newer Mac OS's.

Fuse for Mac is a very light app that's easy to download online and it only takes seconds to install. It's constantly updated so it's always working with the latest Mac OS software and once you turn on your Mac, you'll automatically be able to work with third-party file types.

It's a pretty convenient app which doesn't require you to do anything after the installation. Therefore, we highly recommend it to people who aren't the most technical people when it comes down to the Mac OS and file systems.

There isn't even any interface yet it's an app that only works in the background and helps you get work done.

Fuse for Mac is free to download since it's based on an open-library type of code.

Pros

• Very stable app
• Is free
• Runs in the background the whole time

Cons

• Doesn't have an interface

NTFS Assistant Pro is an effective app that can display all external NTFS drives in one list so you can have a clear look on the drives and their types.

This way, you can quickly see the type of each drive, but this app also adds the ability to fully write/read the files between the Mac OS and the drive.

The installation process is very simple as it's a fairly lightweight app, and yet the interface is very interactive and simple.

You can see the NTFS Assistant Pro icon at the top task bar for quick access, and what we like the most is that you can run or close the app per needs so it's not running in the background when you don't use it at all.

However, you can also set the app to run with your Mac so you'll always be ready to work with NTFS files – the choice is up to you.

There is also a free NTFS Assistant version, and the main difference between the free and paid Pro version is the faster file processing speed.

NTFS Assistant Pro costs $9.99.

Pros

• Easy to use
• The cheapest choice on the market
• Simple and interactive interface

Cons

Mac Format For Ntfs Fat32

• NTFS Assistant Helper requires additional installation after the app is already installed

Frequently Asked Questions

NTFS is a format that isn't supported by Mac since it's a format type that is made by Microsoft and is used in its Windows operating system. However, even when you want to transfer files to an external hard drive that has been formatted on a Windows computer – the issues will occur as Mac can't write on a format type that they don't support.

However, with these apps, you can easily bridge these two operating systems and efficiently use an external drive on both operating systems.

In the upcoming Mac OS Big Sur, there will be a feature integrated into the system that will allow easier read-write capability. This will eliminate the need for these apps as it will provide a less riskier option to transfer NTFS data to Mac without having to manually convert the files.

On the other hand, these apps are still very valuable, especially for people who aren't thinking of upgrading to Big Sur OS as soon as it hits the market.

NTFS driver for Mac is a driver that helps the Mac system recognize the NTFS format and efficiently work with it. By default, Mac can only read NTFS files, but it can't change NTFS files (write or rewrite files NTFS files).

Therefore, it's something these apps consist of so you don't have to install a driver manually. It allows users to quickly establish a lightweight Microsoft NTFS for Mac app and continue transferring files with the app (driver) working in the background.

Mac can read NTFS formatted files, so you don't need the NTFS app to read the data. But if you wish to make changes to NTFS files or drives that are formatted with NTFS format – you would need an app on Mac that will help your Mac 'learn' how to write NTFS files (transfer them and manage them).

The exFAT format is supported by more devices than NTFS is and when it comes down to Mac – exFAT is always a better option. exFAT is one of the formats available within Mac's Disk Utility so you won't have problems reading & writing files as you do have with NTFS.

Formatting drives on Windows using exFAT format is another great way to save yourself from trouble when using the same drive on a Mac computer.

And if you're a Mac user with a High Sierra or higher version, you'd notice that your Mac has APFS format. This type of format is Apple's format deployed and is best compared to Windows' NTFS format.

The reason Apple introduced this file type is probably connected with the later introduction of a feature in the Big Sur OS that helps automate the conversion between Windows and Mac files. So if you're a Mac user, APFS format is the best format to use.

Conclusion

NTFS can confuse many people, especially Mac users who don't usually have the chance to come across this format type. However, it's just another format type that's often used by Windows since it's a format created by Microsoft.

As you automatically format any external drive using Windows, most of the time, NTFS will be the recommended format for this. But when you connect this drive to a Mac or any other computer that doesn't have the driver (the ability) to work with this type of a format – you will come across a problem.

However, with a simple app such as one of the three choices we've reviewed in this post – you won't encounter this problem ever again. On the bright side, there aren't any bigger problems associated with formats, so you have nothing to worry about!

Erasing your disk: For most reasons to erase, including when reformatting a disk or selling, giving away, or trading in your Mac, you should erase your entire disk.

Erasing a volume on your disk: In other cases, such as when your disk contains multiple volumes (or partitions) and you don't want to erase them all, you can erase specific volumes on the disk.

Erasing a disk or volume permanently deletes all of its files. Before continuing, make sure that you have a backup of any files that you want to keep.

How to erase your disk

1. Start up from macOS Recovery. Then select Disk Utility from the Utilities window and click Continue.
   If you're not erasing the disk your Mac started up from, you don't need to start up from macOS Recovery: just open Disk Utility from the Utilities folder of your Applications folder.
   
2. Choose View > Show All Devices from the menu bar in Disk Utility. The sidebar now shows your disks (devices) and any containers and volumes within them. The disk your Mac started up from is at the top of the list. In this example, Apple SSD is the startup disk:
   
3. Select the disk that you want to erase. Don't see your disk?
4. Click Erase, then complete these items:
   • Name: Type the name that you want the disk to have after you erase it.
   • Format: Choose APFS or Mac OS Extended (Journaled). Disk Utility shows a compatible format by default.
   • Scheme: Choose GUID Partition Map.
5. Click Erase to begin erasing your disk and every container and volume within it. You might be asked to enter your Apple ID. Forgot your Apple ID?
6. When done, quit Disk Utility.
7. If you want your Mac to be able to start up from the disk you erased, reinstall macOS on the disk.

How to erase a volume on your disk

1. Start up from macOS Recovery. Then select Disk Utility from the Utilities window and click Continue.
   If you're not erasing the volume your Mac started up from, you don't need to start up from macOS Recovery: just open Disk Utility from the Utilities folder of your Applications folder.
2. In the sidebar of Disk Utility, select the volume that you want to erase. The volume your Mac started up from is named Macintosh HD, unless you changed its name. Don't see your volume?
3. Click Erase, then complete these items:
   • Name: Type the name that you want the volume to have after you erase it.
   • Format: Choose APFS or Mac OS Extended (Journaled). Disk Utility shows a compatible format by default.
4. If you see an Erase Volume Group button, the volume you selected is part of a volume group. In that case, you should erase the volume group. Otherwise, click Erase to erase just the selected volume. You might be asked to enter your Apple ID. Forgot your Apple ID?
   
5. When done, quit Disk Utility.
6. If you want your Mac to be able to start up from the volume you erased, reinstall macOS on that volume.

Reasons to erase

You can erase at any time, including in circumstances such as these:

• You want to permanently erase all content from your Mac and restore it to factory settings. This is one of the final steps before selling, giving away, or trading in your Mac.
• You're changing the format of a disk, such as from a PC format (FAT, ExFAT, or NTFS) to a Mac format (APFS or Mac OS Extended).
• You received a message that your disk isn't readable by this computer.
• You're trying to resolve a disk issue that Disk Utility can't repair.
• The macOS installer doesn't see your disk or can't install on it. For example, the installer might say that your disk isn't formatted correctly, isn't using a GUID partition scheme, contains a newer version of the operating system, or can't be used to start up your computer.
• The macOS installer says that you may not install to this volume because it is part of an Apple RAID.

About APFS and Mac OS Extended

Disk Utility in macOS High Sierra or later can erase using either the newer APFS (Apple File System) format or the older Mac OS Extended format, and it automatically chooses a compatible format for you.

How to choose between APFS and Mac OS Extended

Disk Utility tries to detect the type of storage and show the appropriate format in the Format menu. If it can't, it chooses Mac OS Extended, which works with all versions of macOS. If you want to change the format, answer these questions:

• Are you formatting the disk that came built into your Mac?
  If the built-in disk came APFS-formatted, Disk Utility suggests APFS. Don't change it to Mac OS Extended.
• Are you about to install macOS High Sierra or later for the first time on the disk?
  If you need to erase your disk before installing High Sierra or later for the first time on that disk, choose Mac OS Extended (Journaled). During installation, the macOS installer decides whether to automatically convert to APFS—without erasing your files.
• Are you preparing a Time Machine backup disk or bootable installer?
  Choose Mac OS Extended (Journaled) for any disk that you plan to use as a Time Machine backup disk or as a bootable installer.
• Will you be using the disk with another Mac?
  If the other Mac isn't using macOS High Sierra or later, choose Mac OS Extended (Journaled). Earlier versions of macOS don't work with APFS-formatted volumes.

How to identify the format currently in use

If you want to know which format is currently in use, use any of these methods:

Ntfs Format For Mac

• Select the volume in the Disk Utility sidebar, then check the information shown on the right. For more detail, choose File > Get Info from the Disk Utility menu bar.
• Open System Information and select Storage in the sidebar. The File System column on the right shows the format of each volume.
• Select the volume in the Finder, then choose File > Get Info from the menu bar. The Get Info window shows the Format of that volume.

If your disk or volume doesn't appear, or the erase fails

1. Shut down your Mac, then unplug all nonessential devices from your Mac.
2. If you're erasing an external drive, make sure that it's connected directly to your Mac using a cable that you know is good. Then turn the drive off and back on.
3. If your disk or volume still doesn't appear in Disk Utility, or Disk Utility reports that the erase process failed, your disk or Mac might need service. If you need help, please contact Apple Support.

Ntfs For Mac Free

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NTFS Assistant Pro costs $9.99.

Pros

• Easy to use
• The cheapest choice on the market
• Simple and interactive interface

Cons

Mac Format For Ntfs Fat32

• NTFS Assistant Helper requires additional installation after the app is already installed

Frequently Asked Questions

NTFS is a format that isn't supported by Mac since it's a format type that is made by Microsoft and is used in its Windows operating system. However, even when you want to transfer files to an external hard drive that has been formatted on a Windows computer – the issues will occur as Mac can't write on a format type that they don't support.

However, with these apps, you can easily bridge these two operating systems and efficiently use an external drive on both operating systems.

In the upcoming Mac OS Big Sur, there will be a feature integrated into the system that will allow easier read-write capability. This will eliminate the need for these apps as it will provide a less riskier option to transfer NTFS data to Mac without having to manually convert the files.

On the other hand, these apps are still very valuable, especially for people who aren't thinking of upgrading to Big Sur OS as soon as it hits the market.

NTFS driver for Mac is a driver that helps the Mac system recognize the NTFS format and efficiently work with it. By default, Mac can only read NTFS files, but it can't change NTFS files (write or rewrite files NTFS files).

Therefore, it's something these apps consist of so you don't have to install a driver manually. It allows users to quickly establish a lightweight Microsoft NTFS for Mac app and continue transferring files with the app (driver) working in the background.

Mac can read NTFS formatted files, so you don't need the NTFS app to read the data. But if you wish to make changes to NTFS files or drives that are formatted with NTFS format – you would need an app on Mac that will help your Mac 'learn' how to write NTFS files (transfer them and manage them).

The exFAT format is supported by more devices than NTFS is and when it comes down to Mac – exFAT is always a better option. exFAT is one of the formats available within Mac's Disk Utility so you won't have problems reading & writing files as you do have with NTFS.

Formatting drives on Windows using exFAT format is another great way to save yourself from trouble when using the same drive on a Mac computer.

And if you're a Mac user with a High Sierra or higher version, you'd notice that your Mac has APFS format. This type of format is Apple's format deployed and is best compared to Windows' NTFS format.

The reason Apple introduced this file type is probably connected with the later introduction of a feature in the Big Sur OS that helps automate the conversion between Windows and Mac files. So if you're a Mac user, APFS format is the best format to use.

Conclusion

NTFS can confuse many people, especially Mac users who don't usually have the chance to come across this format type. However, it's just another format type that's often used by Windows since it's a format created by Microsoft.

As you automatically format any external drive using Windows, most of the time, NTFS will be the recommended format for this. But when you connect this drive to a Mac or any other computer that doesn't have the driver (the ability) to work with this type of a format – you will come across a problem.

However, with a simple app such as one of the three choices we've reviewed in this post – you won't encounter this problem ever again. On the bright side, there aren't any bigger problems associated with formats, so you have nothing to worry about!

Erasing your disk: For most reasons to erase, including when reformatting a disk or selling, giving away, or trading in your Mac, you should erase your entire disk.

Erasing a volume on your disk: In other cases, such as when your disk contains multiple volumes (or partitions) and you don't want to erase them all, you can erase specific volumes on the disk.

Erasing a disk or volume permanently deletes all of its files. Before continuing, make sure that you have a backup of any files that you want to keep.

How to erase your disk

1. Start up from macOS Recovery. Then select Disk Utility from the Utilities window and click Continue.
   If you're not erasing the disk your Mac started up from, you don't need to start up from macOS Recovery: just open Disk Utility from the Utilities folder of your Applications folder.
   
2. Choose View > Show All Devices from the menu bar in Disk Utility. The sidebar now shows your disks (devices) and any containers and volumes within them. The disk your Mac started up from is at the top of the list. In this example, Apple SSD is the startup disk:
   
3. Select the disk that you want to erase. Don't see your disk?
4. Click Erase, then complete these items:
   • Name: Type the name that you want the disk to have after you erase it.
   • Format: Choose APFS or Mac OS Extended (Journaled). Disk Utility shows a compatible format by default.
   • Scheme: Choose GUID Partition Map.
5. Click Erase to begin erasing your disk and every container and volume within it. You might be asked to enter your Apple ID. Forgot your Apple ID?
6. When done, quit Disk Utility.
7. If you want your Mac to be able to start up from the disk you erased, reinstall macOS on the disk.

How to erase a volume on your disk

1. Start up from macOS Recovery. Then select Disk Utility from the Utilities window and click Continue.
   If you're not erasing the volume your Mac started up from, you don't need to start up from macOS Recovery: just open Disk Utility from the Utilities folder of your Applications folder.
2. In the sidebar of Disk Utility, select the volume that you want to erase. The volume your Mac started up from is named Macintosh HD, unless you changed its name. Don't see your volume?
3. Click Erase, then complete these items:
   • Name: Type the name that you want the volume to have after you erase it.
   • Format: Choose APFS or Mac OS Extended (Journaled). Disk Utility shows a compatible format by default.
4. If you see an Erase Volume Group button, the volume you selected is part of a volume group. In that case, you should erase the volume group. Otherwise, click Erase to erase just the selected volume. You might be asked to enter your Apple ID. Forgot your Apple ID?
   
5. When done, quit Disk Utility.
6. If you want your Mac to be able to start up from the volume you erased, reinstall macOS on that volume.

Reasons to erase

You can erase at any time, including in circumstances such as these:

• You want to permanently erase all content from your Mac and restore it to factory settings. This is one of the final steps before selling, giving away, or trading in your Mac.
• You're changing the format of a disk, such as from a PC format (FAT, ExFAT, or NTFS) to a Mac format (APFS or Mac OS Extended).
• You received a message that your disk isn't readable by this computer.
• You're trying to resolve a disk issue that Disk Utility can't repair.
• The macOS installer doesn't see your disk or can't install on it. For example, the installer might say that your disk isn't formatted correctly, isn't using a GUID partition scheme, contains a newer version of the operating system, or can't be used to start up your computer.
• The macOS installer says that you may not install to this volume because it is part of an Apple RAID.

About APFS and Mac OS Extended

Disk Utility in macOS High Sierra or later can erase using either the newer APFS (Apple File System) format or the older Mac OS Extended format, and it automatically chooses a compatible format for you.

How to choose between APFS and Mac OS Extended

Disk Utility tries to detect the type of storage and show the appropriate format in the Format menu. If it can't, it chooses Mac OS Extended, which works with all versions of macOS. If you want to change the format, answer these questions:

• Are you formatting the disk that came built into your Mac?
  If the built-in disk came APFS-formatted, Disk Utility suggests APFS. Don't change it to Mac OS Extended.
• Are you about to install macOS High Sierra or later for the first time on the disk?
  If you need to erase your disk before installing High Sierra or later for the first time on that disk, choose Mac OS Extended (Journaled). During installation, the macOS installer decides whether to automatically convert to APFS—without erasing your files.
• Are you preparing a Time Machine backup disk or bootable installer?
  Choose Mac OS Extended (Journaled) for any disk that you plan to use as a Time Machine backup disk or as a bootable installer.
• Will you be using the disk with another Mac?
  If the other Mac isn't using macOS High Sierra or later, choose Mac OS Extended (Journaled). Earlier versions of macOS don't work with APFS-formatted volumes.

How to identify the format currently in use

If you want to know which format is currently in use, use any of these methods:

Ntfs Format For Mac

• Select the volume in the Disk Utility sidebar, then check the information shown on the right. For more detail, choose File > Get Info from the Disk Utility menu bar.
• Open System Information and select Storage in the sidebar. The File System column on the right shows the format of each volume.
• Select the volume in the Finder, then choose File > Get Info from the menu bar. The Get Info window shows the Format of that volume.

If your disk or volume doesn't appear, or the erase fails

1. Shut down your Mac, then unplug all nonessential devices from your Mac.
2. If you're erasing an external drive, make sure that it's connected directly to your Mac using a cable that you know is good. Then turn the drive off and back on.
3. If your disk or volume still doesn't appear in Disk Utility, or Disk Utility reports that the erase process failed, your disk or Mac might need service. If you need help, please contact Apple Support.

Ntfs For Mac Free

Learn more

• If you can't start up from macOS Recovery, you can use a different startup disk instead.
• If Disk Utility shows a Security Options button in the Erase window, you can click that button to choose between a faster (but less secure) erase and a slower (but more secure) erase. Some older versions of Disk Utility offer the option to zero all data instead. These secure-erase options aren't offered or needed for solid-state drives (SSDs) and flash storage.