You want to copy files to an NTFS formatted USB flash drive, but your Mac does not support the format by default? Don’t worry, you are not alone! In this article, you will learn how to easily copy files from your Mac to an NTFS formatted drive.
Copying files to an NTFS drive can be problematic on a Mac, as the Mac does not support the NTFS format by default. In comparison, the FAT32 format is supported by macOS and Windows, but it has some limitations compared to the NTFS format. The NTFS format is usually the preferred option for transferring large files, as it offers a higher level of stability, reliability and security.
In this detailed guide, we will discuss several methods you can use to copy files from a Mac to an NTFS-formatted drive. Whether you want to try out new tools and applications or take advantage of the best practical tips and tricks, we’ve got you covered. Just follow the simple steps and in no time you will be able to copy files on NTFS drives without worrying about compatibility issues.
Why is all this important?
Copying files to Windows NTFS on Mac is a necessary skill for anyone who uses both Mac and Windows computers. There are many reasons why you may need to copy files between these two operating systems. Perhaps you have created a file on your Windows computer and need to open it on your Mac. Or maybe you want to back up your files to another computer that uses a different operating system.
Whatever the reason, copying files to Windows NTFS on Mac is an important step that you need to master. Without this capability, you are essentially limited in your ability to work with different operating systems and computers. This can cause you problems in your professional or personal life and affect your productivity.
By learning how to copy files between these two systems, you can expand your skills and increase your efficiency. This will help you do your work faster and more efficiently and achieve your goals faster. So it is important to learn and master this skill.
- Benefits of copying files to Windows NTFS on Mac:
- Enhancement of your skills
- Improved Productivity
- Collaborate better with other users
- Better compatibility with different operating systems
How does the conversion work?
With the Windows NTFS file system option on Mac, you can easily share files between Windows and Mac computers. When you connect a hard drive or USB drive to a Mac, Apple automatically formats the drive in Mac OS Extended (Journaled) format. However, this format is not readable for Windows users. Therefore, on the Mac, you need to make sure that the files are converted to the NTFS file format so that Windows computers can also read and open them.
Converting files from Mac OS Extended (Journaled) to NTFS format on a Mac can be done in several ways. A popular option is using third-party software, e.g.B Paragon NTFS for Mac or Tuxera NTFS for Mac. With this software you can easily access NTFS drives, copy files from Mac to NTFS drives and vice versa.
However, there are other ways to perform the conversion without having to download additional software. One such option is to format the hard drive or USB drive in NTFS format before copying files to it. Here we would like to point out that formatting the drive in NTFS format can cause data loss. Therefore, you should make sure that all important information is backed up before you perform formatting.
- Step 1: Connect the drive to the Mac and open "Disk Utility"
- Step 2: Select the hard disk from the menu and click the "Erase" button option
- Step 3: Select the file format, NTFS format from the drop-down menu
- Step 4: Name the drive and click the "Erase" button button to complete the formatting process
- Step 5: Transfer your files to the drive and it should now be readable when connected to a Windows computer.
NTFS file system and its peculiarities
NTFS (New Technology File System) is a file system developed by Microsoft and used by Windows NT 3 and later.1 is used as default. It offers a number of features that distinguish it from other file systems.
- NTFS supports files and folders up to 16 exabytes in size. It also allows long file names of up to 255 characters.
- NTFS provides enhanced data security with ACLs (Access Control Lists) that set rules to control access to files and folders.
- The journaling feature of NTFS allows to detect and correct disk errors.
- The compression feature of NTFS allows you to compress files to save disk space.
If you want to copy files from a Mac to NTFS formatted disks, there are several ways to do it. One option is to use special software, such as Tuxera NTFS or Paragon NTFS. Another way to use NTFS is to connect an external NTFS formatted hard drive to a Windows PC and then copy the files from your Mac to it.
Note that MacOS can read NTFS partitions, but not write to them. So you can only read the NTFS hard disks, but not write to them, unless you use supporting software.
Issues with converting to NTFS and how to avoid them when copying files to Windows NTFS on Mac
When copying files to Windows NTFS on Mac, you may encounter problems converting the file system. One reason for this may be the different handling of special characters and special formats between the two systems. This may cause file names or formatting to be lost, or the file may not open at all.
Another problem may occur with the file size. NTFS allows larger files than the Mac file system; therefore, you may encounter error messages when copying a large file to NTFS on the Mac.
To avoid such problems during conversion, you should make sure that you use a suitable conversion process or software. There are several conversion programs specifically designed to ensure a smooth transfer of files from one file system to another.
Also, make sure that you make a copy of your files and keep them in a safe place. This ensures that if something goes wrong, you can still access your original files and try to convert them again.
- Also, check that your Mac file system is capable of handling large files before copying them to NTFS.
- Avoid using special characters or special formatting in file names to avoid problems during the conversion process.
- Make sure you are using the latest version of your conversion software to minimize any errors during the transfer process.
By following these tips, you can minimize the likelihood of problems when converting files to NTFS and ensure a smooth Mac to Windows NTFS transfer process.
What to do in case of further problems
If you are still having problems after following the steps to transfer files to Windows NTFS on your Mac, there are some steps you can take to fix the problem. First, make sure that all necessary updates and patches for your operating system and applications are installed. Also check your network connection and make sure it is stable and reliable.
If the problem persists, check your antivirus and firewall settings and make sure they are not blocking file transfers. You should also check the permissions for the files and folders you want to transfer to make sure you have the necessary rights to copy them.

If you still have problems, it may be helpful to use a special file transfer tool optimized for Mac OS X. These tools usually provide higher reliability and improved performance compared to standard operating system transfer methods. Also contact customer support for further assistance and information if needed.
- Summary:
- Make sure that all updates and patches are installed
- Check your network connection
- Check antivirus and firewall settings
- Check file and folder permissions
- Use a special file transfer tool for Mac OS X