How to Delete Files From NTFS on Mac

The Mac versus Windows debate is not going to be settled any time soon. But you can delete files from NTFS on Mac by pre-formatting your hard drive. Let us then look at how you can achieve this result.

Why Can't Delete Files on My External Hard Drive Mac?

MAC doesn't recognize a windows-formatted file system. That's why you need to convert the windows-formatted system - NTFS to a friendly version of MAC that allows you to copy, paste, add and erase data.

Unfortunately, you can only open and view files on Windows drives but can't change them in any way, nor can you copy files to NTFS format disks. You will discover solutions through this blog, from formatting drives to a universal file system to using third-party tools.

How to Delete File from NTFS on Mac

macOS has been built to shred NTFS-formatted drives but not write on them. In other words, a Mac user can't delete files from NTFS on Mac. You can just open and view files on Windows drives.

So, you are only left with two choices - either use an NTFS reader or format NTFS drive as a Mac-friendly file system. But formatting will remove all data on the drive, so you need to back up all existing data. Unfortunately, it can be a very time-consuming process. But there is a solution at hand that you can explore. Save your time by using EaseUS NTFS for Mac to delete, copy, edit, or move files. It will surely be the fastest way to convert your existing file system. Plus, it comes with some remarkable features and simple options that are cool for geeks and also first-time users.

Other features of EaseUS NTFS for Mac:

• Mount and unmount your NTFS drive from Mac's status bar.
• Check the compatibility with M1-based Mac devices.
• One-click to enable read-write mode for NTFS drive.
• Safely eject the drive from your Mac operating system.

1 - Use NTFS Reader

We know that the NTFS file system can only read files by default. What's more, it also doesn't allow you to delete files from NTFS on Mac. So, you can use the mounting option. It means that the operating system creates files and directories on a storage device (such as an external hard drive, a USB flash drive, or an SD card). However, when you connect an NTFS-formatted external drive, you will see that this disk is mounted only in read-only mode. That means you are unable to delete files from NTFS on Mac. Also, you can't copy, remove or do any other operations. So, follow the below steps for formatting the NTFS reader.

Step 1. Launch and activate EaseUS NTFS for Mac. Click "I already have a license" to unlock this software.

Step 2. Connect an NTFS drive to Mac, EaseUS NTFS for Mac will automatically detect the device. Select your drive and you'll see it's now marked as 'Read-only". Click "Enable Writable" to add read and write rights to the drive.

Step 3. When the state of NTFS drives turns into "Writable".

Step 4. EaseUS NTFS for Mac will pops up a window to help Mac get access to the NTFS drive:

1. 1. Select "Full Disk Access", click the Lock icon and enter admin password to unlock it.
2. 2. Select the two icons of NTFS for Mac.
3. 3. Drag them to the "Full Disk Access" list.
4. 4. Click " Quit & Restore" to re-launch EaseUS NTFS for Mac.

Step 5. When EaseUS NTFS for Mac restarts, you can then open to check, read, write, and even modify saved data on the NTFS device.

2 - Backup Data and Format NTFS Drive

1 - Backup Data First

How to backup NTFS drive?

The backup aims to generate a copy of data that can be recovered during a primary data failure. The term NTFS stands for New Technology File System that helps manage access to the files and folders stored in the files systems.

The best way to back up on a Mac is to use the Time Machine. Else, you can use third-party software like EaseUS for backing up your NTFS drive. You must remember that OS migration can result in a significant loss of data. That's why backing up is essential to save your imported files. Follow the below steps for cloning your Mac using Time Machine:

Step 1. Connect a formatted external hard drive to your Mac. using the appropriate cable, such as USB Lightning or eSATA.

Step 2. Click on the Apple menu center located on the upper-left corner of your screen.

Step 3. Next, click on the system preference tab, which is the second section of the drop-down menu.

Step 4. Click on the Time Machine near the bottom center of the window. For older versions of macOS and Time Machine, set the switch to the "on" position.

Step 5. After that, click on the select backup disk option on the right pane of the dialogue box.

Step 6. Click on the disk and select the external drive connected to your Mac.

Step 7. Click On Use Disk option on the lower right corner

Step 8. Then click on the backup automatically in the left pane if you want to backup at regular intervals

Step 9. Click on the show time machine in the menu bar to create a shortcut to the backup status.

Step 10. Click on options and check back up while on battery power to allow even when your Mac is not plugged in.

Check on the icon notify after old backups are deleted.

2 - Format NTFS drive

How to Format NTFS drive on Disk Utility

Formatting a drive is a very easy process, and you would need to follow a few steps. Plus, formatting will allow you to copy, paste, and delete files from NTFS on Mac:

Step 1. Open the disk utility app on your Mac and select the drive you wish to erase. Also, you can set up a new drive from the sidebar. For formatting, we are using a PNY USB drive in all options.

Step 2. After selecting the right disk, click on the Erase button at the top center of the Disk Utility app.

Step 3. A pop-up box will appear, center, and you will need to enter a name for the drive as you want. Next, click on the Format drop-down box to view the options.

Step 4. Pick the format you want to use. 

Step 5. Click On Apply and then proceed to start the formatting process

Step 6. Disk Utility will begin to unmount your drive and format your desired settings.

Step 7. Once completed, you will get a confirmation saying the format is complete.

Congratulations, your drive is now fully formatted to NTFS, and you can now re-purpose it for anything you need.

To Sum Up

Formatting a hard drive is an excellent technique to get rid of old files and make them work like new again. In case you don't need a Windows-formatted drive, you can download and use EaseUS software to format your NTFS drive on Mac. It comes with some outstanding features and supports almost all major OS versions.