---
id: mac-storage-basics.can-i-convert-a-drive-to-apfs-without-erasing
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/can-i-convert-a-drive-to-apfs-without-erasing
category: "Mac storage basics"
subcategory: "Disks, APFS and formats"
question: "Can I convert a Mac OS Extended drive to APFS without erasing it?"
alt_questions:
  - "convert hfs+ to apfs"
  - "convert to apfs disk utility"
  - "change drive format without losing data mac"
  - "upgrade external drive to apfs"
  - "convert mac os extended to apfs"
short_answer: "Usually — in Disk Utility, select the Mac OS Extended volume and choose Edit → Convert to APFS. Back up first; it can't be undone and exFAT or NTFS drives must be erased instead."
tags: ["apfs", "hfs plus", "disk utility"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/apfs-or-mac-os-extended-which-should-i-use", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/how-do-i-erase-or-format-a-drive-on-a-mac"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# Can I convert a Mac OS Extended drive to APFS without erasing it?

Often, yes. In Disk Utility, select the Mac OS Extended volume and choose **Edit → Convert to APFS**. The conversion keeps the files, but back up first anyway.

It can't be undone without erasing, and it isn't offered for every drive (for example older-style Time Machine backup drives). Converting from exFAT, FAT or NTFS always requires erasing.