Files doesn't show up on external HDD

Question

Level 1

8 points

Files doesn't show up on external HDD

Hello. I have a problem with my external HDD when I plug it into my Macbook. I am trying to transfer some files from my PC to Mac, and most of my files (mostly photos) doesn't show up on external HDD when I plug it into the Mac, and I can't figure out why. All of those files are there when plugged into the PC. For example, on Mac I can only see the folders, and when I open them, there are no files inside, or even in some cases, half of the photos show up and half doesn't (they all have the same extension btw). Please help if you can. Thank you.

MacBook Air 13″, macOS 11.1

Posted on Jan 13, 2021 11:11 AM

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Answer 1

pavle994 Author

Level 1

8 points

Jan 16, 2021 6:03 AM in response to Matti Haveri

I do have the M1. It may be a glitch or something, but formatting to ex-FAT actually fixed the issue

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Answer 2

pavle994 Author

Level 1

8 points

Jan 15, 2021 11:49 AM in response to mario49

Actually I figured out the problem. The drive was formatted for windows files (NTFS) and that is why I wasn’t able to see them on Mac

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Answer 3

mario49

Community Specialist

Jan 15, 2021 11:45 AM in response to pavle994

Hello pavle994,

Welcome to Apple Support Communities. It appears that you're having some issues when attempting to view files on your external hard drive using your Mac. Just to confirm, are you accessing these files using an Admin account? Let us know if this helps: Use external storage devices with Mac

Take care.

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Answer 4

Jan 15, 2021 11:08 PM in response to pavle994

So you don't you have a M1 Mac?? macOS should see NTFS as read-only (macOS might have trouble with some exFAT options). Or maybe this is a Big Sur glitch.

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/252114297

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