Mac OS Extended: The file system used by macOS 10.12 or earlier. MS-DOS (FAT) and ExFAT: File systems that are compatible with Windows. Open Disk Utility for me.Mac OS X: Windows: Linux/Unix: Older releases are available and the Git source.It is not supported by many applications.FAT is a file system developed by Microsoft that is also supported by Linux and macOS. The maximum data size is limited to 4 GB in the latest version FAT32. In theory, data capacity of up to 2 TB is possible, but Microsoft has limited the partition size in newer systems to 32 GB in order to promote the modern NFTS format.ExFAT is a further development of FAT that in principle offers unattainable storage and data capacity. However, the file system is not supported by many older systems. The file system column on the Storage sidebar displays the current file format. It is advised not to change the built-in APFS-format into Mac OS Extended under any situation.Want to format an external hard drive for Mac and Windows PC This post will show specific methods to make external hard drive compatible with Mac and PC.HFS+ or Mac OS Extended (case-sensitive and journaled)File system formats available in Disk Utility on Mac.
Best File System Format For Windows And Compatiblility Mac OS ExtendedIn other words, you can access the drive and transfer data without any hassles.That file system is — exFAT. What do I mean?If your disk was initially formatted to NTFS on a PC (or HFS+ on a Mac), most likely you’ll suffer limitations, for example, the data on your drive can’t be read or written on one of your computers.Fortunately, there is a file system (actually two, I’ll explain) that you can format your flash drive to be fully compatible with Mac and PC. By default, Macs are with HFS+ (since 2017 there’s new Apple File System, APFS, optimized for flash storage), while PCs are with NTFS.If you have a USB drive, and you plan to use it on both a Mac and PC, things can get a bit tricky here. MacOS).One main difference is the file system. Make sure your device can be detected and recognized. How to know what current file system your flash drive is with, and how to format it to exFAT?Read on for step by step instructions… How to Check a USB Drive’s File System?First of all, plug your flash drive into the USB port on your computer. This is because an NTFS-based drive can be read by macOS but you can’t write data to the drive.Now that you’ve learned exFAT is the ideal file system to go. How to Check a USB Drive’s File System?As you can see, exFAT is the only file system that works with all versions of Windows and macOS and does not have any max file-size or partition-size limits.Therefore, it’s perfect for a USB flash drive or external disk, especially when you need to save files more than 4GB in size.You should go ahead and format your storage drive with exFAT instead of FAT32, assuming that all devices you want to use the drive support exFAT.You may notice that in NTFS is marked “Partially” under the Compatible with macOS column. See the table below for more info. Best podcast app for mac os xRead this USB drive data recovery guide for more information.Also, since I don’t know whether you are on a PC or Mac to perform this operation, I’m here to break down this guide into two parts.The first part is for Mac users, and the second part is for PC users (Windows 10 based). Because the process of reformatting a disk drive will very likely erase all content and make recovery impossible. Note: since I’ve formatted my Lexar drive on my Mac, now it shows exFAT.Important: make sure you have at least one backup of all the data stored on the device before you proceed. That means my Lexar disk is currently with the FAT32 file system.Go to This PC, under “Devices and drives,” highlight the disk that represents your USB flash drive, right-click and select Properties.In the new Properties window, check General > File system and you’ll see what type of file system your flash drive is currently with. If you are on a Mac…Once the Lexar disk shows up on the desktop, right-click on the drive icon and select “Get Info.”Alternatively (in case the disk does not show up on your desktop), open Finder, on the sidebar menu locate your USB drive under Devices, right-click and select “Get Info.”In the new dialogue, pay attention to General > Format, where it says “MS-DOS (FAT32)”. How to install ios emulator on macIn my case, I can see it’s a 32GB volume in MS-DOS(FAT) file system.Step 3: Now click the Erase button at the top. Note: right below your device name, it also shows information about the drive e.g. The quickest way is to search on Spotlight and click the result under “TOP HIT.”Alternatively, you can access it via Finder > Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility.Step 2: Under the External tab, highlight your flash drive. Once again, make sure you’ve backed up all important data stored in the drive. The only thing you have to check is under “File system,” make sure you have chosen “exFAT.”You may also rename the device drive under “Volume label.” Then click the “Start” button to continue.Step 3: You’ll see this warning. For example, in Windows XP “My Computer” is equivalent to “This PC’ on Windows 10.Step 1: Locate your USB stick under This PC, right-click on it and select the Format option.Step 2: A new window pops up prompting options you need to select before starting. The screenshots may look slightly different. If you are on an earlier operating system like Windows 7, XP, etc. And yes … it’s now with the exFAT file system.Please note: I’m here to use a Windows 10 based HP laptop to format my Lexar drive.
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