The Mac operating system 11.0 is also known as Big Sur. And Mac OS Extended (HFS+) drive for a Time Machine backup. Because Mac computers running Sierra or earlier OS’s can’t use an APFS formatted external drive.īig Sur was the first Mac operating system where you can use both an APFS (Apple File System) format. It’s best to format as Mac OS Extended if you plan to share your drive with an older Mac running Sierra or earlier. You also have the choice to format your external hard drive as Mac OS Extended (HFS+). Best Format For External Hard Drive Mac Big Sur And the best choice if you plan to share your drive with a Mac running Sierra or an older Mac operating system. On your M1 Mac you have the choice to format your external hard drive. The best format for your external hard drive on an M1 Mac is APFS.ĪPFS is great for your external hard drive or SSD because of its speed. Best Format For External Hard Drive Mac M1 As those older Mac’s can’t use an APFS file system. Or SSD Drive as Mac OS Extended (HFS+).īut if you plan to share your drive with an older Mac running Sierra. In MacOS Monterey (12.0) you still can format your external hard drive.

APFS has better security features and is a faster file system format. The best format for your external hard drive is APFS on Monterey.

Other External Hard Drive Formats You Can Use On Your Macīest Format For External Hard Drive Mac Monterey.

An HFS+ Format External Drive is Not For.

A HFS+ Format External Drive is Good For.

And There Are Different Flavors of APFS.

An APFS Format External Drive Is Good For.

What Is This Thing A File System And Its Format?.

Best Format For Mac External Hard Disk Sierra Or Earlier.

Best Format For External Hard Drive Mac High Sierra.

Best Format For External Hard Drive Mac Mojave.

Best Format For External Hard Drive Mac Catalina.

Best Format For External Hard Drive Mac Big Sur.

Best Format For External Hard Drive Mac M1.

Best Format For External Hard Drive Mac Monterey.

Best Format For Mac External Hard Drive.

Macos external drive format