how to format hard disk to read mac and windows

Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog, type diskmgmt.msc into the box, and press Enter to open it. RELATED: Understanding Hard Drive Partitioning with Disk Managementįirst, open the Windows Disk Management tool. You’ll probably want to uninstall Java when you’re done.Įrase the Mac Partitions, Including the EFI System Partition HFSExplorer unfortunately requires you install Java to use it, but it’s the only free option here. If you only have Windows systems available, you can use HFSExplorer to copy files from the drive onto your Windows system drive or another drive. If you have a Mac lying around, you can plug the drive into a Mac and back up the files. Instead, we’ll just be wiping the drive and starting over from scratch.

This process won’t actually convert the file system. It adds several extra features, including automatic file defragmentation, support for RAID setups, and a way to create Mac ISO files.First, back up the data on the Mac-formatted drive if you have anything important on it. Other useful features include the ability to create and partition Mac disks direct from your PC, a powerful disk repair feature, and robust security tools. You will also be able to see your APFS or HFS+ drive directly within File Explorer, allowing easy integration with the rest of the Windows operating system. It acts as a hub for all the Mac drives connected to Windows.

The app is focused on the freshly redesigned Disk Management Window. Unlike some options, MacDrive lets you read and write data to your Mac-formatted drive directly from Windows. The app works with APFS drives and HFS+ drives.

If you're prepared to spend some money, you don't need to look elsewhere. The first version was released way back in 1996. MacDrive has been one of the go-to apps for a long time.

How to format hard disk to read mac and windows