Dec 21, 2020 • Filed to: Solve Mac Problems • Proven solutions
- How To Format A Usb On Mac
- Format Usb Drive For Mac Using Windows Pc
- Usb Drive Best Buy
- Format Usb Drive For Mac And Pc
An external hard drive is just a storage device that is connected to your computer on the outside. Standard Hard drives draw power from their data source cable, which comes from the system itself. Some advanced disks may require an AC connection to derive power on their own. These storage devices come in varying storage capacities, but they all connect to a computer either by USB, eSATA, or wirelessly.
Plug and play functionality offers system compatibility and offers extensive storage options and portable design for the consumer. These memory devices are compatible with both Mac and Windows PC. These disks provide capacities ranged from 250 GB to 10 TB.
Compatibility issues between Windows and MacOS may have reduced over the years, but that doesn't mean they've been completely wiped out. Sharing files from Windows to Mac is a demoralizing task, but in this article, we will discuss how to overcome such issues as there are various methods to do such that. Also, the external hard drive file recovery will be mentioned.
Format the drive with Mac computer. Firstly, bear in mind that formatting the drive will erase all content stored on it. Mac computers are capable of formatting any storage device (internal or external) such as HDD/SSD, USB flash drive, and external storage. By Jack Scicluna Photography, LLC - guest writer. The latest trend with computers is not including a CD/DVD drive. This helps the computers to be small and lighter. Apple has started doing this when the Macbook Air arrived on the scene. They have also included this with their latest laptops and their iMac’s. Recently photographers have switched from using CD/DVD’s to USB flash drives to.
- Format USB or External Hard Drive for Mac on a Windows PC. If you need a simpler format tool to format USB or external hard drive to FAT32 on a Windows computer so to make it work on Mac, you can apply a third-party format tool for help.
- Oct 15, 2019 Select “Mac OS Extended (Journaled),” or your preferred format type. The former option can help ensure that the USB drive is made fully compatible with your Mac, since most USB drives are preformatted for Windows computers by default.
Part 1. Situations Where to Share External Drive Between Mac and Windows
Many MacOS and Windows users today find themselves in mixed platform offices, where they need to share files and work on them. Sharing stuff between PCs and Macs is not as nearly simple as it should be. There are different ways for your computer systems to talk to each other and share files. The main problem occurs because each operating system supports a different set of data sharing protocol, think of them as different computer languages. We will discuss some of them in this section:
- FTP (File Transfer Protocol): It is one of the well-known data sharing systems. If you've ever spent any time on the internet, then you know that FTP is one of the most convenient options for sharing stuff between your Mac and PC.
- NFS (Network File System): It is a file-sharing protocol that the Unix-based systems like to use for sharing files, which both Windows and Macs can understand. It is more popular on the Windows PC side of the fence.
- AFP (Apple Filing Protocol): It is only designed for MacOS. Windows do not understand it. But from Mac-to-Mac, it's what makes sharing extremely easy. The problem occurs when you intend to use an AFP disk drive on a Windows PC.
Fortunately, there are many methods to fix such a problem. New mac os x name. One of it is that you can perform 'partition' on your computer's primary hard drive. You can divide the HDD of your Windows PC into different sections with different rules, storage space, and functions.
You can also perform a partition on the main drive of Mac so that part of it works during the file-sharing process. Both Windows and Mac have the essential tools to help in performing partition for your External hard drives. Here we will discuss how to do disk partition on Mac and Windows computers.
Part 2. Formatting an External Hard Disk Drive From a Mac:
To put in simple words, if you want to share the external hard drive between Macintosh and Windows PC, you need to format an external hard drive for the respective system.
Hard drives for Windows PC are formatted with NTFS by default, while hard disks for Mac are formatted with HFS+. However, when we connect an NTFS formatted disk to Mac, Mac OS X doesn't support it and would not allow you to write files to the drive. It also disables the ability to edit the pre-existing data in the drive. MacOS offers the user to read an NTFS drive. Windows OS will similarly ask you to format the HFS+ formatted drive when you connect such a disk to its PC. Creating a partition on the disk is the best option. Follow the step-by-step guide to partition the drive on a Mac.
- Open Disk Utility on your Mac. Select the icon of Disk Utility by searching for it in Search in the upper right-hand corner of the screen.
- Locate and select the hard drive you want to partition.
- Select the Partition option.
- If you intend to format the entire drive, then you can perform the procedure by clicking on Erase.
- Select the Erase Free Space option to format the disk.
- Specify the number of partitions on the external hard drive you want to create by entering the information in the partition column.
- Enter the name and size of each newly formed partition of the drive. Please specify the details to proceed further.
- It is recommended that you set the drive into two parts, one partition dedicated to the Mac and other for the Windows PC.
- Select the format for the Mac portion as MacOS Extended (Journaled).
- Select the Windows part as ExFAT. This format allows the drive to store a large amount of data.
It is recommended that you select the default option of GUID Partition. It is usually optimal with an external hard drive, as long as you don't intend to create a bootable drive out of it to install an operating system.
- Once you are done with all of the methods mentioned above, click on Apply.
- A warning pop-up will appear, click on Partition.
The partition process of your external hard disk drive on the Mac will finish. You will able to check exFAT format by plugging the drive onto a Windows PC nearby.
Part 3. Formatting an External Hard Disk Drive From a Windows PC:
Partitioning is an act of splitting a drive into pieces, and it is important to set at least one partition to store data and a pre-set-up folder.
There are many reasons why one would want to create a partition on their external drive. You should save some of the space for general file storage; data that you might need later, and the other to store backups of your most important files. You also may want an encrypted portion of a drive for private files. You may even want to put your media files like videos in one partition and photos and documents in another to speed up searches.
You can also create a bootable portion of the drive to install a different operating system on computers; you'll need to partition part of a drive for the OS. Formatting and creating a partition on an external hard drive is complicated in the Windows operating system. In this section, we will learn how to format an external HDD from a Windows computer. Mac studio fix foundation shades chart.
- Click on the Start menu to open Windows Disk Management.
- Type diskmgmt.msc in the search bar.
- Click on Create and Format Hard disk partitions.
- Disk Management window will appear.
- Click on Disk 1.
- Format the drive if you haven't already. Formatting the disk is essential before partitioning it.
- Right-click on Disk 1 option.
- Click on Format.
- Click on Initialize Disk.
- A new window will open, asking you to select a partition style for your disk.
- Select the GPT format; it is supported by all the external hard disk drives.
- Click on OK.
- You will notice a drive listed as unallocated.
- Right-click on the unallocated drive and click on New Simple Volume. It will initiate the New Simple Volume Wizard.
- Click on Next.
- Specify the size and name of the Volume.
- Select exFAT as the file system.
- Create this partition in conjunction with the Mac device you want to use the drive on.
- Click on Next.
- Click on Finish.
- Repeat the process and set the file system for the other volume as NTFS, to use the drive in conjunction with the Windows PC.
By following the methods above, creating partitions on the external hard disk will now seem pretty straightforward. You know how to set up the drive on any operating system, and it will take just a little bit of time.
Part 4. How to Recover Data from a Formatted Hard Drive?
The hard drive is a complex piece of storage device, and, commonly, even a slight bit of negligence can lead to loss of essential data. You should not save any new information on the formatted hard drive, or it will be completely overwritten.
- Reasons Why Data get Erased on a Portable Hard Drive:
In this section, we will discuss some of the factors why your data can get deleted. Some of those reasons are mentioned below:
- The Virus can enter the Hard drive when you insert it into some virus infected computer.
- Neglecting any sort warnings after inserting the drive on to the system
- Not properly removing the storage device from the computer.
- Preparations before data recovery:
Before starting the recovery process, you should follow the necessary precautions listed below to avoid any inconvenience:
- You need to Plug your External hard disk drive with the computer.
- Directly Insert the drive in the USB port on your computer.
- Do not remove the external hard disk from the computer, during the recovery scan.
- Maintain the Backup of essential media before the recovery procedure.
You can recover your data by using data recovering software like Recoverit Data Recovery by Wondershare. The tool provides a high recovery rate of 96%. It allows you to connect almost every type of portable devices like the memory card or USB and recovers data from them.
It recovers documents and photos from all type of file formats which includes: Docx, pages, JPEG, PNG, GIF, Avi, MP3, MPEG exFAT, FAT, HFS, NTFS, and much more. Follow our step-by-step guide for the solution to your Data recovery problem.
1. Select the Location of the External Drive:
After launching the Recoverit Mac data recovery software, follow these steps:
- Select the 'External Drive Location' where data was deleted or lost.
- Click the 'Start' button to initiate the process.
2. Scanning for Lost Data:
How To Format A Usb On Mac
- Data scanning will start in Recoverit.
- A scan completion pop up will appear on the screen.
- The scanning time depends a lot on the size of your Hard drive. The larger the file, the longer the time it will take to finish the scan.
3. Recover the Lost Data:
- The recovered files will be sorted by the File Path and File Type on the Recoverit window.
- Select the file you want to view and hit the Preview button
- Click on the 'Recover' button after checking the authenticity of the data.
Part 5. How to Encrypt your External Hard Drive:
In this day and age, data protection is essential. It is necessary to encrypt your portable storage devices to ensure safety. It will prevent individuals to hack into your files. In this section, we will discuss how to protect your drives and folders on both MacOS and Windows PC.
- Encryption on MacOS:
- Press Command + Shift + A to open the Applications folder on your Mac.
- Open Utilities.
- Click on Disk Utility.
- Click on View.
- Click on Show all Devices.
- Select the External Drive that you want to encrypt.
- Click on Erase.
- Choose the GUID Partition Map and Format the drive.
- Choose Mac OS Extended (Journaled, Encrypted) as the encrypted file format. You can also change to a Windows supported format like exFAT.
- Enter and verify a password.
- Click on Choose.
- Click on OK.
- Your drive will be Encrypted.
- Encryption on Windows PC:
Encrypting a file or drive on a Windows PC is simple. Follow the steps below to enable the option:
- Click on This PC.
- Right-Click on the drive that you want to encrypt.
- Click on Turn on BitLocker.
- Check the option ' Use a Password to Unlock the Drive.'
- Enter and verify your password.
- Click on Next.
- Save the password to your Microsoft Account or a USB.
- Click on Next.
- Choose Encrypt Entire Drive.
- Choose New Encryption Mode and click on Next.
- Click on Start Encrypting
Closing Words:
Having to share and edit different files across several platforms can be unavoidable in some situations. That is the case when you need to open an external hard drive on your Mac or Windows PC. This article will help you in dealing with this kind of issue. It is essential to create a back up for your files and save the data before performing the partition and formatting the external disk. You can freely use the method for both the MacOS and Windows OS. If in any case, your data is formatted or lost, then you can quickly recover the formatted disk data by using Recoverit Recovery Software. It guarantees hassle-free data recovery in no time.
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By Nicole Sioni
Most USB flash drive users do not ever think to format their drives. Most do not even realize it is possible to manipulate their file storage in this way. However it is an easy way to make the most out of your data storage experience. You don’t have to be a technological wiz to reformat your USB Drive; you just need your drive and your computer. We’ve provided step by step instructions for both PC and MAC users below!
Why does an average user need to format their USB drive? We cover the subject pretty well in a previous blog here but in short, formatting your USB drive erases data, restores the drive to full capacity, and increases efficiency. Who wouldn’t want that?
In general, most people are going to choose their file system based on capacity and performance. The size and quantity of files you need to transfer or store will help you decide which filing system to choose when you reformat your USB drive. A filing system is a system that organizes data into a specific way so it’s not just one big pile of incomprehensible data. Much like physical storage, individuals have preferences and requirements for storage of important information. A user may tailor their flash drive so that it can work with their needs.
File System Options
Before you begin to format your drive, you should know which file system option you wish to use. Keeping in mind that most users will be looking at storage and performance, we’ve summed up for you the major ones you’ll likely come across:
NTFS
NTFS is not recommended for flash drives, even if you’re working with large data. It’s preferably only used for Windows system drives. This is the default system that recent Windows version utilize. It stands for “New Technology File System.” It has a limited compatibility with other OS besides modern Windows. It’s meant to transport files larger than 4GB. It’s great for working with Operating Systems because of its modern features not found in the FAT group. Typically found with regular sized hard drives. It can be easily restored in case of failure.
FAT
This system is quite old; it was introduced in 1977! It’s no longer the default for Windows. It stands for “File Allocation Table.” You won’t see FAT or FAT32 if your drive is larger than 32GB. Unlike NTFS types, FAT file systems cannot be recovered or restored in case of failure. Technically, all FAT types are referred to as FAT in one big umbrella term. FAT and FAT 32 use less memory and work faster than NTFS.
FAT32
Don’t use this for internal drives; it doesn’t have the components and other safety features you want to do that. Use it instead for a removable drive that requires high compatibility but with small files (less than 4GB each). You won’t see FAT or FAT32 if your drive is larger than 32GB. It used to be the standard before NTFS came along. This is a highly compatible system as it works with all versions of Windows. However, it limits transactions at 4GB so you won’t be able to transfer large files like movies.
exFAT
You should use this format when you need high compatibility with large file sizes. It’s great for flash drives. This file system incorporates FAT32 in a more light weight system that avoids all the messy overhead of NTFS. It manages space better and with less fragmentation that FAT and FAT32. exFAT is often preferred over NTFS. It can read and write files larger than 4GB. Note that exFAT is not backwards compatible with other FAT systems.
Format Usb Drive For Mac Using Windows Pc
This quick guide to file systems is not exhaustive; there are lots more details about each that you might want to compare between. These file systems all have their pros and cons. However, most people won’t need to bother with those details. Instead, let’s focus on how to reformat your USB drive.
Usb Drive Best Buy
Steps to Formatting Your USB Drive
Format Usb Drive For Mac And Pc
Steps for PC/Windows
- Connect USB drive to computer
- Open Computer window (Or This PC, depending on your OS)
- For Windows Vista and 7:
- Click Start
- Click Computer
- Windows 8/8.1:
- Type “Computer” in search area of Start screen
- Click Computer
- Windows 10:
- Type “This PC” in search area of Start screen
- Click on This PC
- For Windows Vista and 7:
- In which ever window you used in step 2, right click the drive icon that shows your USB device
- In the menu, click Format
NOTE: WHEN YOU FORMAT YOUR DEVICE IT WILL WIPE EVERYTHING OFF YOUR DEVICE!
- Under Format Device Name (Drive Letter) window, click File System, and use the drop down arrow to select your preferred filing system
- Click Start
- Click OK on the warning message
- Click OK on the Format Complete message
- Click CLOSE on the Format Device Name (Drive Letter) window
- X out of the Computer or This PC window
Steps for Mac
- Connect your UBS drive to your computer
- Open Disk Utility
- Press Command + Space to open Spotlight search box, then type in “Disk Utility” then enter to launch
- Click to select your USB drive from the left panel
- Click to change to the Erase tab
- In Volume Format selection box, select the file system you want
NOTE: WHEN YOU DO THIS YOU WILL ERASE YOUR DATA ON THE DEVICE
- Confirm you want to Erase
- Close the Disk Utility window
Apple products have several other file systems available in addition to the ones already mentioned that won’t be discussed here.
Data storage technology is developing rapidly all the time and it won’t be long before users can store data in quantities previously unthinkable. When that time comes, you’ll be happy to be able to tailor your USB drive to your data storage needs.