Hello, I have a 2TB USB 3 drive, and I'm using big-sized files both Windows and OS X. I'm searching for the best disk format in my situation, it must be both Windows and OS X support, and unlimited "big" file transfer. Thanks.
MacBook Pro with Retina display, OS X Yosemite (10.10.4), ME294
That's not going to be all that easy. OS X can read but not natively write to Windows NTFS volumes, and Windows cannot read or write OSx Journaled file systems. You can get NTFS drivers to make your Mac write to an NTFS volume.
Your other option is FAT32 which both Windows and OS X can read and write to. However, this has a limitation on the file size a single file can have. 4GB I believe. FAT32 also lacks the security of either NTFS and Mac OS X Extended Journaled file systems.
You have one more option, if you are only planning on using the only drive with computers, and the Mac has OSx Snow Leopard or newer.
ExFat, can be read and written to by both operating systems, and should give you the least amount of trouble.
Some interesting reading here:
http://www.howtogeek.com/73178/what-file-system-should-i-use-for-my-usb-drive/
Unless you're willing to get additional software, it's exFAT. If you are, it could be either exFAT, NTFS, or Mac OS Extended (Journaled) depending on which and how many computers you'll be installing the software onto.
(130612)
Thank you so much. It looks like I can finally work without any restrictions.
Best Disk Format for using both Windows and OS X
