1. Besides, you can format an external hard drive for Mac and Windows by converting HFS+ to FAT32 or exFAT without losing any data. Step 1: Backup Data in HFS+ Partition on Mac. Just transfer all useful files out from the external hard drive to other devices on Mac. Of course, if you have a backup already, ignore this step.
2. Format external hard drive with Windows built-in tool. Connect your external hard drive to your Windows 10 PC. Open the Disk Management tool by right-clicking This PC- Manage- Disk Management. In the Disk Management, you’ll see your external hard drive as partition or unallocated space. Choose the external hard drive’s partition or the unallocated space you want to format, select New Simple Volume.
3. Oct 18, 2019  How to Format an External Hard Drive - On Mac Plug your hard drive into your computer. Open the Finder. Click Utilities. Double-click Disk Utility. Click your external hard drive's name. Click the Erase tab. Click the 'Format' drop-down box. Select a format. Click Erase, then.
4. Nov 20, 2017  If you read my previous post about how to format an external hard drive, you know that I bought a 2TB Seagate Expansion external drive and managed to create two partitions on the disk — one for Mac backup purposes, and the other for personal use. In this article, I’m going to show you how to backup your Mac data to an external drive.You should backup your Mac on a regular basis.

1. Format External Hard Drive For Mac And Pc Windows 10
2. Format An External Hard Drive For Mac And Pc

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Sometimes, you just need a little more space. Or maybe you want something that can store information and be easy to travel with. Not everyone wants to lug around their desktop, and a laptop may not always have enough space for the amount of information you need to store.

In those instances, an external hard drive can be the ideal choice. However, if you choose this option, you’ll need to know how to format the external hard drive. Here, we’re providing a guide on the formats you can use, and how to get your hard drive formatted to fit your needs exactly.

What is an External Hard Drive?

Many people who use computers or other devices are aware that there is a hard drive somewhere within their device. Some may recognize that they can store things there. However, for most, that is the extent of the knowledge.

An external hard drive is only different in that it’s located outside of your computer. Because of this, it can be more portable than internal options. That makes it a great choice when you need some extra space and want to be able to share the data between multiple devices.

Formatting may take few hours to wipe out the existing data, but the process can be hassle-free if you get to know about stepwise instructions of how to format an external hard drive. Low level formatting is the first process of wiping out data and existing files in the hard disk devices and at the high level, a new file system is generated. Mar 22, 2012  Option 1: Format to NTFS, and use NTFS-3G to read/write on Mac. If you keep your hard drive's out-of-the-box NTFS format for all the reasons FAT32 displeases, there's a workaround that will allow your Mac to read and write files to the drive. NTFS-3G is an open-source program that.

There are a number of things an external hard drive can be used for. For example, it can work well as a backup location for important files. Furthermore, it’s a nice place to store media on when you want to enjoy it from somewhere other than your computer.

Considering the File Format Options

There are a few different formatting options that you can choose from. Each will have a unique purpose, so consider them carefully.

These are some of the more popular options:

APFS

This is the default option for Mac OS devices that are newer. Newer devices use a program known as High Sierra and programs that don’t run that program will not be able to read or write on the hard drive. That said, it’s known to be a reliable choice.

Format External Hard Drive For Mac And Pc Windows 10

MacOS Extended

Prior to High Sierra and APFS, this is the option used by Mac devices. While it’s an older choice, it is one that can be encrypted.

MS-DOS FAT

This is the ideal option for those who want to share. It’s able to work with Linux and Windows as well as Mac.

Ex FAT

What sets this choice apart is the ability to store files that are larger than 4gb. It can also work with both Windows and Mac.

NTFS

This is typically the option used by Windows. Mac devices will be able to read what is on the hard drive, but they won’t be able to write to it.

How to Format the External Hard Drive

If you’re new to formatting external hard drives, this may seem like a complicated process. However, once you get the hang of it, you’ll know exactly what you need to do, meaning you’ll get through it more quickly in the future.

Step One

To begin with, you’ll need to go to “Start,” and then look for your applications. Within your applications, you’ll need to find your “Utilities.” From there, click on “Disk Utility.”

Step Two

Now, you’ll need to choose the drive that you want to get formatted. Then, click on “Erase.”

Step Three

Generally, the program will choose a new format for you. This is typically based on whatever the default is for your computer. If that isn’t the option you want, then you should be able to change it through the “Formatting Options” choice.

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Step Four

Now, name your drive. You may want the name to be something that represents what you’ll be storing on it. However, this is totally up to you.

Step Five

You’ll also be able to choose whether you want to favor speed or security in your formatting by selecting the Security Options. Each of these options will have different benefits and downfalls, so make sure to choose carefully. You may also be able to choose something in between the two ends of the spectrum.

How to turn off notifications on mac for imessage. Security should be a priority in most situations, as it keeps others from being able to just get into your external hard drive at any time.

Once you’ve made your choice, press “Erase” and allow the computer to handle formatting the hard drive as instructed.

When the formatting is finished, you can begin copying files to it that you want to store.

What if You Want More Versatility?

Think about what devices you want to be able to share your external hard drive information with. If you want the highest level of versatility, then make sure to format your hard drive using the MS-DOS FAT option. If you’re only concerned about PC and Mac, then using the Ex FAT option will be all that you need to get the results you’re looking for.

What to Keep in Mind

Format An External Hard Drive For Mac And Pc

When you’re using an external hard drive, there are a number of things to keep in mind. When using such a device correctly, it can prove to be a huge help. Otherwise, you may find that you run into annoyances and problems somewhat frequently.

Here are some tips that you’ll want to keep in mind for these handy tools:

• Make sure to choose the formatting option that suits your needs the most. Don’t use an option that only works for something like High Sierra when you want to be able to share it with devices that use Windows or Linux
• Whenever you are done using the external hard drive, make sure to safe eject
• If you’re having problems, make sure to check that hard drives and external disks are both verified in your preferences
• Always ensure that plug-ins are tight and secure
• You can get more power for your external hard drive when you plug the device into an outlet directly rather than just letting it feed off of your computer’s power. This can allow things to work more efficiently.

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