Disk Utility 'operation not permitted' error on macOS 15.2

Why doesn't my Disk Utility allow me to create an encrypted folder? When I try, I get a Message that says "operation not permitted" I am using macOS 15.2 on a 16 inch MacBook Pro 2021.

Thanks.



[Re-Titled by Moderator]

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 15.2

Posted on Jan 16, 2025 12:26 PM

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4 replies

Jan 16, 2025 5:25 PM in response to Raymond2008

What is this external drive?


What file system is on it? By default macOS cannot write to an NTFS volume without the assistance of a third party driver. You also cannot write to a Time Machine backup volume since they are read-only.


If the external drive is just a regular data drive, then make sure "Ignore ownership" is checked:

If you don’t have permission to use files on a Mac disk - Apple Support



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Disk Utility 'operation not permitted' error on macOS 15.2

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