How to Format a Drive as NTFS on Mac: A Step-by-Step Guide

When it comes to sharing files between a Mac and a Windows 10 PC, you may find yourself in a peculiar pickle. While the NTFS system used by Windows 10 supports large files, this format can't be read natively by MacOS. On the other hand, the Extended (HFS+) format optimized for MacOS has its own limitations when it comes to transferring files between platforms.

In this guide, we'll explore how to format a drive as NTFS on Mac, allowing you to share larger files between your devices. Before we dive in, it's essential to understand the file size limitations of each format. The Extended (HFS+) format used by MacOS has a file size limit of 4GB, while the NTFS system used by Windows 10 supports much larger files.

To start, you'll need an external drive that can be formatted as NTFS on Mac. Make sure your drive is connected to your Mac and select it in the Finder. Right-click on the drive and select 'Get Info.' Click on the 'Sharing & Permissions' tab and authenticate with your administrator password if prompted.

Next, click on the 'Erase' button at the top of the window. In the erase confirmation dialog box, select 'Quick Erase' or 'Security Erase' depending on your preference. Click 'OK' to begin the erase process.

Once the drive is erased, you can proceed with formatting it as NTFS. To do this, open the Disk Utility app and select the external drive from the list of available disks on the left-hand side of the window. Click on the 'Erase' button at the top of the window and select 'MS-DOS (FAT)' or 'NTFS' from the format dropdown menu.

Click on the 'Security Options' button and select 'None' if you want to format the drive without password protection. Click 'OK' to begin the formatting process.

Wait for the formatting process to complete, which may take several minutes depending on the size of your drive. Once the drive is formatted as NTFS, it will be visible in both MacOS and Windows 10, allowing you to share files between platforms with ease.

Keep in mind that while this method allows you to format a drive as NTFS on Mac, it's essential to remember that not all files can be shared seamlessly between the two platforms. For instance, if you're transferring 4K videos or other large files between your devices, you may encounter issues due to the file size limitations of each format.

In conclusion, formatting a drive as NTFS on Mac is a relatively simple process that allows you to share larger files between your devices. By following these steps, you can overcome the file size limitations of each platform and enjoy seamless sharing between MacOS and Windows 10.

How to format drive to ntfs on mac