Windows uses the NTFS (New Technology File System) format, while macOS uses either HFS+ (Hierarchical File System Plus, a legacy format used by older versions of macOS) or APFS (Apple File System, a newer format used by recent macOS releases. By default, Windows and macOS use different styles that aren’t compatible with each other. Click Cancel and it will turn off the Time Machine.Īfter you turn off the Time Machine, redo steps 4 to 6.Having a single external hard drive that is compatible with both operating systems is beneficial for those who use both. Time Machine in menu bar.” This will open another window. You can do this by opening System Preferences and unchecking the box This is an issue caused by Time Machine running on your external Click done toĬontinue,” don’t freak out about it. If you get an error message that states, “Erase process has failed.

This will immediately wipe the entire drive.

When you’re done with providing the setup details, click Erase.

MS-DOS (FAT) is also compatible with Mac and PC, but you can only transfer files smaller than 4GB.

exFAT is compatible with both PC and Mac.

APFS (Apple File System) is only for newer Macs running macOS 10.13 or later.

Mac OS Extended (Journaled) is the best option for most Mac users since it is compatible with all Macs.

However, you can choose between the following formats: You can choose whatever name you want, and you should choose GUID Partition Map for the Scheme in most cases.

Choose a name, format, and scheme for your drive.

This will open a small pop-up window with a warning that erasing the drive will delete all data stored on it and that it can’t be undone. For the best result, select the disk (the highest option in the external tree). You can find this on the left-hand side of the screen under External Hard Drives.

Click the external hard drive you want to format.

Then click View in the top-left corner of the window and select Show All Devices.

This will open the Disk Utility app, where you will find all the internal and external drives that are connected to your Mac.

Go to Spotlight Search, type in Disk Utility, and click the first option.

Some external hard drives need to be plugged into an outlet to work.

Connect an external hard drive to your Mac.

Formatting your drive will wipe out all the data in it. Note : If you already used your external hard drive on a PC, be sure to back up any files on it. Here’s how to do that: How to Format a Hard Drive for Mac So if you’re trying to connect an external hard drive to a Mac, you might have to format the drive before you can use it. Most external hard drives are designed to work for Windows computers.

Hardrive format for mac and pc