What is the best option for transferring my photos and documents from my PC to my MacBook Air? I want to be able to choose what I bring over. Can I use a thumb drive or connect with a cord? This is my first MacBook and I’ve had it less than 24 hours so definitely a newbie.
[Re-Titled by Moderator]
MacBook Air 13″, macOS 15.2
IMHO, the easiest way to bring files from a PC to a Mac is to use an external SSD. Yes, a thumb drive will work, but they can be notoriously slow. With this method you only bring exactly what you wish.
PCs cannot read Mac-formatted (APFS) drives without helper software, but a Mac can read and write to a PC drive that is formatted ExFAT or FAT32. Mac can also read NTFS formatted drives but cannot write to them without helper software.
For another option, you should also take a look at this: Transfer from PC to Mac with Migration Assistant - Apple Support
You may also refer to this when necessary: Mac User Guide - Apple Support
It can also be accessed from the Mac's Menu bar at the top of the screen. From the Finder (home screen) click Help > macOS Help.
IMHO, the easiest way to bring files from a PC to a Mac is to use an external SSD. Yes, a thumb drive will work, but they can be notoriously slow. With this method you only bring exactly what you wish.
PCs cannot read Mac-formatted (APFS) drives without helper software, but a Mac can read and write to a PC drive that is formatted ExFAT or FAT32. Mac can also read NTFS formatted drives but cannot write to them without helper software.
For another option, you should also take a look at this: Transfer from PC to Mac with Migration Assistant - Apple Support
You may also refer to this when necessary: Mac User Guide - Apple Support
It can also be accessed from the Mac's Menu bar at the top of the screen. From the Finder (home screen) click Help > macOS Help.
In my experience, most (if not all) of the external SSDs that are being sold today are already formatted in exFAT so it would be "plug and play" between the Mac and PC. They also include the necessary cable.
To use the SSD solely with the Mac and take advantage of it's file formats (whatever it's advantages are can be Googled), you would need to use Disk Utility (included with the Mac) and reformat it to one of the Mac formats that are available. Only do this after you have successfully transferred your data over to the Mac since as mentioned above, the PC can not read an APFS formatted drive with out some "help".
Thank you! This is great and super helpful! We’ll have the cords and adapters needed for the external SSD. Knowing the proper format is great! I appreciate you taking the time to respond on this holiday weekend!
You’re welcome.
Merry Christmas.
Enjoy the new Mac. 🙂
Transferring Documents and Photos from PC to MacBook Air
