Formatting hdd for mac and windows how to#
Formatting hdd for mac and windows portable#

FAT32: The File Allocation Table 32 (FAT32) was the standard Windows file system before NTFS. Cons: cannot be read by the Window unless using third-party softwareģ.Pros : journaling, encrypt or compress files or folders.Compatibility: MacOS, Linux(readonly), Xbox 360/One.If you want to use your USB drive on Mac devices, you can format USB to HFS+.

HFS+: The Hierarchical File System (HFS+) is the file system modern MacOS versions use by default.

Cons: can be read-only for Mac OS, or be written by Mac with the help of third-party softwareĢ.

Pros: journaling, no realistic file size limitations support for file compression, high security.

Compatibility: Windows XP/7/8/10, Linux (read-only for some distributions), MacOS(read-only), Xbox One.

NTFS: The New Technology File System (NTFS), a proprietary journaling file system developed by Microsoft, is the default file system of the Windows NT family. NTFS vs HFS+ vs FAT32 vs exFAT vs Ext 2,3,4ġ.

Formatting hdd for mac and windows portable#

When you get a new USB drive, you can follow this guide to choose the best thumb drive file system for your portable drive. To better understand which one is the best file system for USB drive according to your needs, you can view the compatibility, pros and cons of these file systems one by one. The following contents list some commonly used file systems. The two most important things you need to consider are the operating systems you plan to use it with and the sizes of the files that you are most likely to transfer and store.

Formatting hdd for mac and windows how to#

How to Choose the Best Format for USB driveīasically, to choose the best format for USB flash drive. What is the best format for USB drive? Well, it depends on how you plan to use your USB drive. There are many different types of file systems each of them has different storage devices that they are the most suitable for. Each group of data is called a file.įile system is the structure and logic rules used to manage groups of information.įile systems can be used on a numerous variety of storage devices and media types. With a file system, the information placed in a storage medium will be separated into pieces and each piece will have a name, so the information is easily isolated and identified this way. In computing, a file system or filesystem controls how data is stored and retrieved. Well, what is the best format for USB drive? How to choose the best format for USB drive?īefore you try to choose the best format for your USB drive, you need to know what file system it is in. Before you use a new USB drive, you need to first format it. Nowadays, USB flash drive is widely used on various electronic devices due to its portability. How to Format USB Drive in Windows or Mac.How to Choose the Best Format for USB drive.