How to Format a Drive for Mac & PC Compatibility

[sparkyscott21]

Formatting a hard drive or USB flash disk to be compatible with both a Mac and Windows PC is extremely easy, we’ll walk you through the process in a few simple steps. Remember, formatting a drive erases all data contained on it so back up important files before proceeding.

Launch Disk Utility, found within /Applications/Utilities/

Connect the drive you wish to format for dual compatibility to the Mac

Click the drive name on the left side list in Disk Utility, and then click the “Erase” tab





Click the “Erase” button to format the drive for Mac & Windows PC compatibility

Drives format very quickly, though the total time taken will depend on the size of the drive.

The resulting file system is compatible with all versions of Mac OS X, Windows 95, 98, Windows XP, Vista, 7, even Windows 8, it’s one of the most widely recognized and usable file system formats. This makes FAT an ideal file system to use for USB flash drives or external hard drives that are intended for use in environments with multiple operating systems. The primary downside to using FAT32 is the file size limit, which limits files on the drive to being 4GB in size or less. If you require single files to be larger than 4GB, use exFAT instead, though you will lose some compatibility with older versions of OS X and Windows.

If you only intend on using the drive on a Mac it’s recommended to format for Mac OS X use only using the journaled file system. Just be aware that the Mac-only formats are typically not readable by Windows machines.

4-22-12

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[WB.APPLE]

why do you have a link to a JPG file? ... did you intend some other link?
strangely I had just done this with a flash drive before I read your post
... I think I was requested to select a format (FAT was picked)
... your instructions makes it seem that FAT was automatic and the ERASE did the format
... is this the way it works?

after I did the ERASE on my MAC, I formatted in on my Windows laptop.
It seems to work OK with the exception that it won't copy some of the PROPERTIES of files!
... not sure which ones but suspect the date/time stamp might not be the same as the original

Walter

[sparkyscott21]

As far as the JPG question... Not sure what you mean, as the link provided just acknowledges the written post.

Yes FAT is auto. and works as described, I just usually post tips as I run across them and this happened to be seen as another person asked about formatting...

[tompatrick]

@sparkyscott21

Obviously, FAT32 has certain limitations, and users won't pay much attention to this file system.

[laker]

I am using TaxAct tax preparation software that works only on Windows. I had been using Windows 7 on a laptop but due to problems with the laptop I would like to use my 21" iMac with Snow Leopard for running the tax software. What is the best way to do this? Do I need anti-virus protection for such a set up?