#Mac format usb to work for pc how to

In this article, we describe the differences between these two file systems and how to format external storage using a Mac computer. Fortunately, there is a simple solution: format your external storage with the File Allocation Table (FAT32) or Extended File Allocation Table (exFAT) file system. By default, USB flash drives and external storage are formatted with the NTFS file system - this works flawlessly on PCs, while Mac computers are able to read data in the format, but struggle to write using this type of storage.

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PCs with Windows operating systems use New Technology File System (NTFS) while Macs with macOS operating systems use Hierarchical File System (HFS+). Windows and macOS use separate file system formats. This is the result of differences between operating systems on computers. For example, a photographer may provide you with a USB flash drive with stored photos and videos from your birthday party, but you cannot access them on your system. This is a cross-platform problem that Windows and macOS users often experience. This article addresses these issues.Ī common issue discussed by users within various technical support forums is that of USB flash drives not working on their computers. Despite the advantages of using external data storage to transfer content, some experienced users encounter problems caused by the difference between operating systems. The method is also chosen by people who work with media data that imposes various limitations and automatic optimizations when transferring via Internet. This option is often used when attempting to move very large files. APM is an older, Mac-only partition scheme.How to format internal and/or external drive to work properly on Mac and Windows computers?Įxternal data storage devices such as USB flash drives, external Hard Disk Drives (HDDs), and Solid State Drives (SSDs) provide one of the easiest ways to transfer files between separate computers without accessing the Internet. You’ll also be asked to choose between a partition scheme: GUID Partition Map, Master Boot Record, or Apple Partition Map. RELATED: What's the Difference Between GPT and MBR When Partitioning a Drive?

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It’s not natively supported on many Linux distributions, but you can install exFAT support on Linux.įor external drives, it almost always makes sense to format in ExFAT, unless you’re using the drive for Time Machine. ExFAT is the ideal cross-platform file system. You should use this file system if you may share the drive with Windows PCs and other devices like the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One consoles. ExFAT: ExFAT is almost as widely compatible as older FAT file systems, but doesn’t have the limitations.MS-DOS (FAT): This is the most widely compatible file system, but it has some limitations–for example, files can only be 4GB or less in size each. Avoid this file system unless you have a device that requires FAT32.OS X Extended (Case-sensitive, Journaled, Encrypted): This is the same as the standard OS X Extended (Case-senstiive) file system, but with encryption.

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You’ll have to enter a password, and you’ll need to provide that password whenever you connect your drive to your Mac.

OS X Extended (Journaled, Encrypted): This is the same as the standard OS X Extended file system, but with encryption.

This option exists because it matches the traditional behavior of UNIX and some people might need it–don’t select this unless you know you need it for some reason.

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By default, Mac OS X doesn’t use a case-sensitive file system.

OS X Extended (Case-sensitive, Journaled): On a case-sensitive file system, “file” is different from “File”.

This file system is necessary if you plan on using the drive for Time Machine backups–otherwise, you’ll want to use exFAT for maximum compatibility.

OS X Extended (Journaled): This is the default, but it’s only natively supported on Macs.

RELATED: What's the Difference Between FAT32, exFAT, and NTFS? You’ll need to choose between several file systems: You’ll be asked to provide a name for the disk, which will appear and identify the disk when you connect it to a Mac, PC, or another device. Select the drive by clicking its name.Ĭlick the “Erase” button after selecting the entire drive to erase the entire drive and create a single partition on it. Your connected drives will appear under “External” in the Disk Utility’s sidebar. You can also open a Finder window, select “Applications” in the sidebar, and head to Utilities > Disk Utility.