


Launch Disk Utility, found within /Applications/Utilities/.This works with any hard drive, flash drive, SSD, USB drive, or just about any other storage type that is accepted by both a Mac and Windows machine, and the entire process is performed in Mac OS X: How to Format a Drive for Mac & Windows PC Compatibility Let’s quickly review how to format any drive for Mac and Windows PC compatibility with read and write support. Remember, formatting a drive erases all data contained on it so back up important files before proceeding. It only takes a few minutes to start and it’s extremely easy, and we’ll walk you through the entire process of formatting drives for Mac and PC compatibility in a few simple steps. If you've got any questions about working with NTFS drives on your Mac, let us know in the comments.Though this excellent cross-platform compatible ability is unknown to many users, it’s not a complex process, and if you frequently use both a Mac and Windows PC you will find this particularly useful because any data, media, or files stored on the the drive will always be accessible from any operating system. This method can't really be recommended, but it is possible. The problem is that installing NTFS-3G is a major security risk by the project's own admission, as the mount tool runs with root permissions, leaving your system exposed to possible attack. You'll also need to install NTFS-3G, which allows you to manually mount and write to NTFS drives. Fuse for macOS, for instance, requires that you use the Terminal. While Paragon and Tuxera provide paid tools that integrate themselves with your Mac and do all of the necessary setup during the installation process, there are free tools that you can install, but they take some work. Tuxera NTFS is available from Tuxera for $31 after a 15-day free trial.

Tuxera also includes support for NTFS extended attributes and works with virtualization software like Parallels and VMware Fusion. It also features failsafe technology designed to protect against unexpected power loss or an unexpected unplugging of your drive, both of which could cause data loss or even damage the drive. Tuxera NTFS uses smart caching technology to speed up transfers, maintaining a sustained speed as files are moved between your external drive and your Mac. Like Microsoft NTFS, Tuxera's app lets you edit, copy, and delete files on NTFS drive on your Mac.
