use mac disk utility to format thumbdrive for windows and mac

The disadvantage of this system is that it doesn’t support files with size bigger than 4 GB and storage partition bigger than 2 TB. Almost all USB flash drive comes pre-formatted with FAT 32 file system because it virtually works everywhere. This legacy file system is the next generation of FAT that comes a long way from the DOS era.

Here are the overview of the commonly used file systems. With several different formats available, which one should we choose? It will depend on your usage. But that trend also makes file system compatibility problem more apparent. It’s a common thing to see people sharing and distributing files using USB drive. The mass adoption of USB drive makes it one of the most used storage media today. If you are a Mac users, here are overviews of different file format systems, and how to choose which format to use for your USB drive to ensure compatibility with other operating systems. Due to the smaller worldwide user-based percentage, Mac OS X users are the ones who would likely stumble into these file format problems. Finally, click on OK and then select Erase.This is a complete process of formatting a USB drive on Mac.Not many people are aware of these differences until they need to copy files into a storage formatted using the different file system. But keep in mind this step will increase the time of the format.Ħ. This will let you choose how securely you want the files to be deleted.Just move the slider to right, the further it moves, the more passes the erase feature will make meaning that the files will be removed discreetly. Next from the drop-down menu, select the type of format you want.If the USB flash drive, has some sensitive data, click on Security tab.

Now select Erase from toolbar that is situated at top of window.Next a window will drop down here type a specific name for formatted drive.ĥ. Next navigate to Applications and select Utilities, then select Disk Utility by double-clicking on it.Ĥ. Note: – Formatting will wipe the entire data, so make sure the drive contains no important data on it. The latest MacBook Pro or MacBook Air have only USB-C type connectors, so if you have the recent Mac’s, you will require an adaptor to convert from USB-C to USB-A.Ģ. To format a USB drive, follow these steps:ġ.

Use mac disk utility to format thumbdrive for windows and mac