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Taking time machine off external hard drive

How do I remove "Time Machine" off of a brand new external hard drive and begin using it for storage instead. Dont want it as Time machine anymore. Thank you

Posted on Mar 23, 2021 11:37 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Mar 23, 2021 11:45 PM

Hi marcell84,


You really need a Time Machine backup in case something goes wrong, or you need a deleted file. However, if you know the risks, and want to proceed:


  1. Go to System Preferences > Time Machine > Options > select the Disk, and stop using disk.
  2. Go to Disk Utility (Finder > Go > Utilities)
  3. Select "View" > "Show All Devices".
  4. Look at the top level, non indented drive, in the external section of the sidebar in Disk Utility.
  5. Click Erase
  6. Name: Any name you want
  7. Format: APFS if shown, or Mac OS Extended (Journaled) if not.
  8. Scheme: GUID
  9. Click Erase


It is now erased and just external storage.


Cheers,


Jack

5 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Mar 23, 2021 11:45 PM in response to marcell84

Hi marcell84,


You really need a Time Machine backup in case something goes wrong, or you need a deleted file. However, if you know the risks, and want to proceed:


  1. Go to System Preferences > Time Machine > Options > select the Disk, and stop using disk.
  2. Go to Disk Utility (Finder > Go > Utilities)
  3. Select "View" > "Show All Devices".
  4. Look at the top level, non indented drive, in the external section of the sidebar in Disk Utility.
  5. Click Erase
  6. Name: Any name you want
  7. Format: APFS if shown, or Mac OS Extended (Journaled) if not.
  8. Scheme: GUID
  9. Click Erase


It is now erased and just external storage.


Cheers,


Jack

Mar 24, 2021 12:11 AM in response to marcell84

New Steps:


  1. Shut off the Mac
  2. Turn it on, and press and hold Command + R.
  3. Go to Disk Utility in this new mode
  4. Select "View" > "Show All Devices".
  5. Look at the top level, non indented drive, in the external section of the sidebar in Disk Utility.
  6. Click Erase
  7. Name: Any name you want
  8. Format: APFS if shown, or Mac OS Extended (Journaled) if not.
  9. Scheme: GUID
  10. Click Erase


Cheers,


Jack

Taking time machine off external hard drive

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