How to Format Disk to NTFS on Mac Using Terminal [2023 Full Guide] - EaseUS

Can I Format Drive to NTFS on Mac

Mac OS uses HFS (Hierarchical File System) for the drives. On the other hand, Windows uses NTFS for file storage systems. So, people look for options to format their drives in HFS to NTFS for better compatibility.

If you are a Mac user and wondering if you can format drives to NTFS on MAC, then the good news is that you can do it. But before you see the method on how to format the drive to NTFS on Mac, let's see some common reasons why people do it in the first place.

1. Hard Drive or External Hard Drive compatibility with both Mac and Windows.

If you switch from Windows to Mac or work on both operating systems, you need to format the drive to NTFS. When you format your drive to NTFS, you get to make it compatible with both Mac and Windows.

2. Use NTFS to Transfer and Save Big Files.

If you have a substantial NTFS drive and Mac, that drive is useless for you. The best way around is to make your drive format NTFS in Mac. It will allow you to transfer, store quickly, and share large files on it.

3. Use NTFS for Specific Usage.

A specific usage for the NTFS file system is to support removable storage devices. For example, on Mac, having NTFS format available allows you to work your way around with external storage devices.

How to Format Drive to NTFS on Mac? Use Terminal

The last part explained why the NTFS format is essential. Usually, operating systems come with disk utility software that allows you to format drives. However, in Mac, the disk utility software does not come with the option for NTFS file format.

Therefore, the Mac users need to use the terminal to format drives to NTFS. Follow the below steps to easily format your drive to NTFS on Mac using a terminal.

Steps to Format Drive to NTFS on Mac using Terminal

Step 1. Select Finder > Applications > Utilities > Terminal.

Step 2. In the terminal, type diskutil list and then hit the enter button. 

Here you can see the locations of your attached drives. Pick the one which you need to format to NTFS.

Step 3. Enter diskutil eraseDisk NTFS "LABEL"command to format your drive to NTFS.

Replace "LABEL" with the name that you want to give to your formatted drive. Also, you need to replace with the exact location of your drive. You can get the location name from step 2.

Once done, you will be able to format your disk into NTFS using the Mac terminal.

How to Use NTFS on Mac and Windows  

NTFS (New Technology File System) is a file storage system that Microsoft introduced. By default, Microsoft uses its Windows NT operating systems to organize, store efficiently, and find files on the drive.

That is the reason that enables you to directly attach and work with NTFS drives in Windows operating system. However, it’s not the case with Mac OS. This is because the file system of Mac OS is opposite to Windows OS.

When you connect an NTFS drive with Mac, you cannot perform read and write operations directly. Unfortunately, Mac’s own disk utility software does not provide any direct NTFS format method. 

You need to format the drive to NTFS using the Mac terminal. Once done, you can use any third-party application to enable read/write access to NTFS drive in Mac.

EaseUS NTFS For Mac

EaseUS NTFS for Mac is a top-notch one-step method for enabling read-write access to NTFS drives in macOS. You don’t have to remember or copy-paste any command to use this software.

It makes the whole procedure simple by enabling the read-write access to NTFS with just one simple step.

What makes EaseUS NTFS for Mac the best 3rd party tool is its breakneck speed, powerful features, and full compatibility with all Mac devices. You can begin using the software by downloading it from their official website.

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.

Why EaseUS NTFS For Mac?

Although, many other software programs can help you enable read-write access to NTFS drives in macOS. But, if you wonder why our article recommends EaseUS NTFS for Mac is due to its extensive features.

Below are a few of the key features that give EaseUS NTFS For Mac edge over other software:

• Mac Compatibility: EaseUS NTFS For Mac is fully compatible with M1-based Mac devices. So you don't have to worry if you are using the latest Mac device.
• Performance: It is lightning quick. It means without waiting for much time. You can begin to save or copy files between your Mac and your external disc that is NTFS formatted.
• Extreme Reliability: With EaseUS NTFS For Mac, you don't have to worry a bit about data transfer. It ensures that you seamlessly transfer data between Mac and NTFS drive.
• User Experience: Another critical feature of this is its user interface which is tailor-made for beginners. You can learn the software and use it without much computer expertise.

Conclusion

The NTFS file system was introduced by Microsoft and supported by all Windows NT operating systems. Introducing the NTFS file system aims to have better file storage, searching, and management.

The file format became highly popular, and people who wish to use it in Mac have no built-in support. As the Mac file system is HFS and it does not support NTFS natively.

Therefore, the users need other ways to format the disk to NTFS on Mac. You can do it by using Mac’s terminal, which allows formatting disk to NTFS with commands.

Once you have the drive in NTFS format, you can use highly reliable software that is EaseUS NTFS for Mac to enable read/write access to NTFS drives on macOS. It is efficient and can do the job with just one simple step.