How to Read NTFS Drives on macOS

Navigating file systems can sometimes feel like learning a new language, especially when you’re working across different operating systems. If you’re a Mac user who frequently interacts with Windows-formatted external drives, you’ve likely encountered NTFS (New Technology File System). While macOS can inherently read files from NTFS drives, writing to them is a different story. This can be a hurdle when you need to transfer or modify files on an NTFS drive using your Mac.

This article will guide you through understanding why this limitation exists and, more importantly, explore effective solutions on How To Read and even write to NTFS drives on macOS, ensuring seamless data management across platforms.

Understanding NTFS and macOS Compatibility

NTFS is the proprietary file system developed by Microsoft and primarily used in Windows operating systems. It’s robust and efficient, making it a popular choice for external hard drives and SSDs. Apple’s macOS, on the other hand, uses APFS (Apple File System) as its default, optimized for its ecosystem.

macOS has built-in support to read NTFS volumes. This means you can connect an NTFS-formatted drive to your Mac and open files, copy them from the drive to your Mac. However, by default, macOS restricts writing to NTFS drives. This is because full write support requires a licensed NTFS driver, and Apple chooses not to include this natively.

This read-only limitation can be frustrating when you want to use an NTFS drive to share files between a Windows PC and a Mac, requiring you to modify or add files from your macOS environment.

Solutions for Full NTFS Access on Mac

Fortunately, there are several reliable methods to overcome this limitation and gain full read and write access to NTFS drives on macOS. These solutions primarily involve using third-party software or considering alternative file system formats.

1. Third-Party NTFS Drivers: Software Solutions

The most common and direct approach is to install a third-party NTFS driver for macOS. These drivers bridge the compatibility gap, enabling your Mac to interact with NTFS drives as if they were natively supported, providing full read and write capabilities. Several reputable options are available:

SYSGeeker NTFS for Mac: As highlighted by users, SYSGeeker offers a user-friendly solution that allows you to easily mount NTFS drives in read/write mode. Users report its ease of use and direct mounting capabilities.

SYSGeeker NTFS for Mac enabling read and write access to an NTFS formatted external drive on macOS Monterey.
Mounty for NTFS: Mounty is a free, menu-bar based utility that provides a simple way to remount NTFS volumes in write mode. It’s a lightweight option, though some users might find menu-bar based tools less desirable if they prefer to avoid clutter.
Paragon NTFS for Mac: Paragon is a well-established commercial solution known for its reliability and performance. While some users in discussions reported issues, it generally remains a highly regarded option for robust NTFS support.
ntfs-3g (via command line): For more technically inclined users, ntfs-3g is a free, open-source command-line tool. While powerful and free, it requires familiarity with Terminal commands and might be less user-friendly for beginners.

Considerations when choosing a driver:

macOS Compatibility: Ensure the driver is compatible with your current macOS version, especially if you are using the latest versions like Monterey or Silicon Macs (M1, M2 chips). Some older drivers might not be fully optimized or supported.
Updates and Support: Opt for vendors that provide regular updates to ensure compatibility with future macOS releases. Relying on outdated drivers can lead to instability or loss of write access after a macOS update.
Performance and Stability: Read reviews and consider trial versions (if available) to assess the driver’s performance and stability on your specific Mac model and with your typical workload.

2. Reformatting to exFAT: The Cross-Platform Alternative

Another strategy, especially if you primarily use your external drive for cross-platform compatibility between macOS and Windows, is to format the drive using exFAT (Extended File Allocation Table).

exFAT is designed to be compatible with both macOS and Windows natively, without requiring third-party drivers. It supports large file sizes and is suitable for external hard drives and SSDs.

Pros of exFAT:

Native Compatibility: Works seamlessly with both macOS and Windows.
No Driver Installation: No need to install any extra software.

Cons of exFAT:

Reformatting Required: You’ll need to erase the drive and reformat it, meaning you’ll lose any existing data on the drive, so backup is crucial.
Potentially Less Robust: While suitable for most users, exFAT is sometimes considered less robust than NTFS in terms of data integrity and advanced features, though this is generally not a concern for typical external drive usage.

How to format to exFAT on macOS:

Connect your external drive to your Mac.
Open Disk Utility (Applications > Utilities).
Select your external drive in the sidebar.
Click Erase.
In the Format dropdown menu, choose exFAT.
Choose GUID Partition Map for Scheme.
Give your drive a name (optional).
Click Erase.

Choosing the Best Approach

The best solution depends on your specific needs and technical comfort level:

For frequent NTFS read/write needs: Installing a third-party NTFS driver is generally the most convenient solution. It allows you to continue using your NTFS drives without reformatting and provides seamless access within macOS.
For cross-platform sharing and occasional use: Reformatting to exFAT is a strong contender, especially if you are setting up a new drive for sharing. It avoids the need for extra software and ensures broad compatibility.
For users comfortable with command line and free solutions: ntfs-3g offers a powerful, free option, albeit with a steeper learning curve.

In conclusion, while macOS’s native read-only NTFS support might seem limiting, gaining full read and write access is readily achievable. Whether you choose the convenience of third-party drivers or the cross-platform compatibility of exFAT, you can effectively manage your NTFS drives on your Mac and ensure smooth data flow between macOS and Windows environments.