how-to-copy-files-to-read-only-NTFS-drive-on-mac-resolved

Have you ever connected an NTFS external hard drive to your Mac, only to find it’s in read-only mode, making file transfers a challenge? Many share your frustration in dealing with this common issue, making it challenging to copy files from Mac to NTFS hard drive. Worry not! This comprehensive guide is here to help, providing step-by-step solutions to overcome this predicament.

Part One. Understanding the Barriers to Copying Files from Your Mac to an NTFS External Hard Drive

NTFS (New Technology File System) is what Windows uses for its files. But when it comes to NTFS drives, macOS can read their contents, meaning you can view and access the files stored on them without a problem. However, what macOS can’t do out of the box is write to these NTFS drives. In other words, you can’t easily add, delete, or make changes to files on an NTFS drive directly from your Mac.

Part Two. How to Enable File Transfers to NTFS Hard Drives on Mac – [Problem Solved]

The good news is that there are several workarounds to tackle this issue, allowing you to effortlessly copy files from your Mac to an NTFS external hard drive.

Method 1: Convert the NTFS Drive to FAT32 or exFAT (Detailed Steps for Windows & Mac Users)

One straightforward solution is to reformat the NTFS drive into a file system that both Windows and macOS can handle for reading and writing. Two commonly used options are FAT32 and exFAT.

Before proceeding with the formatting process, it’s crucial to back up all the data on your NTFS drive (USB flash drive, SD card, hard disk etc), as the formatting procedure will erase its contents. Afterward, you can proceed to format the external hard drive using either your Mac or a Windows PC.

How to change the format of your NTFS drive to FAT32 or exFAT on your Mac?

1. Plug your NTFS drive/device into your Mac computer, then open Disk Utility by navigating to Finder > Applications > Utilities.

2. Locate your NTFS drive from the list on the left, and then click the “Erase” button at the top (as shown in the example image above).

3. Assign a name to the drive, choose either MS-DOS (FAT) or exFAT as the new format, and select GUID Partition Map as the scheme, lastly, click the “Erase” button.

Wait until the process of erasing is finished. While this is happening, avoid doing any actions on your Mac.

How to Change the File System of an External Hard Drive on a Windows PC?

1. Begin by locating your external hard drive in Disk Management. If it’s not initialized, you can right-click on it to choose a style (MBR or GPT). 

2. Then, right-click on it again and select “Format.”

3. In the “Format Partition” window, configure disk settings such as allocation unit size, volume label, and format type. To ensure compatibility between macOS and Windows, opt for either FAT or exFAT formats, which function seamlessly on both systems. Click “OK” to initiate the formatting process.

Once the formatting is complete, connect the drive to your Mac. You should now have the ability to copy files from your Mac to the external drive without any obstacles. While this method is effective, it may not suit everyone’s needs due to the limitations of FAT32 and exFAT. For instance, FAT32 has a maximum file size limit of 4 GB. If you work with large files or require NTFS-specific features, you may want to explore the next method.

Method 2: Enable NTFS Support on Your Mac (No Drive Formatting Required)

For a more streamlined solution, consider using third-party software that seamlessly integrates NTFS support into your Mac. This approach is especially beneficial when you want to avoid reformatting an NTFS drive that contains important files. Take iBoysoft NTFS for Mac as an example. It removes the read-only limitation, enabling effortless file copying between your Mac and the NTFS drive, similar to the experience on a Windows computer. 

Moreover, it grants you the ability to edit, delete, and rename files directly within the NTFS drive from your Mac. Download and install iBoysoft NTFS for Mac on your Mac computer, and then you can follow these steps to enable file copying from your Mac to the NTFS drive:

  1. Connect your NTFS external hard drive to your Mac and launch the iBoysoft NTFS for Mac app. This will automatically make the NTFS drive writable on your Mac.
  2. Now, open your NTFS drive, and you can instantly copy files from your Mac to the NTFS drive.

Method 3. Using Terminal for NTFS Drive Access (Not Recommended) 

Using the Terminal to enable both read and write access to NTFS drives on a Mac is considered an experimental approach. It’s not secure, and even Apple advises against it due to potential risks. This method may cause problems with the NTFS drive and could even lead to data loss on your Mac’s hard drive.

For a safer and more reliable solution, it’s recommended to use specialized software like iBoysoft NTFS for Mac. This software is designed to work seamlessly with different Mac models, making file transfers between your Mac and NTFS drive more dependable.

However, if you’re determined to proceed with Terminal, here are the steps. But remember, it’s crucial to back up both the NTFS drive and your Mac before attempting this method.

Here are the steps to enable read-write access for your NTFS hard drive or external device on your Mac:

1. Connect your NTFS hard drive or external device to your Mac. Then, go to the Launchpad on the Dock, click on “Other,” and select “Terminal.”

2. Copy and paste the following command into the Terminal window:

sudo nano /etc/fstab

3. Use the arrow keys to scroll to the end of the list, and then type the following command (Please note: Replace “NAME” with the actual name of your NTFS drive):

LABEL=NAME none ntfs rw, auto, nobrowse

4. Press “Control + O,” and then press “Control + X” to save and exit.

5. Open Finder, then select “Go” in the menu bar and choose “Go to Folder.”

6. Enter “/Volumes/NAME” into the Go to Folder box (Make sure to replace “NAME” with the correct name of your NTFS drive).

7. Finally, click “Go” to open your NTFS drive. You can now access and copy files to the NTFS drive through Finder.

In Conclusion

Dealing with NTFS drives on Macs in read-only mode can be frustrating, but solutions are available. You can reformat the drive for better compatibility, explore software options like iBoysoft NTFS for Mac, or adjust settings using Terminal. These methods ensure smoother file transfers between your Mac and NTFS drives, making cross-platform sharing easier.

By Anurag Rathod

Anurag Rathod is an Editor of Appclonescript.com, who is passionate for app-based startup solutions and on-demand business ideas. He believes in spreading tech trends. He is an avid reader and loves thinking out of the box to promote new technologies.