---
id: mac-storage-basics.what-format-works-on-both-mac-and-windows
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/what-format-works-on-both-mac-and-windows
category: "Mac storage basics"
subcategory: "Disks, APFS and formats"
question: "What drive format works on both Mac and Windows?"
alt_questions:
  - "exfat mac and windows"
  - "format usb for mac and pc"
  - "cross platform drive format"
  - "share external drive between mac and windows"
  - "best format for mac and windows"
short_answer: "exFAT — both macOS and Windows read and write it and it supports big files. It has no journaling or Mac permissions, so prefer APFS for Mac-only drives."
tags: ["exfat", "windows", "formats"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/apfs-or-mac-os-extended-which-should-i-use", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/mac-storage-basics/why-cant-i-copy-a-file-larger-than-4gb-to-my-usb-drive"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# What drive format works on both Mac and Windows?

**exFAT** is the usual choice: both macOS and Windows read and write it, and it handles large files. Its trade-offs are no journaling (an unsafe unplug is more likely to cause errors), no Mac-specific features like snapshots or permissions, and less tolerance for heavy use.

Use it for drives that move between computers. For a drive that stays with your Mac, APFS is more reliable.