How to Use NTFS Hard Drives on Mac

Using an NTFS hard drive on a Mac can be a challenge, but it's not as difficult as it may seem. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to setup and use an NTFS-formatted hard drive on a Mac. This will allow you to access and share files between Windows and Mac computers without having to switch file systems.

1. Installing Finder Support for NTFS

The first step in using an NTFS hard drive on a Mac is to install Finder support for NTFS. This will allow you to access and manage NTFS-formatted drives within the Finder.

a. Open the Application Library and search for "NTFS".

b. Install the "NTFS for Mac" application.

c. Open the Finder, then go to the "File" menu and select "Options".

d. Click on the "Volumes" tab and check the box next to "Enable file system migration".

e. Click on the "+" symbol and select the NTFS hard drive you want to add.

2. Mounting an NTFS Drive

Once you have installed Finder support for NTFS, you can mount an NTFS-formatted hard drive within the Finder.

a. Open the Finder, then go to the "File" menu and select "New Folder".

b. Type in a name for your new folder and press return.

c. Click on the "File" menu again and select "Add Volume as Mounted Volume...".

d. Navigate to your NTFS hard drive and select it.

e. A new folder should appear in your Finder with the mounted NTFS drive.

3. Sharing Files with NTFS

To share files between Windows and Mac computers, you will need to use NTFS file permissions.

a. Open the Finder, then go to the "File" menu and select "New File Sharing Volume...".

b. Navigate to your NTFS hard drive and select it.

c. Choose the folder you want to share and drag it to the "Share this Folder" section.

d. Give the folder a name and choose the appropriate permissions for the users you want to access it.

e. Click on the "Share" button to start sharing the folder.

Using an NTFS hard drive on a Mac is now easier than ever with the installation of Finder support for NTFS and the ability to mount and share files. This will allow you to access and share files between Windows and Mac computers without having to switch file systems. Remember to pay attention to file permissions and backup your data regularly to prevent any potential data loss.