[Free] How to Write NTFS on Mac? 7 Ways You Should Know
When it comes to file systems, Windows and macOS have long had their differences. Windows primarily employs the NTFS (New Technology File System), while macOS relies on the HFS+ or APFS file systems. This divergence can lead to compatibility issues for those who use both operating systems. While macOS can read NTFS drives, it cannot write to them by default. This can be a real inconvenience, but fear not, as there are several methods to enable NTFS to write support on a Mac. In this article, we’ll explore seven ways to achieve this, ensuring a better transition between the two operating systems.
What is NTFS?
NTFS, which stands for New Technology File System, is a proprietary file system developed by Microsoft. It was first introduced with the Windows NT operating system in the early 1990s and has since become the default file system for all Windows versions. NTFS offers several advantages, including support for large file sizes, data encryption, and improved file compression. However, there’s one significant limitation when it comes to using NTFS on a Mac — it’s a read-only file system by default.
Mac computers, on the other hand, primarily use the HFS+ (or APFS for newer macOS versions) file system. While macOS can read NTFS drives without any issues, it cannot write data to them without some help. This limitation can be frustrating for users who frequently switch between Windows and macOS environments or need to transfer files between the two systems.
Top 7 NTFS for Mac Software You Must Know
1. Kingshiper NTFS for Mac
Kingshiper NTFS for Mac is one of the most popular and free third-party software for enabling NTFS write support on your Mac. It’s a user-friendly and reliable software that seamlessly integrates with macOS, allowing you to write, edit, copy, and delete files on NTFS-formatted drives without any hassle. Kingshiper NTFS for Maac is renowned for its stability and reliability. When dealing with crucial data and file systems, reliability is paramount. Users can trust Kingshiper NTFS to maintain the integrity of their data and ensure consistent performance, reducing the risk of data loss or corruption.
Pros:
Intuitive and simple user interface
Ensure data privacy and security
One-click to read and write NTFS drives
Cons:
No support by phone
Here’s how to use Kingshiper NTFS for Mac:
Step 1: Go to the official website: https://www.kingshiper.com/ntfs-for-mac and download the software.
Step 2: Launch Kingshiper NTFS for Mac and connect your NTFS drive to Mac.
Step 3: Click “Open” and enter the password to get the writable access. Then, you can edit, copy, delete, and even modify your files on Mac.
2. Mounty for NTFS
Mounty for NTFS is a simple tool designed to enable write support for NTFS drives on macOS. Instead of adding new drivers or overhauling the system’s capabilities, Mounty takes advantage of macOS’s native NTFS drivers, simply activating the write feature. Once installed, Mounty for NTFS seamlessly integrates with macOS. When you connect an NTFS-formatted drive, Mounty will automatically mount it and provide write access. You won’t need to go through a series of manual steps every time you connect your NTFS drive.
Pros:
Free to use
Runs on Apple Silicon M1 Mac
Cons:
No Technical Support
No Updates Guarantee
3. Paragon NTFS
Paragon NTFS is a robust and widely recognized software solution designed to address one of the long-standing challenges faced by Mac users — gaining full read and write access to NTFS-formatted drives. In addition, it is known for its high data transfer speeds. It optimizes data exchange between macOS and NTFS volumes, ensuring that users can work with NTFS drives efficiently. Paragon NTFS enables users to read and write to NTFS drives on their Macs, offering complete compatibility with Windows file systems. This includes the ability to create, edit, copy, and delete files and folders on NTFS volumes.
Pros:
High-Speed Transfer
Provide security features
Cons:
No Support for Boot Camp
Not support OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion or earlier.
4. Tuxera NTFS for Mac
Tuxera NTFS for Mac is another premium NTFS solution. It provides fast and reliable NTFS write support and is compatible with macOS Catalina and newer versions. Tuxera NTFS for Mac ensures that you can work with NTFS drives without any compatibility issues. Moreover, with its fail-safe technology, Tuxera helps protect against potential data loss during transfers, even if the system crashes or experiences power outages.
Pros:
High reliability and simplicity.
Support Macs running Mac OS X 10.4 and higher.
Cons:
Speed is slowed by bulk transfers.
5. SL-NTFS for Mac
SL-NTFS, also known as Snow Leopard NTFS, is a software solution designed to address a common challenge faced by Mac users who are running the Snow Leopard (Mac OS X 10.6) operating system — the inability to natively write to NTFS-formatted drives. What many didn’t realize initially was that Snow Leopard had a built-in NTFS write capability. This feature, however, was deactivated by default, presumably because it was not deemed stable enough for everyday use. Advanced users could enable this write feature using terminal commands or third-party utilities.
Pros
Support users free to write NTFS
Cons:
No technical support
Compatibility issues with other NTFS support software
6. NTFS-3G For Mac
NTFS-3G for Mac is a popular open-source software package that provides Mac users with the ability to write to NTFS (New Technology File System) formatted drives. Being open-source, NTFS-3G is available to users at no cost, making it an attractive option for those who want NTFS write access without purchasing commercial software. However, users should be aware of its complexity and the need to rely on community support when using open-source software.
Pros:
100% Free
Support macOS 10.12 — macOS Big Sur
Cons:
Not supported on Ventura, Monterey, and Apple silicon Mac
Complicated installation and writing NTFS at a slow speed.
7. Fuse For MacOS
FUSE for macOS, or Filesystem in Userspace, is an open-source software framework that allows users to extend the capabilities of macOS file systems. It accomplishes this by enabling the development of user-space file system drivers, which means that file systems can be developed and operated in user mode rather than at the kernel level. FUSE provides a bridge between the kernel and user space, enabling support for a wide range of file systems, some of which are not natively supported by macOS.
Pros:
Available in multiple languages
Enhance extended file system compatibility
Cons
Limited Official Support
Complicated to use
The Bottom Line
Having the ability to write to NTFS drives on a Mac can be crucial for many users, especially in environments where both Mac and Windows systems are used. The good news is that you now have a number of options to choose from if you intend to stick with NTFS for your file transfer requirements. Take your pick based on what you think is safest and easiest for you. Make sure to back up your files first so you don’t lose anything if anything goes wrong. If you don’t have the answer to choose the best tool, you can try to use Kingshiper NTFS for Mac, it won’t let you down.