How to Format a Hard Drive For Both Windows and Mac. But other versions of Windows from Windows 7 and up can also format an external drive as exFAT for use with Mac as well. This wikiHow teaches you how to format a Seagate Hard Drive on a Mac computer. You can format a drive using the Disk Utility in Mac. Before formatting any hard drive, it's a good idea to backup any data or files you want to save before formatting. Now your external drive has been formatted to be fully compatible with Apple MacOS, and you can edit, read, and write files to it as you want. How to Partition an External Hard Drive on Mac. If you want to create multiple partitions on your external hard drive (in fact, you should for better file organization), here’s a step-by-step guide.
Aug 31,2019 • Filed to: Solve Mac Problems • Proven solutions
External storage devices make it possible for the users to store large amounts of data. On the other hand there are numerous issues that are associated with the mechanism. Like the internal storage devices the external ones also undergo connectivity and other related problems. On the other hand these issues lead the users formatting the drive.
Free Mac wallpapers and Mac backgrounds for your computer desktop. Find Mac pictures and Mac photos on Desktop Nexus. Desktop backgrounds for mac. Backgrounds; Explore › HD Wallpapers › Desktop › Mac. HD Mac Wallpapers. Choose from a curated selection of Mac wallpapers for your mobile and desktop screens. Always free on Unsplash. Related searches. HD Cool Wallpapers. HD Screen Wallpapers.
In this tutorial the causes of formatting the hard drive on Mac and the related programs will be discussed in detail. Once this tutorial has been gone through the user will get a complete idea that how the issues are to be resolved. The software programs that are to be used to get the work done will also be discussed in great detail.
1Why to Format External Hard Drive for Mac
As it has been discussed there are numerous issues that are associated with the formatting of an external hard drive. This section of the tutorial deals with each and every one of them in great detail. It also allows the users to remain extra cautious so that the issue is never faced in any case. The reasons that are mentioned as under are the ones which will also make a user aware of the issues which are of vital importance. It means that these issues are to be dealt with extreme care. On the other hand they can also be regarded as the causes of the hard drive format of any kind and make:
1. Startup issue
It means that the hard drives that are internal are formatted as the system is not starting up. It also means that the formatting will alleviate these issues completely. The repair disk option is the one which is used in this regard. It again means that drive will be formatted once and for all. The data that is available in this regard is lost forever. This thus makes the user believe that the overall issue is curbed that is related to hard drive.
There are other reasons as well that are related to the startup issues leading to hard drive format. It includes the fact that the hard drive has been attacked by such a virus and malware the elimination of which is not at all possible. Formatting a hard drive ensures that the system has been blanked and there is no issue causes any problem.
The change in configuration also forces a user to format the hard drive to get the work done easily. In short it is the only thing that ensures that he start up issue is resolved completely and without any further destruction.
2. Space issue
The second and the most important reason that leads to hard drive is the fact that it has been filled completely. The data in this regard is back up and the hard drive is formatted. In order to ensure that the user gets the work done without any issue and problem a top notch program for formatting should be used. It is being said as the internal sectors of the hard drive might be having the old data.
A complete and in depth scan will allow us to further ensure that the issue is resolved completely. It will also make a user believe that the work is done in line with the demand which is to store more data into the system without any issue and problem. There are certain reasons that are associated to disk formatting due to space issue. Some of them are as follows:
- It is the easiest way to ensure that the hard drive is back to 100% with respect to space storage.
- It deletes all those files the existence of which sometimes the user also does not know.
- There are some issues that are related to the temporary files and their removal. It means that the user needs to delete those files one by one. In case the issue is severe then the hard drive is to be formatted so that it becomes usable again.
3. Hard drive error
It means that the user needs to ensure that the hard drive is formatted and the issue is resolved completely. The error can be due to anything that the user needs to get fixed. From virus to malware and from spyware to worm it can be any factor that ensures that the user needs to get the issue fixed completely. The next part of the tutorial deals with the fact that how to format an external hard drive completely.
2 How to Format External Hard Drive on Mac
The process that is to be followed in this regard has been mentioned as under. The steps that are mentioned as below are also accompanied by screenshot. These are therefore easy to implement and get the user straightforward in relation to the process implementation. The process that has been mentioned below is the one that is not only preferred but also lets the user get the work done easily and completely.
1. The hard drive is to be connected to the system using a USB cable:
2. The format of the drive is then to be checked to proceed further in this regard:
3. The NTFS formatting is then to be selected to proceed with the system:
Related: Further read and know more complete details on how to write to NTFS drives on Mac.
4. The disk utility is then to be selected within the apps folder:
5. The selection of the erase option is then to be done moving forward:
6. The preferred format is then to be chosen to proceed with the process:
7. The erase button is then to be pressed to proceed forward in this regard:
8. The user can paste item to write the hard drive once again. It also completes the process in full:
Video Tutorial on How to Format an External Hard Drive
3 The Best Mac Hard Drive Data Recovery Software
There are tens of thousands of products that can be used to get the work done easily when it comes to subjected question. It means that the user needs to ensure that the programs or the software mentioned in this part are the ones which will get the work done for the user easily. These are the programs which have GUI interface and therefore the usage is too easy to perform.
1. Recoverit for Mac
It is by far the best product among the 5 that will be mentioned in this part of the tutorial. The overall format support as well as the outcome that is generated is awesome. Recoverit Data Recovery for Mac offers you the easiest way to recover formatted files from external hard drive on Mac. You can download a trial version to have a try. This trial version will scan your mac to recover formatted files from external hard drive.
The user reviews are also positive which shows that the work done by this program is superb. The features of the program are therefore regarded a lot. The overall look of the program also aids the process and therefore it is highly recommended. Downloading and installing the program will bring forth tremendous results which cannot be found elsewhere.
![Format External Drive For Mac Format External Drive For Mac](/uploads/1/3/3/8/133812435/241611115.png)
2. Fireebok data recovery
Another program that will get the work done for the user with ease and satisfaction. Without the use of any extra effort on user’s behalf this program does it all. The user on the other hand needs to make sure that the guide as well as the official site is only used to download the program. Though the program works fine at times but there are certain issues that user has to face. This program freezes at times and therefore it is not recommended to those users that are looking for fast and most effective method to get the work done. There are however some features that should be considered as well.
- The interface of the program is very supportive. It therefore ensures that the overall usage is in line with the demands of the users.
- The user can also use this program to recover data from devices other than hard drive i.e. memory cards as well as USB devices.
3. UFly Data Recovery
With the features that are matchless this program is the one that can solve the subjected issue. It is also one that does the work faster as compared to the ones mentioned. The program saves all the recovered dat to the location that is specified. It also supports cloud technology so that there is no scenario of data loss. The user can also access the data from anywhere in the world with ease and satisfaction. It also leads the users to believe that the program has the features that are not found elsewhere.
The issues that occur while the usage of the program are basically related to other apps. It means that the app conflict is the issue that is to be resolved by the developers. This will make the program stronger in terms of overall usage.
4. Cisdem Data Recovery
Dedicated for Mac this program does all the work easily. It also means that once the program has been installed the user needs to look no further. It is also one of the easiest ways to get the work done. The overall look as well as the features that are embedded within the program it has been made awesome. To get the process easier for the user the official site also has guides for the users. It is so that they get to know the tips and tricks that are related to the program. The overall look of the program is also ISO certified which means that it has been rigorously tested. The developers however didn’t looked after the difficulty level of the program which is a bit high for new users. It simple means that the users need to get some tech knowledge before get going with the program with ease.
@ widedog,OK thanks, please let me know what you think.I'm giving it a go here as well, I have not managed to test on one of my mac users yet as they are out with their laptop, however I have tried it on a windows laptop I have here and it does the Job. https://gigtree281.weebly.com/blog/encryption-software-for-mac.
5. AppleXsoft File Recovery for Mac
With state of the art functions this program gets all the data extracted within no time at all. It is also regarded as one of the best programs by numerous tech websites. Installing and downloading this program means that there is no looking back. The overall processes that are embedded within the program are multithreaded. It means that more than one task can be carried out with this program. It makes it a wonderful choice for all types of the users. The program has some issues however. The first issue is that despite being multithreaded it is too slow. The user needs to wait a while before the data is searched and extracted. The other issue is that is consumes too much system resources and therefore it is not at all recommended. If these issues are addressed then this program will definitely become matchless in all aspects.
Related: Get specific steps on recovering files on Mac.
Note: Recover Lost Mac Data under Mac OS X 10.13 (High Sierra)
Due to macOS High Sierra (macOS 10.13) requirement, Mac users are not allowed an access to the built-in system drive from any apps. Therefore, if you need to restore lost data from the system disk under macOS 10.13, please 'disable System Integrity Protection' first.
How to disable 'System Integrity protection'? Please follow the steps below.
Step 1Reboot the Mac and hold down'Command + R' keys simultaneously after you hear the startup chime, this will boot OS X into Recovery Mode.
Step 2When the 'OS X Utilities' screen appears, pull down the 'Utilities' menu at the top of the screen instead, and choose 'Terminal'.
Step 3In the 'Terminal' window, type in 'csrutil disable' and press 'Enter' then restart your Mac.
What's Wrong with Mac
- Recover Your Mac
- Fix Your Mac
- Delete Your Mac
- Learn Mac Hacks
Updated on January 7th, 2019
This article shows you how to format an external hard drive via different methods, and you can follow these methods to format external hard drive for PC, Mac or Linux.
External hard drive is popular storage device and it can be used to store all kinds of digital information such as images, documents, apps, emails, etc. You can connect external hard drive to computer via USB cable and then transfer data with internal hard drive. Regardless of the brand or model, the first thing you may need to do after purchasing an external hard drive might be partitioning and formatting it.
Formatting external disk can be done via various methods and it can be formatted to a range of file system so that you can use the disk under different operating system platforms. The formatting process removes all data on the partition and thus causes data loss. You should create a backup for important data before formatting if the disk contains significant files.
A brand-new external hard drive is usually partitioned into s single partition with NTFS file system. Still many users would like to format the external hard drives and people do that due to various reasons:
- Format external hard drive to required file system. The brand-new disk you purchase might not be formatted to the file system type you need. To change file system type, formatting should be done.
- To quickly remove content from external hard drive. Quick formatting is able to format a partition within seconds, and all data on the volume will be deleted. This is a good solution to delete data and free up disk space.
- To optimization performance for disk. Formatting can clear data fragmentation quickly and easily.
- Remove virus or malware. Since external hard drive might be used on many computers, it tends to infect virus. Many users would format it to clear virus and avoid more damages.
- To fix file system errors. Sometimes external hard drive may become RAW or reports errors like “The file or directory is corrupted and unreadable”, you can fix these errors by formatting the volume after file recovery.
Step 1: Connect your external hard drive with your computer and open Windows Explorer to check if it can be recognized.
Reformatting External Drive For Mac
Note: if you have stored data to the drive, please back it up before formatting the disk.
Step 2: Right-click on the external hard disk and select “Format” option from context menu.
Step 3: On the formatting window, select Quick Format option, choose file system format, and click Start. Also you can enter a name for the drive under Volume Label.
Step 4: System prompts formatting removes all data and asks confirmation for the action. Click OK and formatting starts.
This method formats external hard drive using Windows built-in utility Disk Management. If your external hard drive does not show up in Windows Explorer, you can follow this instruction to complete the formatting.
Step 1: Access Windows 10 Disk Management by right-clicking Start menu and selecting “Disk Management” item from the list.
Step 2: Locate the external hard drive in Disk Management and check its status.
If there is not partition on the disk or the disk is marked with Not Initialized, you cannot format it directly.
The next step assumes the external hard drive is full of unallocated space and shows how to format it.
Step 3: Right-click on unallocated disk space and select New Simple Volume from the context menu.
However, if you feel your mouse has a problem, we recommend trying the mouse on another computer to make sure the problem is with the mouse and not something in the computer system. If you have narrowed the problem down to the mouse itself, there really isn’t a cost-effective repair center that can help you.You can clean the mouse sensor using Tip-Q coated with light alcohol and then let the sensor dry for five (5) minutes before trying to use it. Razer synapse for mac.
Step 4: You can see the “Welcome to the New Simple Volume Wizard” now. Click Next button to proceed.
Step 5: The wizard will ask you to select set partition size, drive letter, file system, format method, etc. step by step. You can follow suggested option to complete the process.
Want to use external hard drive under both Windows PC and Mac? In this case, you should consider the hurdle that these operating systems support different filesystems. The default file system in Windows is NTFS, while Mac OS users HFS. The filesystem that is compatible with Windows and Mac is exFAT and FAT32.
exFAT VS FAT32, which one should be chosen for Max and PC? It is recommended to use exFAT by many experts, because FAT32 has a maximum 4GB file size limit and exFAT does not has such limitation, and exFAT also performs better than FAT32. FAT32 is also a good choice if you do not store files whose single size does not exceed 4GB.
FAT32 and exFAT file system is supported by Windows though, they are originally designed for removable storage devices like USB flash drive, SD card. When you try to format an external hard drive which has very large capacity in Windows, FAT32 or exFAT may not be available. Also, some users may encounter error “The volume is too big for FAT32”. In this section, we’ll use a free Windows partition manager to complete the formatting task.
Eassos PartitionGuru is free Windows partition manager and it supports various file systems such as FAT32, NTFS, exFAT, Ext2, Ext3, Ext4, etc. and the formatting process is very simple.
Step 1: Install and launch Eassos PartitionGuru from your computer and find the external disk you want to format.
Step 2: Right-click on the partition to be formatted and select “Format Current Partition” option from context menu.
Step 3: Select Filesystem type from the drop-down list and click Format button.
Step 4: Click Yes https://gigtree281.weebly.com/adblock-for-mac.html. button when Eassos PartitionGuru asks confirmation for the operation.
Download Mozilla Firefox for Mac, a free Web browser. Firefox is created by a global non-profit dedicated to putting individuals in control online. Get Firefox for Mac today! https://gigtree281.weebly.com/firefox-for-mac.html.
This part of this guide applies to format external or portable hard drive to Ext2, Ext3 or Ext4 file system under Windows 10/8/7, so that the drive can be used under Linux.
Step 1: Connect the portable drive to computer and launch Eassos PartitionGuru. Then you can see the drive is displayed in the software.
Step 2: Select the partition you want to format to Linux file system, and click “Format” button from toolbar.
Step 3: The Format window pops up and you can select Linux filesystem from Ext4, Ext3 and Ext3 from drop-down list. Then click Format button.
Best External Hard Drives For Mac
Step 4: Click Yes button to continue and formatting will be completed within a couple of seconds.