external drive compatible with mac and pc

Thumb drives, by default, often ship with a Windows file system incompatible to Macs. While Macs typically use a file format known as APFS or Mac OS Extended, and Windows systems often use NTFS or ExFAT, FAT remains a commonly used file system on thumb drives, as that format permits reading and writing files using both PCs and Macs. The next step involves configuring a thumb drive’s file storage system to work with a Mac. SEE Go-to resources for safe, secure cloud storage (TechRepublic Premium) Apple’s $19 USB-C to USB adapter, as it’s known, solves that problem by permitting connecting common USB-A accessories to a Mac’s USB-C or Thunderbolt 3 ports. Although Windows machines typically include the larger USB-A ports needed to accommodate common thumb drives, many contemporary Macs ship only with thinner, more compact USB-C ports. The first step involves physically connecting common thumb drives to a Mac. ICloud Usage Policy (TechRepublic Premium) How to boost your iPhone’s battery chargeĬlean your Mac before you break down and buy a new one Fortunately, Mac users can take advantage of a flash drive’s convenience just as Windows users can.

Occasionally the need arises to use a thumb drive to store, back up or transfer files. See how to format a drive to work with Windows PCs and Macs. How to format a thumb drive to work with Windows PCs and Macs using macOS Montereyĭespite the popularity of AirDrop, cloud services and email, the most convenient way to share files is sometimes with a thumb drive.

External drive compatible with mac and pc