How to format internal and/or external drive to work properly on Mac and Windows computers?
Format a drive using Disk Utility on a Mac Launch Disk Utility (Applications Utilities). Select your external hard drive or USB flash drive from the list on the left. Click on the Erase tab. Select the format – Mac OS Extended (HFS+), MS-DOS (FAT32), or exFAT – then name the drive. Well, you can format the drive and make it as excellent cross-platform compatible to work with both Windows and Mac. This is not a difficult task at all. And if you are going to use Mac and Windows PC frequently, you will find this as very useful as any data, files, media files stored on the drive can be easily accessible from any operating system. The best ways to format an external drive for Windows and Mac. Compare the different options for formatting an external hard drive to work with Windows and Mac. And, no: the answer isn't always FAT32.
External data storage devices such as USB flash drives, external Hard Disk Drives (HDDs), and Solid State Drives (SSDs) provide one of the easiest ways to transfer files between separate computers without accessing the Internet. This option is often used when attempting to move very large files. The method is also chosen by people who work with media data that imposes various limitations and automatic optimizations when transferring via Internet. Despite the advantages of using external data storage to transfer content, some experienced users encounter problems caused by the difference between operating systems. This article addresses these issues.
A common issue discussed by users within various technical support forums is that of USB flash drives not working on their computers. This is a cross-platform problem that Windows and macOS users often experience. For example, a photographer may provide you with a USB flash drive with stored photos and videos from your birthday party, but you cannot access them on your system. This is the result of differences between operating systems on computers. Windows and macOS use separate file system formats. PCs with Windows operating systems use New Technology File System (NTFS) while Macs with macOS operating systems use Hierarchical File System (HFS+). By default, USB flash drives and external storage are formatted with the NTFS file system - this works flawlessly on PCs, while Mac computers are able to read data in the format, but struggle to write using this type of storage. Fortunately, there is a simple solution: format your external storage with the File Allocation Table (FAT32) or Extended File Allocation Table (exFAT) file system. In this article, we describe the differences between these two file systems and how to format external storage using a Mac computer.
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Format Factory Win 10 Which file system to choose - FAT32 or exFAT?As mentioned above, both file systems are compatible with Windows or macOS/OS X operating systems. Naturally, the question is: which should you choose? To make the choice easier, we describe both file systems and their features below.
Starting with FAT32 [on a Mac, known as MS-DOS (FAT)], this file system is fully compatible with all versions of Windows and Mac operating systems. Therefore, even the oldest versions of operating systems such as Windows XP SP1 and OS x 10.5 Leopard are compatible. As well as computers, the FAT32 file system is supported by PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and most cameras. This particular file system does contain file size restrictions. For example, the maximum size of supported files is 4GB (you cannot write files larger than 4GB). Also, you cannot create a startup drive for Mac computers within storage media that uses the FAT32 file system. If, however, you are not planning to use external storage to transfer large files or create any executable partitions (such as a Mac startup drive) the FAT32 file system might be an option, since this format is supported in all versions of the operating system.
exFAT is a newer file system format and has the biggest advantage when compared with FAT32: there are no restrictions on file or partition sizes stored. Therefore, you can write a file of, for example, 1TB size and create partitions of 5TB within the device. Despite this improvement of available data size, some older versions of operating systems are no longer compatible with this file system format. The oldest versions of operating systems compatible with exFAT are listed below:
- Mac OS X Snow Leopard 10.6.5 or later
- OS X Lion
- Windows XP SP2 or later (with an additional update for exFAT support)
- Windows Vista SP1 or later
- Windows 7
Unfortunately, as well as some old versions of operating systems, the exFAT file system format is not supported by various cameras, video games consoles, and other devices able to read and/or write to external storage. If you will be using a USB flash drive or external storage device with any of these, the required format is FAT32. Otherwise, if the device is to be used only with computers with modern versions of operating systems, the recommended format is exFAT.
Format the drive with Mac computerFirstly, 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. Even if the Mac is unable to mount the storage, following this method will enable you to format the storage. Begin by connecting the storage device to your Mac, and then launch Disk Utility using Spotlight. Simply use the keyboard shortcut of Command and Spacebar, type Disk Utility, and then press return. Alternatively, open Finder and go to Applications, open Utilities, and then launch Disk Utility. Select the drive you wish to format from the list in the left sidebar of the Disk Utility window.
Then click the Erase button at the top of the window, in the new pop-up window, and type the name of drive. Then click the drop-down menu beside Format and select MS-DOS (FAT) - the FAT32 file format - or exFAT. These formats are described above.
If you are not planning to use this drive as the Windows startup disk or use it with the oldest version of the operating system, do not change the Scheme. Select Master Boot Record.
Finally, when all preferences are set, click the Erase button. The formatting process duration depends on size and type of the drive. A hard disk drive will take longer to format than a flash drive. NOTE: formatting will erase all existing data on the drive.
Video Showing how to format drive for Mac and Windows computersApr 16,2020 • Filed to: Hard Drive Recovery • Proven solutions
SSD stands for Solid State Disk/Solid State Drive uses flash memory to store data. The reading speed of it is faster as compared to a mechanical hard drive. That’s why most of us prefer using SSD to save important data and applications.
Most importantly, you can boost load times on your Windows 10 PC or MacBook by simply adding an SSD to your system. But, the drive is useless unless you format it correctly to the file system supported by Windows or Mac OS. So, if you’ve bought a new SSD, then you need to format it to use it so you can read or write data on it. Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place. Here, we are going to help you learn how to perform SSD format for Windows 10 and MacBook Pro. Continue reading, especially if you cannot format SSD as it might be possible that you’re doing it in the wrong way.
Part 1: What is the Best Format for SSD?The standard file systems introduced by Microsoft for Windows OS are NTFS and FAT. On the other hand, the Mac OS Extension and APFS are dedicated to Mac OS.
Let’s know the best format for SSD to use.
- For Windows OS
- For Mac OS
NTFS is commonly used on the computer. When it comes to the best format for SSD in Windows, NTFS is highly recommended to use. Drive with a FAT file system can’t store a single file having a size above 4GB. Moreover, the FAT file system fails to save a file as a complete one when you write any new data after the deletion of the file. There is no such thing with the NTFS file system.
The MAC OS Extension file system is introduced in the MAC OS 10.12 or earlier versions. The default file system on Mac OS for SSDs is the APFS. So, the recommended file system to use is APFS as it comes with several benefits - strong encryption, disk snapshots, and space sharing. Most importantly, it provides full support for SSD on MacBook Pro.
So, it is highly recommended to select the compatible format that your system lists. If the in-built drive is set up NTFS file system in Windows or APFS on MacBook Pro, then don’t change it.
Free online casino games real money. Once learning the right format to use for SSD on your system, the next step is to learn how to format SSD. Formatting will delete everything present on your drive. Therefore, if you have stored important files on your SSD, then it is recommended to backup them before proceeding further.
Part 2: How Do I Format SSD in Windows 10?You can take advantage of Windows in-built hard disk or drive tool known as Disk Management in order to format your SSD on Windows 10. Disk Management is Windows utility introduced by Microsoft in Windows XP as a replacement for the extremely old partition tool known as FDISK command. With Disk Management, you can perform simple partition and disk operations, for instance, create partition, format partition, delete partition, shrink or extend partition or change drive letter.
Using Disk Management to format new SSD is very easy and simple as you don’t have to use any third-party application to get the job done. Follow the below simple guide to learn how to use Disk Management for formatting the SSD on Windows 10-
Step 1 To start with the process, right-click on the Windows Start button and choose “Disk Management” to navigate to the interface of the disk management. Else, simply type “diskmgmt.msc” in the Run dialog box to open Disk Management.
Step 2 After that, right-click on the partition on your SSD you would like to format and select the “Format” option as shown below in the figure.
Step 3 Next, you need to specify the file system i.e. NTFS, allocation unit size and volume label and hit the “Ok” button after all these settings.
Note: Make sure that you have checked the box next to the “Quick Format” before you format an SSD. If you format it with unchecked, then your system will perform a full format that can reduce the lifespan of your SSD.
Step 4 Once ensuring there is no important file in the partition and hit on the “Ok” button to continue.
In a while, your selected SSD partition will be formatted. Everything will be erased on the drive so to make the drive reusable.
Part 3: How Do I Format a New SSD in My MacBook Pro?You can use Disk Utility to format a new SSD drive on your MacBook Pro. Like Disk Management in Windows, Disk Utility is a system utility you can use to perform disk or disk volume-related operations on the Mac operating systems.
Let’s learn how to format SSD using Disk Utility -
Step 1 On your MacBook Pro, click “Go” Menu in the “Finder. After that, choose the “Utilities” to open the Utility folder. Here, open the Disk Utility.
Step 2 Then, choose the new drive from the left panel and click on the “Partition” tab from the right pane. Next, choose “one partition” from the “Partition Layout” drop-down menu.
Step 3 Choose “GUID Partition Table” when a window pops-up and hit on the “Ok” button.
Step 4 Now, enter the partition name and select the file system from the drop-down list of “Format”. The list will generally show the compatible file system.
Step 5 Finally, click on “Partition” to begin with the partitioning & formatting the new SSD.
Part 4: How to Recover Data from Formatted SSD?When you format your SSD, all the data including videos, emails, photos, etc on it gets deleted. That’s why you should create a backup of the drive before formatting it. But, what if you forget to create a backup and end up losing your important files after formatting SSD? Then, Recoverit (IS) can help you recover data from SSD after format.
iSkysoft is the most professional and reliable data recovery software available on the internet. The interface is clean and simple, which makes it extremely easy to use. It features advanced and powerful scanning algorithms to help you locate and recover the lost files.
Recoverit (IS)Here are its main features -
- Supported file types - it can help you recover any type of file, which includes photos, videos, documents, emails, graphics.
- Supported storage device - you can use it to get back data from any kind of storage device, such as SSD, hard drive, memory card, digital camera, pen drive, etc.
- Works under different scenarios - it can help you recover files due to accidental deletion, system crash, device formatting, virus attack, sudden power failure, etc.
- Compatibility - it provides the support to recover data on both Windows and Mac OS.
- Easy and quick recovery - you can easily recover your lost files in no time.
To learn how to get back data from formatted SSD, get Recoverit (IS) from its official site on your system and follow the below steps.
Free online casino games real money. Once learning the right format to use for SSD on your system, the next step is to learn how to format SSD. Formatting will delete everything present on your drive. Therefore, if you have stored important files on your SSD, then it is recommended to backup them before proceeding further.
Part 2: How Do I Format SSD in Windows 10?You can take advantage of Windows in-built hard disk or drive tool known as Disk Management in order to format your SSD on Windows 10. Disk Management is Windows utility introduced by Microsoft in Windows XP as a replacement for the extremely old partition tool known as FDISK command. With Disk Management, you can perform simple partition and disk operations, for instance, create partition, format partition, delete partition, shrink or extend partition or change drive letter.
Using Disk Management to format new SSD is very easy and simple as you don’t have to use any third-party application to get the job done. Follow the below simple guide to learn how to use Disk Management for formatting the SSD on Windows 10-
Step 1 To start with the process, right-click on the Windows Start button and choose “Disk Management” to navigate to the interface of the disk management. Else, simply type “diskmgmt.msc” in the Run dialog box to open Disk Management.
Step 2 After that, right-click on the partition on your SSD you would like to format and select the “Format” option as shown below in the figure.
Step 3 Next, you need to specify the file system i.e. NTFS, allocation unit size and volume label and hit the “Ok” button after all these settings.
Note: Make sure that you have checked the box next to the “Quick Format” before you format an SSD. If you format it with unchecked, then your system will perform a full format that can reduce the lifespan of your SSD.
Step 4 Once ensuring there is no important file in the partition and hit on the “Ok” button to continue.
In a while, your selected SSD partition will be formatted. Everything will be erased on the drive so to make the drive reusable.
Part 3: How Do I Format a New SSD in My MacBook Pro?You can use Disk Utility to format a new SSD drive on your MacBook Pro. Like Disk Management in Windows, Disk Utility is a system utility you can use to perform disk or disk volume-related operations on the Mac operating systems.
Let’s learn how to format SSD using Disk Utility -
Step 1 On your MacBook Pro, click “Go” Menu in the “Finder. After that, choose the “Utilities” to open the Utility folder. Here, open the Disk Utility.
Step 2 Then, choose the new drive from the left panel and click on the “Partition” tab from the right pane. Next, choose “one partition” from the “Partition Layout” drop-down menu.
Step 3 Choose “GUID Partition Table” when a window pops-up and hit on the “Ok” button.
Step 4 Now, enter the partition name and select the file system from the drop-down list of “Format”. The list will generally show the compatible file system.
Step 5 Finally, click on “Partition” to begin with the partitioning & formatting the new SSD.
Part 4: How to Recover Data from Formatted SSD?When you format your SSD, all the data including videos, emails, photos, etc on it gets deleted. That’s why you should create a backup of the drive before formatting it. But, what if you forget to create a backup and end up losing your important files after formatting SSD? Then, Recoverit (IS) can help you recover data from SSD after format.
iSkysoft is the most professional and reliable data recovery software available on the internet. The interface is clean and simple, which makes it extremely easy to use. It features advanced and powerful scanning algorithms to help you locate and recover the lost files.
Recoverit (IS)Here are its main features -
- Supported file types - it can help you recover any type of file, which includes photos, videos, documents, emails, graphics.
- Supported storage device - you can use it to get back data from any kind of storage device, such as SSD, hard drive, memory card, digital camera, pen drive, etc.
- Works under different scenarios - it can help you recover files due to accidental deletion, system crash, device formatting, virus attack, sudden power failure, etc.
- Compatibility - it provides the support to recover data on both Windows and Mac OS.
- Easy and quick recovery - you can easily recover your lost files in no time.
To learn how to get back data from formatted SSD, get Recoverit (IS) from its official site on your system and follow the below steps.
Mac And Windows Compatible Format Usb Step 1 Select a locationAfter installing the Recoverit (IS) on your system, run it and select a target location or drive from where you want to get back your lost files. Then, click on the “Start” button to start the scan process on the selected location. https://downtfiles376.weebly.com/rhinoceros-6-19-19298-for-mac-free-download.html.
Step 2 Scan the locationNow, the software will initiate the scan process to look for the lost files in your chosen location. You can also define selections or choose filters for customization. Here, you may have to wait for a few minutes to complete the process.
Step 3 Preview and recover filesOnce the scan completes, you can preview the files you can recover and select the ones you would like to retrieve. Finally, hit the “Recover” button to get them back on your system.
When you’re saving the recoverable files, don’t save to the same location from where you lost. Consider another location to avoid data overwritten. Also, if you want to increase the chances of getting the data from your formatted SSD, stop using the drive as soon as you determine files are lost.
Mac And Windows Compatible Formatting Conclusion:That’s all on how to format SSD in Windows 10/MacBook Pro. Generally, formatting results in data loss. So, if you find a lost data after formatting and don’t have a backup, then use professional SSD data recovery software like iSkysoft as fast as you can to perform SSD data recovery.
