- Here’s how: Insert the flash drive or hard drive you want to format for Windows compatibility. Go to the Applications folder on your Mac’s hard drive, then go to the Utilities folder, and launch Disk Utility. Select the drive you want to format.
- While Windows computers tend to turn a cold shoulder to the Mac community, Apple has always ensured that interoperability between Mac and Windows is a breeze. In fact, when you plug that USB flash drive into your Mac system, it’s quite likely it’s formatted for Windows and you aren’t even aware that the OS is translating file formats invisibly.
- Jul 22, 2019 Prepare a Thumb Drive for Both Windows and OS X On Windows, connect your thumb drive. Click Start File Explorer This PC. Right-click your flash drive and then select Format.
- Format Flash Drive For Mac And Pc Large Files
- Mac Flash Drive To Pc
- How To Format Thumb Drive For Both Mac And Windows
- Format Flash Drive For Both Windows And Mac
- Format Flash Drive Windows 10
How to format internal and/or external drive to work properly on Mac and Windows computers?
External data storage devices such as USB flash drives, external Hard Disk Drives (HDDs), and Solid State Drives (SSDs) provide one of the easiest ways to transfer files between separate computers without accessing the Internet. This option is often used when attempting to move very large files. The method is also chosen by people who work with media data that imposes various limitations and automatic optimizations when transferring via Internet. Despite the advantages of using external data storage to transfer content, some experienced users encounter problems caused by the difference between operating systems. This article addresses these issues.
May 12, 2020 If you want to use a USB drive on both Mac and Windows, then you need to format the drive to the format supported by both systems. And FAT32 is the format that both Mac and Windows PC support. In other words, you can read and write FAT32 file format on both the operating system.
A common issue discussed by users within various technical support forums is that of USB flash drives not working on their computers. This is a cross-platform problem that Windows and macOS users often experience. For example, a photographer may provide you with a USB flash drive with stored photos and videos from your birthday party, but you cannot access them on your system. This is the result of differences between operating systems on computers. Windows and macOS use separate file system formats. PCs with Windows operating systems use New Technology File System (NTFS) while Macs with macOS operating systems use Hierarchical File System (HFS+). By default, USB flash drives and external storage are formatted with the NTFS file system - this works flawlessly on PCs, while Mac computers are able to read data in the format, but struggle to write using this type of storage. Fortunately, there is a simple solution: format your external storage with the File Allocation Table (FAT32) or Extended File Allocation Table (exFAT) file system. In this article, we describe the differences between these two file systems and how to format external storage using a Mac computer.
Table of Contents:
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Which file system to choose - FAT32 or exFAT?
As mentioned above, both file systems are compatible with Windows or macOS/OS X operating systems. Naturally, the question is: which should you choose? To make the choice easier, we describe both file systems and their features below.
Starting with FAT32 [on a Mac, known as MS-DOS (FAT)], this file system is fully compatible with all versions of Windows and Mac operating systems. Therefore, even the oldest versions of operating systems such as Windows XP SP1 and OS x 10.5 Leopard are compatible. As well as computers, the FAT32 file system is supported by PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and most cameras. This particular file system does contain file size restrictions. For example, the maximum size of supported files is 4GB (you cannot write files larger than 4GB). Also, you cannot create a startup drive for Mac computers within storage media that uses the FAT32 file system. If, however, you are not planning to use external storage to transfer large files or create any executable partitions (such as a Mac startup drive) the FAT32 file system might be an option, since this format is supported in all versions of the operating system.
exFAT is a newer file system format and has the biggest advantage when compared with FAT32: there are no restrictions on file or partition sizes stored. Therefore, you can write a file of, for example, 1TB size and create partitions of 5TB within the device. Despite this improvement of available data size, some older versions of operating systems are no longer compatible with this file system format. The oldest versions of operating systems compatible with exFAT are listed below:
- Mac OS X Snow Leopard 10.6.5 or later
- OS X Lion
- Windows XP SP2 or later (with an additional update for exFAT support)
- Windows Vista SP1 or later
- Windows 7
Unfortunately, as well as some old versions of operating systems, the exFAT file system format is not supported by various cameras, video games consoles, and other devices able to read and/or write to external storage. If you will be using a USB flash drive or external storage device with any of these, the required format is FAT32. Otherwise, if the device is to be used only with computers with modern versions of operating systems, the recommended format is exFAT.
Format the drive with Mac computer
Firstly, bear in mind that formatting the drive will erase all content stored on it. Mac computers are capable of formatting any storage device (internal or external) such as HDD/SSD, USB flash drive, and external storage. Even if the Mac is unable to mount the storage, following this method will enable you to format the storage. Begin by connecting the storage device to your Mac, and then launch Disk Utility using Spotlight. Simply use the keyboard shortcut of Command and Spacebar, type Disk Utility, and then press return. Alternatively, open Finder and go to Applications, open Utilities, and then launch Disk Utility. Select the drive you wish to format from the list in the left sidebar of the Disk Utility window.
Then click the Erase button at the top of the window, in the new pop-up window, and type the name of drive. Then click the drop-down menu beside Format and select MS-DOS (FAT) - the FAT32 file format - or exFAT. These formats are described above.
If you are not planning to use this drive as the Windows startup disk or use it with the oldest version of the operating system, do not change the Scheme. Select Master Boot Record.
Finally, when all preferences are set, click the Erase button. The formatting process duration depends on size and type of the drive. A hard disk drive will take longer to format than a flash drive. NOTE: formatting will erase all existing data on the drive.
Video Showing how to format drive for Mac and Windows computers
How can I format USB drive in CMD? How to format USB using CMD to NTFS? Can I format a USB using CMD in Windows 10? Don't worry if you have the same questions in your mind.
On this page, you'll learn how to format USB using CMD or CMD alternative tool in Windows 10/8/7 successfully. Pick up the suitable USB format tool for help now:
| USB Format Tool | Pros |
|---|---|
| 1. Format USB Using CMD |
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| 2. Format USB Via CMD Alternative |
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- Notice:
- As formatting will remove all saved data on the USB drive, if your USB is accessible, make sure to back up valuable USB data to another secure location in advance.
If you prefer an easy and quick way to format USB or you need to format to Ext 4/3/2, pick up CMD alternative format tool for help.
Let's start to format your USB using CMD or its alternative tool and make the RAW, inaccessible, unreadable, and even corrupted USB flash drive, pen drive, memory stick work normally again.
Part 1. How to Format USB Flash Drive Using CMD (Command Prompt)
Applies to: Format USB to FAT32/NTFS, format RAW USB, repair corrupted USB, etc.
USB flash drive is worldwide used for storing data and transferring files. However, sometimes, USB may corrupt or become inaccessible due to RAW or invalid file system, bad sector, or other errors. Formatting USB using CMD is a quick way to resolve these problems.
The following are two detailed guides, illustrating how to format a USB flash drive using Windows Command Prompt that you should strictly follow.
Steps to Format USB (to NTFS or FAT32) Using CMD
#1. Format USB using CMD in Windows 10:
Step 1. Connect USB to your PC and press Windows + R keys.
Step 2. Type cmd in the Search box and hit Enter to bring up Command Prompt.
Step 3. Type the following command lines one by one and hit Enter each time:
- diskpart
- list disk
- select disk + number (Replace 2 with the number of your USB drive.)
- list volume
- select volume + number (Replace 10 with the volume number of your USB flash drive.)
- format fs=ntfs quick (You can also replace NTFS with FAT32 or exFAT.)
- exit
CMD also works to fix Windows was unable to complete the format error in your computer hard drive, USB, or other storage devices.
#2. Format USB Flash Drive using Command Prompt in Windows 8/7:
Step 1. Plug USB in your computer and click the Windows icon and select 'Search'.
Step 2. Type command prompt in the Search box.
Right-click on Command Prompt and choose 'Run as administrator'.
Step 3. On the Command Prompt window, type diskpart and press 'Enter'.
Step 4 Type list disk and press 'Enter'. Check the disk number of your USB flash drive. For example, disk 2.
Step 5. Now type select disk 2 and press 'Enter'. (If the USB number is not 2, replace it with the right one.)
Step 6. Type format fs=ntfs and press 'Enter'.
If you prefer other file system formats, change the command NTFS to the desired one, such as format fs=fat32.
Step 7. Type exit and hit Enter to close the window.
Format Flash Drive For Mac And Pc Large Files
After this, exit DiskPart and you save data to your USB flash drive again. However, as Linux file system Ext2/3 is not compatible with Windows OS, you can refer to a UBS format tool in Part 2 for help.
Part 2. Format USB Using CMD Alternative in Windows 10/8/7
Applies to: Format corrupted USB, format USB to Ext2, Ext3, format FAT32 USB to NTFS, format USB to FAT32, etc. on all Windows OS.
Although CMD is capable of formatting USB flash drive, it's not user-friendly for most Windows beginners. Also, it requires users to remember all command lines while executing operations in Command Prompt.
Also, any importer operation may cause data loss on other storage devices. Here, we would like to recommend you try third-party CMD alternative software - EaseUS free partition manager.
EaseUS Partition Master Free Edition is a perfect CMD alternative tool for USB formatting. With an easy-to-use interface and precise operation, you can use it to format USB easily in only a few clicks.
Tutorial - 4 Steps to Format USB via CMD Alternative in Windows 10/8/7
All levels of users can apply this tool and format USB to usable again in Windows 10/8/7:
Step 1. Launch EaseUS Partition Master, right-click the partition on your external hard drive/USB/SD card which you want to format and choose the 'Format' option.
Step 2. Assign a new partition label, file system (NTFS/FAT32/EXT2/EXT3), and cluster size to the selected partition, then click 'OK'.
Step 3. In the Warning window, click 'OK' to continue.
Step 4. Click the 'Execute Operation' button in the top-left corner to review the changes, then click 'Apply' to start formatting your external hard drive/USB/SD card.
Part 3. Bonus Tips to Fix Errors While Formatting USB Using CMD
According to some USB users, they reported that they encountered some errors while formatting USB in CMD.
Here, we've collected two common errors in formatting USB using CMD, if you get the same errors, don't worry. You can follow the provided solutions to resolve them:
Error 1: Diskpart format fs=ntfs stuck at 0, 10, 11, 12...
Mac Flash Drive To Pc
If the formatting process gets stuck in DiskPart, as the shown message, don't worry. You have two ways to go:
How To Format Thumb Drive For Both Mac And Windows
- #1. Just wait for the formatting process to complete.
- #2. Close CMD, turn to EaseUS Partition Master in Part 2 to format your drive.
Error 2: Diskpart has encountered an error: Access is denied. See the System Event Log for more information.
If you come across this issue, click the link below to get rid of the problem:
Format Flash Drive For Both Windows And Mac
Data Recovery is not a challenge anymore. EaseUS serves as a dependable data recovery application to retrieve lost data within simple clicks.
The End Line
Due to its portability, flexibility, large storage size, and reasonable price, USB flash drive is still the No.1 external storage device around the world.
While using USB for data transferring or storage, problems with USB flash drives also increase. Formatting USB flash drive is one of the top issues.
On this page, we included two USB formatting tools to help you format USB using CMD or CMD alternative - EaseUS Partition Master. You may pick up a suitable tool and follow the respective tutorial guide to make your USB flash drive work normally.
For an easy and free formatting resolution, take EaseUS Partition Master as your first choice. It's a perfect CMD alternative tool that can help you anytime.
People Also Ask About Format USB Using CMD
Some of you may have more questions about formatting USB. Here we collected some top concerned questions and listed answers below. If you have the same doubts, check out the answers now.
1. Why do you need to format USB flash drive?
Usually, HDDs and SSDs are widely used for OS installation and data storage and removable storage devices like USB flash drives are more used for data transferring and storage. But the USB flash drive may become inaccessible, and you'll need to format it so as to make it work again.
Here is a list of reasons why do you and other USB users need to format the flash drive:
- 1. RAW, invalid, or unrecognized USB file system
- 2. USB flash drive corruption
- 3. Virus infection
- 3. USB is write-protected
- 3. Change USB file system to NTFS, FAT32, or Ext 2/3/4 by formatting
2. How to format bootable USB using cmd？
The process of formatting a bootable USB flash drive is almost the same as the process shown on this page. You can apply CMD to format it with the listed steps here:
- Step 1. Connect the bootable USB drive to your PC.
- Step 2. Open Command Prompt.
- Step 3. Type diskpart and hit Enter.
- Step 4. Type list disk and hit Enter.
- Step 5.Type select disk + number and hit Enter. (Replace 2 with the number of your USB drive.)
- Step 6. Type list volume and hit Enter.
- Step 7. select volume + number and hit Enter. (Replace 10 with the volume number of your USB flash drive.)
- Step 8. Type format fs=ntfs quick and hit Enter. (You can also replace NTFS with FAT32 or exFAT.)
- Step 9. Type exit and hit Enter.
3. How to format write-protected USB using cmd?
Here are the steps that you can follow to format a write-protected (read-only) USB using the command lines below:
- Step 1. Press 'Win + R', type cmd to open 'Command Prompt'.
- Step 2. Type diskpart and hit Enter.
- Step 3. Type list disk and hit Enter.
- Step 4. Type select disk 2 and hit Enter. (Replace 2 with the write-protected device number) and hit Enter.
- Step 5. Type attributes disk clear readonly and hit Enter.
- Step 6. Type exit to close the diskpart window.
Once the write protection removing process completes, you can format the USB drive again. You can either apply EaseUS Partition Master, Windows File Explorer, or even the CMD command as shown in Part 2 to format the USB drive.
4. Windows was unable to complete the format, how to fix it?
Format Flash Drive Windows 10
When you use File Explorer to format the USB flash drive, it warns you that 'Windows was unable to complete the format', don't worry. Here are 7 ways that you can try to fix this error:
- #1. Use EaseUS Partition Master
- #2. Use Diskpart Command
- #3. Use Disk Management
- #4. Clear Virus and Complete the Format
- #5. Remove Write Protection and Complete the Format
- #6. Fix Disk Errors and Complete the Format
- #7. Repair Bad Sectors and Complete the Format
Note that you can try the above two tutorials to format your USB flash drive and resolve this issue. You can also follow this link to get rid of the Windows Was Unable to Complete the Format error immediately.