Mac storage basics · Disks, APFS and formats

Why can my Mac read but not write to a Windows (NTFS) drive?

Short answer: macOS reads NTFS but can't write to it by default. Reformat as exFAT for Mac and Windows, copy over the network, or use third-party NTFS software.

macOS can read NTFS, the usual Windows format, but doesn't write to it out of the box. Options:

  • Reformat the drive as exFAT if it needs to work on both systems (erasing removes its contents).
  • Copy files over the network instead.
  • Use third-party NTFS software if you must keep NTFS.

For a drive that will mostly live with your Mac, APFS is the better long-term choice.

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