A Windows Program To Format A Hard Drive For A Mac
- Program To Format A Hard Drive
- Format Mac Hard Drive On Windows 10
- Best Program To Format A Hard Drive
- Format A Drive On Mac
- How to Format a Hard Drive on Mac to Work on Mac and PC. In this Article: Opening Disk Utility Selecting the ExFAT Format Formatting the Disk Community Q&A You can format an external hard drive or thumb drive to work seamlessly with both Mac and Windows by using the ExFAT file system.
- To format an external drive on a Mac: Open Finder and go to /Applications/Utilities and double-click on Disk Utility. Select your drive in the left-hand sidebar and go to the Erase tab.
Whether you're selling your computer, trying a new operating system, or setting up an external drive for backups, sometimes you need to completely erase and format a hard drive. Here are the basic steps involved.
To format an external storage device, connect it to one of the ports on your Mac. Turn the drive on, and make sure it appears in the Finder. If the drive is internal, it should already show up in.
Try a New Operating System This Weekend
We write about a variety of platforms here at Lifehacker, and even if you're perfectly happy…
Read more ReadAdvertisement
File Systems Explained
Advertisement
When you first set up a hard drive for use with a computer, you have to format it using a file system. Different operating systems (like Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux) use different file systems to organize and store data, so you need to use the file system most applicable for your needs. Here are a few of the more popular file systems you'll see:
- NTFS: This is Windows' default file system. Windows can read and write to NTFS-formatted drives. OS X and Linux can only read NTFS-formatted drives, but not write to them—unless you have a third-party driver like NTFS-3G installed.
- FAT32: FAT32 is an older file system. You can't install newer versions of Windows on a FAT32 system, but it can be handy for external drives since it can be read and written to by Windows, OS X, and Linux. However, it has one major downside: You can only store files 4GB or smaller on a FAT32 drive, which means it isn't ideal for large files like movies.
- ExFAT: ExFAT is less commonly used, but is similar to FAT32 without the downsides. Both Windows and OS X can read and write ExFAT-formatted drives, and it can store files over 4GB. This makes it ideal for flash drives.
- HFS Plus: Also known as Mac OS Extended, this is OS X's default file system. OS X can read and write to it. If you're running Windows on your Mac with Boot Camp, you can read HFS Plus drives, but not write to them. A third party tool like Paragon HFS+ will allow any Windows system to read and write to HFS Plus drives.
Advertisement
These are just a few examples of popular file systems, and the only ones you'll really encounter as a Windows or Mac user. Which one you use depends on the drive and what you're using it for. For example, if you have an external drive you only use with Windows computers, you'll want to format it as NTFS. If you have a drive you're using with Windows PCs and Macs, ExFAT is probably the best option.
Program To Format A Hard Drive
Note that when you format a hard drive, it erases all the content on your drive, so make sure you choose the right file system before you copy your data. In some cases, it's possible to convert your drive without losing files—like converting a hard drive from FAT32 to NTFS—but under most circumstances, the only way to change your file system is to erase the drive and format it from scratch.
Advertisement
How to Convert a Hard Drive from FAT32 to NTFS
Windows: If you use external drives or flash drives often, you've probably reformatted between …
Read more ReadHow to Format an External Drive or Flash Drive
So you've just bought a new external drive or flash drive, and you need to start using it. Note that we recommend formatting every drive you buy, even if it works when you plug it in—many external and flash drives come with extra software that, in our opinion, isn't very good, and formatting it removes that annoyance (not to mention gives you a bit of extra space on the drive).
Advertisement
In Windows
Advertisement
To format an external drive in Windows:
- Plug your drive into the computer and, if necessary, into a wall outlet.
- Open Windows Explorer, click the 'Computer' section in the sidebar, and find your drive.
- Right-click on the drive and choose 'Format.'
- Under 'File System,' choose the file system you want to use. See the above section for more details on which one to pick.
- Give your drive a name under 'Volume Label,' and check the 'Quick Format' box.
- Click 'Start' to format the drive. You'll get a notification when it's done (it should only take a few seconds).
Advertisement
When you're done, open up the drive in Windows Explorer and you can begin dragging files to it, or backing up your computer.
Remember that when you format a drive, it won't show the exact same amount of free space as it does on the box. This is because computers measure space differently than they are marketed, so you'll never get that exact same number, at least on Windows.
Advertisement
Why Doesn't My New Hard Drive Show the Right Amount of Space?
Dear Lifehacker,I just bought a new 1TB external drive, but my computer is only showing that it has …
Read more ReadIn OS X
Advertisement
To format an external drive on a Mac:
- Open Finder and go to /Applications/Utilities and double-click on Disk Utility.
- Select your drive in the left-hand sidebar and go to the Erase tab.
- Under the 'Format' menu, choose the file system you want to use. See the above section for more details on which one to pick.
- Give your drive a name and click the Erase button. It should only take a few seconds to format your drive.
Advertisement
When you're done, click on the drive in Finder. You can start dragging files to it, or set it up as a backup drive with Time Machine.
How to Format Your Computer's Main Hard Drive
If you want to erase your computer's main hard drive, things get a little more complicated. You obviously can't erase the drive while you're using it, so you'll need to format from a bootable CD or USB drive. What tools you use depend on what you're trying to do.
Advertisement
If you're going to sell your computer or the hard drive, you'll want to securely wipe it using these instructions beforehand. After you've done so, you can reinstall your operating system (if necessary) as described below.
How Do I Securely Wipe a Computer?
Dear Lifehacker,I have a few old computers I'm planning to donate to charity, but I want to…
Read more ReadAdvertisement
If you just want to reinstall your operating system (or install a new one), the installer can do the formatting for you. Just insert your Windows, OS X, or Linux installation disc (or drive), boot from it, and enter the installation.
How to Boot From a USB Drive or CD on Any Computer
Occasionally, if you’re troubleshooting your PC or installing a new operating system, you’ll have…
Read more ReadAdvertisement
If you're installing OS X or Linux, you usually just need to choose the option to install from scratch, which will erase your drive. In the Windows installer, wait until you get to the screen with a list of your drives. Click 'Drive Options,' then click the 'Format' button to format the drive as NTFS before you click Next and install Windows. Make sure you've backed everything up before you reinstall!
Advertisement
How to Do a Clean Install of Windows Without Losing Your Files, Settings, and Tweaks
There's nothing like a fresh install of Windows to clear your mind, but it comes at a cost:…
Read more ReadThat's all there is to it. The process is much simpler than this long guide would have you believe, and once you've gotten the hang of it once or twice it'll be like riding a bike. All it takes is a few clicks to get a fresh, clean drive formatted for your needs.
Advertisement
Emailable Tech Support is a series of easy-to-share guides for the less tech savvy people in your life. Got a beginner tech support question you constantly answer? Let us know at tips@lifehacker.com. Remember, when you're just starting out computing, there's very little that's too basic to learn.
|
| More by: relevance | popularity | freeware | mobile | title |
1 | Windows Data Recovery Tools |
|---|---|
| Windows disk recovery software is an advanced windows recovery tool to recover & restore lost files from corrupt or formatWindows file system (FAT & NTFS) of windows based harddrive. Software can restore lost partition from corrupt Windows hdd. One ... | |
| Size: 2.9 MB, Price: USD $69.00, INR 3080 , License: Shareware, Author: Windows Disk Recovery (windowsdatarecovery.in) |
2 | Erase Windows XP HardDrive Completely |
|---|---|
| Erase Windows XP HardDrive Completely application is the best approach to erase complete harddrive data securely on Windows XP computers. It can shred complete hard disk or particular logical drive and supports permanently erase all hidden files. Erase ... | |
| Size: 12.9 MB, Price: USD $49.00 , License: Demo, Author: Securely Erase Hard Drive on Windows XP (howtoshredfiles.com) |
3 | Recover Deleted Partition |
|---|---|
| FAT files recovery software undelete missing corrupted data from ATA, SATA, IDE, SCSI, EIDE technology based harddrive. FAT files recovery software undelete missing corrupted data from ATA, SATA, IDE, SCSI, EIDE technology based harddrive. Windows ... | |
| Size: 798.0 KB, Price: USD $69.00 , License: Free to try, Author: NTFS partition repair (ntfspartitionrepair.com) |
4 | Active@ KillDisk Linux Console |
|---|---|
| Active@ KillDisk for Linux (Console) is a powerful utility that will: wipe confidential data from unused space on your harddrive; erase data from partitions or from an entire hard disk; destroy data permanently. Active@ KillDisk for Linux (Console) ... | |
| Size: 11.1 MB, Price: Free, License: Freeware, Author: LSoft Technologies Inc. (lsoft.net) | |
| Data Security, Erase Hard Drive, Erase Hard Drive Linux, Hard Drive Eraser For Linux, How To Format A Hard Drive, Killdisk Download, Killdisk For Linux, Linux, Livecd |
5 | DiskMagik |
|---|---|
| DiskMagik defragments the harddrive of a Windows PC and reorders files on the disk, permitting faster file access on demand. Exclusive 'Proactive Defragmentation' allows it to run continuously in the background for peak performance at all ... | |
| Size: 2.9 MB, Price: USD $29.95 , License: Shareware, Author: Rose City Software (registry-repair-software.com) | |
| Defrag, Disk Defrag, Fragmentation, Fragments |
6 | Clean N' Optimize os 1.0.0.3 |
|---|---|
| It is a powerful optimizer for Internet connection, System like optimizing harddrive, Windows Explorer like disable save settings at shutdown and Privacy like locking some harddrive partitions. Also it has Startup Manager to modify the applications ... | |
| Size: 6.0 MB, Price: Free, License: Freeware, Author: One Stop Soft (Onestopsoft.com) | |
| Cleaner, Connection, Delete, Drive, Drives, Empty Space, Explorer, Files, Folders, Hard, Internet, Locking, Optimizer, Partitions, Powerful, Privacy, Recycle Bin, Secure, Shred, Shredder |
7 | XFileClean |
|---|---|
| One of the leading causes of system crashes, speed and performance issues can be attributed to excessive temporary files and unwanted trash left onto the harddrive by windows and other applications. One of the leading causes of system crashes, speed ... | |
| Size: 3.6 MB, Price: USD $29.95 , License: Shareware, Author: Sapientech.com (sapientech.com) | |
| Check, Clean, Cleanup, Computer, File, Removal, Removal, Temporary, Utility |
8 | IQIYI Remover |
|---|---|
| Remove IQIYI Video with just one click! IQIYI Remover completely deletes IQIYI on the harddrive and in Windows registry. IQIYI software is difficult in removing using internal Windows uninstaller. IQIYI Remover fixes this problem. Remove IQIYI Video ... | |
| Size: 14.6 MB, Price: Free, License: Freeware, Author: Greatis Software (greatis.com) | |
| Geeplayer, Iqiyi, Qiyiservice.exe, Qyclient.exe, Qykernel.exe, Qyplayer.exe, Video, Yaoudao, Youdao, Youo |
9 | BackupAssist |
|---|---|
| BackupAssist performs automatic, scheduled backups of Windows servers to a variety of backup devices, such as tape, harddrive, REV™ drive CD/DVD, NAS and file. In the event of a server crash or other disaster, files and system state can be restored ... | |
| Size: 20.7 MB, Price: USD $249.00 , License: Shareware, Author: DEK Software International (deksoftware.com) | |
| Backup Program, Backup Software, Backupassist, Data Backup Software, Data Recovery Software, Hard Drive Backup Software, Incremental Backup, Predefined Backups, Rev Backup Software, Tape Backup Software, Windows Backup, Windows Backup Software |
10 | FireCuva Data Recovery for Windows |
|---|---|
| FireCuva Data Recovery does an amazing job on harddrive data recovery, format recovery, unformat, deleted files recovery or lost data due to partition loss or damage, software crash, virus infection, unexpected shutdown or any other unknown reasons. | |
| Size: 11.3 MB, Price: USD $59.90 , License: Shareware, Author: FireCuva (firecuva.com) | |
| Android Data Recovery, Data Recovery For Windows, Deleted File Recovery, Disk Data Recovery Tool, File Recovery, Formatted Recovery, Hard Drive Data Recovery Software, Hdd Data Recovery |
11 | Acronis Drive Cleanser |
|---|---|
| Protect your privacy by securely obliterating data from your harddrive Getting rid of an old PC, upgrading to a new harddrive, returning a leased computer, or redeploying a PC within your company? It is truly imperative to completely destroy all data ... | |
| Size: 5.3 MB, Price: USD $49.99 , License: Demo, Author: Acronis (acronis.com) | |
| Delete Data, Delete Partition, Destroy Data, Disk Cleanup, Format Disk, Wipe Hard Drive, Wipe Partition |
12 | TZ Shredder |
|---|---|
| Includes disk free space shredder - destroy previously deleted files on your harddrive. Shred Files, Folders, Recycle bin, drag and shred, DoD conform. Shred locked files & more. When you delete a file from Windows it just mark the file as deleted ... | |
| Size: 2.4 MB, Price: USD $19.99 , License: Shareware, Author: Track Zapper (trackzapper.com) | |
| App, Application, Appz, Backup, Basta, Batch, Braun, Business, Cache, Chaos, Clean, Code, Command, Compress, Crypto, Cryptographic Algorithms, Cryptography, Data, Data Recovery, Data Wiper |
13 | Data Nuker |
|---|---|
| Includes disk free space shredder - destroy previously deleted files on your harddrive. Shred Files, Folders, Recycle bin, drag & shred, DoD conform. Shred locked files & more. When you delete a file from Windows it just mark the file as deleted in ... | |
| Size: 3.5 MB, Price: USD $29.99 , License: Demo, Author: Malware Remover (Malwareremover.com) | |
| App, Application, Appz, Backup, Basta, Batch, Braun, Business, Cache, Chaos, Clean, Code, Command, Compress, Crypto, Cryptographic Algorithms, Cryptography, Data, Data Recovery, Data Wiper |
14 | Windows XP Vista file Recovery tool |
|---|---|
| Download windows Vista XP FAT drive file Recovery tool deleted files retrieval software formatted crashed harddrive repair retrieve corrupt partition table restore missing MBR MFT damaged root directory file system rescue utility bad boot sector Windows ... | |
| Size: 688.0 KB, Price: USD $69.00 , License: Shareware, Author: Data Recovery Utilities (recoverdata.in) | |
| Boot, Corrupt, Crashed, Damaged, Dbr, Deleted, Directory, Disk, Download, Drive, Fat, Formatted, Free, Hard, Inaccessible, Mbr, Mft, Partition, Recover, Recovery |
15 | HardDrive Recovery |
|---|---|
| Windows recovery software is designed especially to perform data recovery from windows partitions. These harddrive data recovery solutions are also available for other os based computer partitions. Kernel for Windows is an impeccable data recovery software ... | |
| Size: 3.1 MB, Price: USD $49.00, INR 2200 , License: Shareware, Author: Hard Drive Recovery (nucleusdatarecovery.org) | |
| Data Recovery, Hard Drive Data Recovery, Hard Drive Recovery, Hard Drive Recovery Software, Windows Recovery, Windows Recovery Software |
16 | Software for HardDrive Recovery |
|---|---|
| Easy to use harddrive recovery software provides attractive user friendly graphical interface for all windows operating systems. Easy to use harddrive recovery software provides attractive user friendly graphical interface for all windows operating ... | |
| Size: 1.5 MB, Price: USD $69.00 , License: Free to try, Author: Software for hard drive recovery (partitionrepair.org) | |
| Application, Audio, Corrupted, Data, Deleted, Disk, Drive, Fat, File, Folder, Hard, Images, Lost, Missed, Partition, Program, Recovery, Repair, Rescue, Restoration |
17 | AppleXsoft HardDrive Copy |
|---|---|
| AppleXsoft HardDrive Copy is a reliable disk migration and clone software for Windows. It is designed to copying all data, including OS, applications, settings to another disk (HDD or SSD) in three simple steps, Easily Migrate OS to SSD. Upgrading your ... | |
| Size: 12.9 MB, Price: USD $29.95 , License: Shareware, Author: AppleXsoft.com (applexsoft.com) | |
| Clone Disk, Clone Partition, Clone System Drive, Copy Boot Drive, Copy Os To Ssd, Disk Migration, Hard Drive Copy, Hdd Cloning Software, Migrate Hdd To Ssd, Migrate Os To Ssd, Migrate Windows, Partition Copy, Partition Migration, Pc Clone Software |
18 | RestoreIT |
|---|---|
| RestoreIT 7 automatically backs up all files on a system to a protected partition on your harddrive or to an external device, and will still launch and recover your data even when Windows does not boot. RestoreIT 7 is a powerful data recovery utility ... | |
| Size: 74.9 MB, Price: USD $29.99 , License: Demo, Author: FarStone Technology (farstone.com) | |
| Data Backup, Data Restore, Disk, File, File Recovery, File Restore, Hard Drive, System Recovery, System Restore |
19 | RestoreIT Pro |
|---|---|
| RestoreIT Pro automatically backs up all files on a system, allows you to copy your harddrive configuration onto a new harddrive, and will recover your data even when Windows does not boot. RestoreIT Pro combines the 'set and forget' data ... | |
| Size: 74.9 MB, Price: USD $39.99 , License: Demo, Author: FarStone Technology (farstone.com) | |
| Data Backup, Data Restore, Disk, File, File Recovery, File Restore, Hard Drive, System Recovery, System Restore |
20 | Disk Recovery Wizard |
|---|---|
| Disk Recovery Wizard makes data recovery easily possible to anyone, and recovers damaged, corrupted and inaccessible disks even if you reformatted or repartitioned the harddrive. Crashed Windows caused data corruption or lead to an inaccessible hard ... | |
| Size: 7.6 MB, Price: USD $139.95, EUR 139.95 , License: Shareware, Author: WizardRecovery Company (wizardrecovery.com) | |
| Data Recovery, Data Recovery Disk, Disk Data Recovery, Disk Recovery, Hadr Disk Recovery, Hard Disk Data Recovery, Hard Disk Recovery, Hard Drive Recovery, Recover Data, Windows Xp Recovery, Xp Recovery Disk |
21 | ShredIt for Windows |
|---|---|
| Whether you want to erase a harddrive or wipe a file, ShredIt for Windows is the computer privacy software that shreds files, hard drives and more. Files can be recovered from your computer's recycle bin. Protect your privacy with this easy to use ... | |
| Size: 3.8 MB, Price: USD $24.95 , License: Shareware, Author: Mireth Technology Corp. (mireth.com) | |
| Already Deleted, Cleaner, Data, Delete, Deleted, Destruction, Disk, Erase, Eraser, File, Free Space, Hard Disk, Hard Drive, Permanent, Permanently, Privacy, Recycle Bin, Remove, Secure, Shred |
22 | MagicCute Data Backup |
|---|---|
| MagicCute Data Backup enables you to competely clone your partition/hard drive to another data carrier. Up to 2GB/min clone speed. Compatible with windows 7, Vista, XP, 2000. MagicCute Data Backup enables you to competely clone your partition/hard ... | |
| Size: 30.4 MB, Price: USD $29.95, USD 29.95 , License: Shareware, Author: Magic Cute (magicqsoftware.com) | |
| Clone Hard Disk, Clone Hard Drive, Copy Hard Drive, Image Hard Drive |
23 | FP DVD Rip N' Burn |
|---|---|
| With DVD Rip N' Burn, You can easily rip your Video DVD's to your local harddrive, then you can burn them back to a blank DVD disc. Also you can burn anything else using the burner. You can Rip from most Video DVDs' [PAL/NTSC]. With DVD Rip N' Burn, ... | |
| Size: 13.3 MB, Price: Free, License: Freeware, Author: FlashPile.com (FlashPile.com) | |
| Asf, Aspi, Avi, Blu-ray Disks, Burn, Burner, Cd/dvd, Convert, Dvd, Dvd Burner, Dvd Disc, Encryptions, Erase, Hard Drive, Hd Dvds, Joliet Extension, Mov, Mp4, Mpe, Mpeg |
Format Mac Hard Drive On Windows 10
24 | Odin Data Recovery Professional |
|---|---|
| Odin Data Recovery Professional is a useful data recovery tool for hardware RAID and harddrive, USB drive, SD card, memory card,any removable discks,etc. Odin Data Recovery Professional is a useful data recovery tool for hardware RAID and harddrive, ... | |
| Size: 10.6 MB, Price: USD $49.95 , License: Shareware, Author: Odin Share Company (odinshare.com) | |
| Data Recovery, Hard Drive Data Recovery, Usb Data Recovery |
25 | Laptop HardDrive Recovery |
|---|---|
| Data recovery software for laptop is enormous harddrive data recovery tool, which can successfully contains plenty of advance recovery features to give you great help to restore lost laptop data instantly. Easily restore lost laptop data with the safe ... | |
| Size: 2.9 MB, Price: USD $49.00, INR 2200 , License: Shareware, Author: Laptop Hard Drive Recovery (windowsdatarecovery.in) | |
| Data Recovery Laptop Software, Laptop Data Recovery, Laptop Hard Drive Recovery, Laptop Hdd Recovery, Recover Laptop Data, Recover Lost Windows Laptop Data, Restore Lost Laptop Data |
Best Program To Format A Hard Drive
| More by: relevance | popularity | freeware | mobile | title |