How to Partition and Format a Drive from Windows File Explorer

Are you looking to partition and format a drive on your Mac? Formatting a drive can be a crucial step in preparing it for use, especially if you're moving data from an external hard drive. In this article, we'll guide you through the process of formatting a drive using Windows File Explorer.

Compatibility Note

Before we begin, please note that APFS (Apple File System) formatted volumes can only be read by macOS High Sierra (10.13) or later. If you're running an earlier version of macOS, such as Sierra (10.12), you'll need to convert the drive to a compatible file system.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Connect your external hard drive to your Mac.

2. Open File Explorer on your Windows computer and navigate to This PC or My Computer.

3. Right-click on the drive you want to format and select Format.

4. Follow the prompts to complete the formatting process. Please note that once you start the process, ALL THE DATA ON THE DRIVE WILL BE LOST! This is a data-destructive operation and cannot be undone.

Troubleshooting Tips

* If you encounter an error message stating 'MediaKit Not Enough Space on Device for Requested Operation,' refer to Answer ID 20270: macOS: Disk Utility Error.

* If you're experiencing issues with the drive not dismounting or unmounting, please see Answer ID 18670: Format or Partition Drive Error - Cannot Dismount or Unmount Windows & macOS.

* If this is your first time connecting an external device to a Mac, refer to the section titled Operating System Compatibility for help formatting the drive.

Additional Tips

* Western Digital recommends against creating multiple partitions on a single drive to avoid potential corruption of the partition table. Instead, it's recommended to format the drive as a single unit.

* If you're formatting an internal hard drive, please note that it will need to be partitioned and formatted before use.

* External hard drives come pre-formatted and ready for use.

Formatting a drive can seem intimidating, but with these step-by-step instructions, you should be able to successfully partition and format your drive. Remember to always exercise caution when formatting a drive, as it will erase all data on the drive. If you have any further questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact Microsoft or Apple for support.

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