have an account?【sign in】what is ntfs for mac: NTFS for Mac: A Comprehensive Guide to Using NTFS on a Mac Computer
ballingerauthorNTFS for Mac: A Comprehensive Guide to Using NTFS File Systems on a Mac Computer
NTFS, or Microsoft NT File System, is a file system used by Windows operating systems for storing and organizing data on hard disks. It is a highly reliable and secure file system that has been used for decades in business and personal computing. Recently, more and more Mac users have been asking if it's possible to use NTFS on Mac and if so, how to go about it. This comprehensive guide will help you understand what NTFS is for Mac, how to enable it, and how to manage files using this file system on your Mac computer.
What is NTFS for Mac?
NTFS for Mac, also known as Microsoft File Protocol (MFP), allows Mac users to access and share files with Windows computers using a network connection. This means that you can store and manage files on an NTFS-formatted drive on your Mac, just like you would with any other file system. Additionally, you can also access NTFS-formatted drives on Windows networks from your Mac.
How to Enable NTFS for Mac
To enable NTFS for Mac, you first need to install a piece of software called a "driver" or "firmware." This driver allows your Mac to recognize and interact with NTFS-formatted drives. Here's how to install the driver:
1. Download and install the Microsoft Windows Driver for Mac (MDADM) from Microsoft's website. This is the official driver for NTFS file systems on Mac.
2. After installing the driver, restart your Mac.
3. Open the Finder and go to the "Library" folder.
4. Open the "Preferences" folder inside the "Library" folder.
5. Remove the "com.microsoft.driver_ddi.driver_setup_helper" item from the preferences folder.
6. Close the Finder and restart your Mac.
7. Reopen the Finder and go to "Library" > "Preferences." You should not see the "com.microsoft.driver_ddi.driver_setup_helper" item anymore.
Now, your Mac should be able to recognize and access NTFS-formatted drives.
Managing Files using NTFS on Mac
Once you've enabled NTFS for Mac, you can start managing files using this file system. Here's a quick overview of some common tasks:
1. Copy and paste files between NTFS-formatted drives and your Mac: Just like on Windows, you can copy and paste files between NTFS-formatted drives and your Mac using the Finder.
2. Creating and deleting folders: On NTFS-formatted drives, you can create and delete folders using the Finder just like on any other file system.
3. Renaming files and folders: You can rename files and folders on NTFS-formatted drives using the Finder just like on any other file system.
4. Moving files and folders: On NTFS-formatted drives, you can move files and folders using the Finder just like on any other file system.
5. Reading and writing permissions: NTFS supports permissions, which allows you to control who can access and modify files and folders on the drive. You can set permissions using the Finder or by right-clicking files and folders and selecting "Get Info."
6. Encryption: NTFS supports file encryption using the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) algorithm. You can encrypt files and folders using the Finder or by right-clicking files and folders and selecting "Securely Delete."
Using NTFS on Mac is a great way to access and manage files with Windows computers on a network. By enabling NTFS for Mac and managing files using this file system, you can enjoy the flexibility and convenience of using NTFS-formatted drives on your Mac, regardless of your operating system. Just remember to keep your file permissions and encryption settings in check to protect your sensitive data.