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MacBook and macOS

How do I open a Windows-formatted drive on a MacBook?

Topic #245 · Updated · Pataisoma.lt

Troubleshooting guide

How to fix the problem

Connect the drive used by Windows and check its format in Finder or Disk Utility. macOS normally reads NTFS, but doesn't normally write to it; exFAT is good for files between systems. BitLocker encrypted drive additionally needs a suitable unlocking method. Do not change the format to save existing files: formatting removes them.

Possible solutions

Choose the method that matches your situation. Start with the simplest suitable option and check the result. If the problem is fixed, you do not need to continue with the other methods.

  1. NTFS reading

    If you only need to copy from a regular NTFS drive, use macOS read if the drive is not encrypted.

    Steps to follow

    1. Connect the NTFS drive with a suitable cable; if it is unstable, consider recovery first.
    2. Select the drive on the left in Finder and try to open your file.
    3. Copy the required files to your Mac using Copy/Paste. If the BitLocker drive is encrypted or inaccessible, do not format - use the Windows unlock method.

  2. Secure transfer through Windows

    If the BitLocker drive is encrypted or not accessible on Mac, unlock and copy it on Windows PC first.

    Steps to follow

    1. Connect the drive to your Windows PC and legally unlock it if BitLocker asks for a key.
    2. Copy the files to another medium accessible to both systems rather than erasing the original drive.
    3. Open a few copies on your Mac and check; do not make the key public. If you don't have the key, formatting won't save the data.

  3. exFAT shared media

    exFAT is suitable for new or already copied media; formatting is not a way to save existing files.

    Steps to follow

    1. Use only new or securely copied media: formatting erases its contents.
    2. Command+Space to open Disk Utility and reliably identify the target external media by name and capacity.
    3. Format to exFAT only according to the instruction manual for that media if the copies are verified. If you're not sure, ask for help - don't erase the system drive.
    4. After preparation, copy the test file on both systems and open it.

If the problem persists

If the drive is encrypted with BitLocker, NTFS support alone will not be enough to unlock it. Don't format it just because of a read or write problem; first copy the files to your Windows computer.

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