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NTFS, which stands for New Technology File System, is a file system commonly used in Windows operating systems. However, Mac users often face challenges when it comes to reading and writing NTFS formatted drives. This limitation can be frustrating, especially for individuals who frequently work with both Mac and Windows systems.
Fortunately, there are several methods available that can help Mac users overcome this limitation and enable them to read and write NTFS drives. In this blog post, we will explore different methods and tools to achieve this. Whether you are a Mac user looking for a solution to access NTFS drives or simply curious about how it can be done, this article is for you.
Update: If you are a M1 or M2 Mac users, it is free to read NTFS on Mac without additional software. To write NTFS drive, you have to use third-party NTFS for Mac software to complete the task.
Does Mac Support NTFS File System?
Out of the box, macOS provides limited support for NTFS drives. While Macs can read data from NTFS drives, they can’t write to them by default. This read-only support can be inconvenient if you frequently switch between Windows and macOS environments.
If you wish to have both read and write capabilities for NTFS drives on a Mac, you’ll need third-party software or tools to assist with that.
The Challenge of Reading and Writing NTFS Drive on Mac
When it comes to reading and writing NTFS drives on Mac, there are several challenges that users may encounter. Understanding these challenges is crucial in order to find the best solution. Here are some of the common problems that Mac users face when dealing with NTFS drives:
1. Compatibility: By default, Mac OS X can only read NTFS drives but cannot write to them. This means that if you connect an NTFS formatted external hard drive or USB flash drive to your Mac, you will be able to copy files from the drive to your Mac, but not the other way around.
2. Data Loss Risk: Some third-party software solutions that claim to enable NTFS write support on Mac can be risky to use. These software tools may have limitations or even potential bugs, which can result in data loss or corruption.
3. Complexity: Some of the methods to enable NTFS write support on Mac might require technical expertise or involve complex procedures, making it challenging for novice users or non-technical individuals.
4. External Drive Formatting: Another solution to access NTFS drives on Mac is to reformat them into a format compatible with both Mac and Windows, such as exFAT. However, this method involves erasing the existing data on the drive, which may not be feasible or desirable in some cases.
Method 1. How to Read and Write NTFS Drive on Mac with Built-in Tool
One of the simplest methods to enable NTFS write support on Mac is by using some built-in features and tools provided by macOS. This method involves a few manual steps. Here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: Connect the NTFS formatted drive to your Mac and open Finder and locate the drive in the sidebar
Step 2: Now, open Terminal from Applications > Utilities. Then type the following command and press Enter:
sudo nano /etc/fstab
Step 3:Enter your administrator password when prompted. Now, add the following line at the end of the file:
LABEL=DRIVE_LABEL none ntfs rw,auto,nobrowse
Please replace "DRIVE_LABEL" with the actual name or label of your NTFS drive
Step 4:Press Control + O to save the file and press Control + X to exit nano editor
Step 5: Go back to Terminal and type the following command:
sudo ln -s /Volumes/DRIVE_LABEL ~/Desktop/DRIVE_NAME
Make sure replace "DRIVE_LABEL" with the label of your NTFS drive and "DRIVE_NAME" with the desired name for the shortcut
Pros:
1. Enables NTFS write support on Mac without the need for third-party NTFS for Mac software.
2. Simple and straightforward process.
3. Allows easy access to the NTFS drive through the created shortcut.
Cons:
1. Not an officially supported method by Apple, potential compatibility issues with future macOS updates.
2. Requires manual editing of system files, which can be intimidating for beginner users.
3. The NTFS drive will not appear in Finder, and you need to access it through the created shortcut.
Method 2. How to Read and Write NTFS on Mac via UUByte NTFSGeeker
If you are looking for a more user-friendly and reliable solution to read and write NTFS drives on Mac, the UUByte NTFSGeeker software can be a great option. It is one of the best NTFS for Mac software solution designed to bridge this gap. As its name suggests, UUByte NTFS Geeker enables Mac users to not only read but also write to NTFS drives, effectively eliminating the barriers posed by the differing file systems of Mac and Windows.
Using UUByte NTFS Geeker is a straightforward process, suitable for both tech-savvy users and those less familiar with file system intricacies.
Once installed on your Mac, the software automatically detects any connected NTFS drives and allows for immediate read and write access. No longer do users have to grapple with complex settings or configurations.
All that’s required is a simple plug-and-play action: connect your NTFS drive to your Mac, and UUByte NTFS Geeker takes care of the rest, offering an intuitive interface and seamless data transfer capabilities. Say goodbye to file system barriers and embrace the convenience of UUByte NTFS Geeker for all your cross-platform needs.
Pros:
1. User-friendly interface and easy-to-use.
2. Provides reliable NTFS support on Mac without any manual editing or command-line operations.
3. Allows seamless access to NTFS drives, just like any other Mac-formatted drive.
Cons:
1. UUByte NTFSGeeker is a paid software, and a license is required for full access to all features.
2. Requires additional installation and consumes computer resources.
3. Compatibility with future macOS updates may need to be verified.
Method 3. How to Read and Write NTFS on Mac via Paragon NTFS for Mac
Paragon NTFS for Mac emerges as a game-changer in this scenario. With its sophisticated engineering, Paragon NTFS for Mac ensures that Mac users are no longer restricted to read-only access to their NTFS drives. This powerful tool allows for full read and write capabilities, thereby ensuring that Mac and Windows users can share and edit their files without a hitch.
Harnessing the capabilities of Paragon NTFS for Mac is delightfully simple. After a quick installation process, the software smoothly integrates with macOS, ensuring that every NTFS drive connected to the Mac is treated just like a native drive. This means users can effortlessly drag-and-drop files, edit content directly on the NTFS drive, and execute save commands without worrying about compatibility issues.
There’s no need to launch a separate application; Paragon NTFS works silently in the background, providing an uninterrupted experience. For those navigating the crossroads of Mac and Windows, Paragon NTFS for Mac is an indispensable tool, making file-sharing across these platforms a breeze.
Pros:
1. Provides seamless NTFS support on Mac without the need for complex procedures.
2. User-friendly interface and easy to navigate.
3. Offers additional features and utilities for managing NTFS drives.
Cons:
1. Paragon NTFS is a paid software, and a license is required for full access to all features.
2. Requires additional installation and consumes computer resources.
3. Compatibility with future macOS updates may need to be verified.
Method 4. How to Read and Write NTFS on Mac via Tuxera NTFS for Mac
Historically, Mac systems offer only read access to NTFS drives, leaving users unable to write or modify data on them. Tuxera NTFS for Mac bridges this divide, bringing full read and write capability for NTFS drives to macOS. Through its advanced engineering and user-focused design, Tuxera ensures that Mac enthusiasts can easily interact with NTFS files, delivering a consistent and efficient data transfer experience without the limitations previously faced.
Utilizing Tuxera NTFS for Mac is both intuitive and hassle-free. Once installed, the software blends seamlessly into macOS, allowing all connected NTFS drives to function as if they were native. This means users can quickly drag files to and from the drive, edit content directly on the NTFS partition, and perform routine operations without any disruptions.
Moreover, with its robust data protection mechanisms, Tuxera ensures that all transfers are safe and free from data corruption. There’s no need for complex configurations or intricate setups; with Tuxera NTFS for Mac, accessing and editing files on NTFS drives becomes as straightforward as handling files on any Mac-compatible drive.
Pros:
1. Provides reliable and seamless NTFS support on Mac.
2. Offers advanced features for managing NTFS drives.
3. User-friendly interface and easy to use.
Cons:
1. Tuxera NTFS is a paid software, and a license is required for full access to all features.
2. Requires additional installation and consumes computer resources.
3. Compatibility with future macOS updates may need to be verified.
Method 5. How to Read and Write NTFS on Mac Free Using NTFS-3G
If you prefer open-source solutions, there are a few options available that can help you read and write NTFS drives on Mac. One such solution is the open-source driver called NTFS-3G. NTFS-3G is a cross-platform NTFS file system driver. Developed with the goal of breaking down these barriers, NTFS-3G offers Mac users full read and write access to NTFS partitions, ensuring seamless data interaction regardless of the underlying file system.
Step 1: Install Homebrew (if not already installed)
Homebrew is a popular package manager for macOS that simplifies the installation of software. To install it, open the Terminal and enter:
/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"
Step 2: Install NTFS-3G on Mac
With Homebrew installed, you can now easily install NTFS-3G. In the Terminal, type:
brew install ntfs-3g
Step 3: Disable System Integrity Protection (SIP) on Mac
NTFS-3G requires modifications to the system that are restricted by SIP. You’ll need to disable it, but it’s essential to remember to re-enable it later.
Restart your Mac and hold down Command + R keys to boot into Recovery Mode. Once in Recovery Mode, open a Terminal (from Utilities in the top menu). Now, type:
csrutil disable
Restart your Mac again.
Step 4: Link NTFS-3G to boot drive
After disabling SIP, you need to link NTFS-3G to enable it to manage NTFS drives. In Terminal, type:
sudo mv /sbin/mount_ntfs /sbin/mount_ntfs.original
sudo ln -s /usr/local/sbin/mount_ntfs /sbin/mount_ntfs
Step 5: Re-enable System Integrity Protection (SIP):
For security reasons, it’s crucial to re-enable SIP after completing the NTFS-3G setup.
Restart your Mac in Recovery Mode, open a Terminal and input:
csrutil enable
Pros:
1. Free and open-source solution.
2. Provides NTFS write support on Mac.
3. Allows customization and tweaking for advanced users.
Cons:
1. Advanced technical knowledge required to set up and configure the solution.
2. Potential compatibility issues with future macOS updates.
3. Limited support and updates compared to commercial solutions.
Video: How to Read and Write NTFS on Mac
Why My Mac Can’t Write NTFS Drive?
Mac’s inability to write to NTFS drives is rooted in a combination of technical, licensing, and strategic reasons:
Licensing and Legal Concerns: NTFS (New Technology File System) is proprietary to Microsoft. Apple would need to obtain licensing from Microsoft to write to NTFS, and this might involve costs or other considerations that Apple has chosen to avoid.
Technical Complexities: NTFS is a complex file system with features that don’t have direct analogs in macOS. Providing full support for all NTFS features would require significant effort and could introduce compatibility and data integrity concerns.
Alternative Solutions: Apple supports other file systems like FAT32 and exFAT (which is suitable for flash drives and external hard drives). With exFAT, both Windows and macOS can read and write natively, making it a more universal choice for cross-platform use. This may diminish the urgency for Apple to support NTFS writing natively.
Strategic Reasons: Apple has its proprietary file system, first HFS+ and now APFS (Apple File System). By not enabling write access to NTFS, it subtly encourages the use of its file systems or more universal ones like exFAT.
Safety Concerns: Partial or flawed support for NTFS could risk data corruption or loss. By allowing read access without write capabilities, macOS lets users retrieve data from NTFS drives without risking unintentional data modification or corruption.
If you need to write to NTFS drives frequently, consider third-party solutions like UUByte NTFS Geeker, Tuxera NTFS for Mac, Paragon NTFS for Mac, or NTFS-3G. These software options enable write capabilities for NTFS drives on macOS. Always remember to back up your data when using third-party tools to ensure its safety.
FAQs about Reading and Writing NTFS on Mac
Q1: Are there any free solutions to read and write NTFS on Mac?
A1: Yes, there are free solutions available such as NTFS-3G, which is an open-source NTFS driver. However, they may require advanced technical knowledge to set up and configure properly.
Q2: Will using third-party software to enable NTFS write support on Mac affect my system or files?
A2: Most reputable third-party software solutions are safe to use and do not have any adverse effects on your system or files. However, it’s always recommended to back up your important data before making any changes.
Q3: Can I use the same method to read and write NTFS on multiple Mac computers?
A3: Yes, the methods mentioned in this article can be applied to multiple Mac computers. However, you may need to repeat the steps on each Mac individually.
Q4: Will enabling NTFS write support on Mac affect my ability to access the drive on Windows?
A4: Enabling NTFS write support on Mac should not affect your ability to access the drive on Windows. However, it’s always recommended to first test the compatibility by connecting the drive to a Windows computer before making any changes on your Mac.
Q5: Can I recover data from an NTFS drive using these methods?
A5: The methods mentioned in this article primarily focus on enabling NTFS write support on Mac. If you need to recover data from an NTFS drive, it’s recommended to use dedicated data recovery software designed for that purpose.
Final Words:
Reading and writing NTFS drives on Mac can be a challenge, but with the methods and tools mentioned in this article, you can overcome this limitation. Whether you choose to use built-in macOS features, third-party software, or alternative solutions, there are options available to suit your needs. Just remember to always back up your important data before making any changes to your drives, and keep your software up to date for the best compatibility