How to Read and Write NTFS Drive on macOS Sequoia

Quick Navigation:

• Introduction to NTFS on macOS Sequoia
• Why NTFS is Still Relevant for macOS Users
• Enabling NTFS Write Access on macOS Sequoia
• Method 1: Using Terminal for NTFS write access
• Method 2: Third-party tools for NTFS read-write access
• Method 3: Using open source solutions - macFUSE
• Method 4: Using virtual machines - a unique workaround
• Method 5: Network sharing - an alternative approach
• Conclusion
• FAQs About Reading and Writing NTFS Drive on macOS Sequoia

macOS is known for its sleek design, powerful performance, and a user-friendly interface. However, one of its persistent issues is the lack of native support for writing to NTFS (New Technology File System) drives. While macOS Sequoia allows users to read NTFS drives out of the box, it does not provide the ability to write to them, which can be a significant limitation for users who frequently work with external hard drives or USB drives formatted with NTFS.

In this article, we will explore how to overcome this limitation, enabling both reading and writing to NTFS drives on macOS Sequoia. We'll cover various methods, including built-in solutions, third-party software, and open-source options. Let's dive in!

Introduction to NTFS on macOS Sequoia

NTFS is a proprietary file system developed by Microsoft, primarily used by Windows PCs. It has become one of the most popular formats for external drives because of its support for large files and robust file security. However, macOS has historically had limited support for NTFS, restricting users to read-only access without any native method to modify or write files.

macOS Sequoia continues this trend, offering out-of-the-box read capabilities for NTFS drives but restricting write access. This can be frustrating for macOS users who need to share files between different operating systems or use external storage devices formatted in NTFS.

Why does Apple not natively support NTFS write access? NTFS is proprietary, and integrating full read-write support would require a licensing agreement or reverse-engineering, something Apple has chosen not to do. Nevertheless, there are ways to gain write access on macOS Sequoia, both free and paid.

Why NTFS is Still Relevant for macOS Users

Despite the challenges with macOS, NTFS remains a widely used file system for various reasons:

• 💻 Cross-platform usage: Many users work in environments where they need to exchange files between Windows and macOS systems. NTFS allows the storage of large files and more advanced permissions compared to other file systems.
• 🖴 External drives: Most external hard drives and USB storage devices are formatted in NTFS, especially those meant for use with Windows systems.
• 📄Large file support: FAT32, another commonly used file system, doesn’t support files larger than 4GB, making NTFS a better choice for large data transfers like video files, backups, and virtual machines.

Without any additional software, macOS Sequoia can still read NTFS drives. If you only need to access files without modifying them, this built-in functionality might suffice.

Once you plug in the NTFS external drive, it will appear on your desktop or in the Finder window, much like any other drive. Double-click on the drive icon to access the files. You can browse the folders, open documents, play media files, and copy them to your Mac's local storage.

However, for macOS Sequoia users who need to access, modify, and transfer files on an NTFS drive, this creates a dilemma. But fortunately, there are several methods available to enable NTFS write support on Mac.

Enabling NTFS Write Access on macOS Sequoia

One of the most common methods for enabling NTFS write access on macOS involves using the built-in Terminal. This method, however, is for advanced users who are comfortable with command-line operations, and it comes with some caveats.

Method 1: Using Terminal for NTFS write access

macOS has a hidden, experimental feature that allows NTFS write support via the Terminal. However, this method is unstable and not recommended for everyday use. Here are the steps:

Step 1. Connect the NTFS drive. Launch Terminal (Applications > Utilities > Terminal).

Step 2. Run the following command to list all mounted drives:

sudo nano /etc/fstab

Step 3. Add the following line to specify write access for your NTFS drive:

LABEL=DRIVE_NAME none ntfs rw,auto,nobrowse

Replace DRIVE_NAME with the actual name of your NTFS drive.

Step 4. Save and exit the file by pressing Ctrl + X and "Y" to confirm the changes.

This method comes with risks, such as data corruption or instability, so it's essential to back up your files before using it.

Method 2: Third-party tools for NTFS read-write access

If you prefer a hassle-free and reliable solution, third-party software is the most popular option for enabling NTFS write support on macOS. Several third-party applications provide full NTFS read-write support, making them the preferred choice for users who need stable, fast, and convenient file transfers between macOS and Windows.

DoYourData NTFS for Mac offers a stable solution for NTFS write access. This method is also very safe without harm to your system and data on macOS Sequoia.

With this software, you can easily enable the NTFS writable access with only a few clicks. It's really user-friendly for new users. You can do as follows to enable write permission of NTFS with ease:

Step 1. Connect your NTFS drive to the Mac. Run the software from launchpad.

Step 2. Select the NTFS drive and click Enable Writable.

That's all the steps you need to do with the software. After that, the NTFS drive will be writable once you connect the NTFS drive to the Mac machine, you don't need to go through enabling NTFS write access process each time.

Method 3: Using open source solutions - macFUSE

For those who prefer open-source solutions, macFUSE (formerly known as OSXFUSE) is a powerful tool that enables NTFS read-write support on macOS Sequoia. It works in conjunction with NTFS-3G, an open-source driver. Here is how to work with this solution:

Step 1. Download macFUSE from the official macFUSE website. Install macFUSE by following the installation wizard.

Step 2. Open Terminal from Finder > Applications > Utilities, running the following command to install Homebrew:

/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"

Step 3. Install NTFS-3G using with the command:

brew install ntfs-3g

Once installed, NTFS-3G will automatically mount NTFS drives with write access.

This is a free and open source solutions with regular updates from the open-source community. However, this method is more technical and may not be suitable for casual users who want a plug-and-play solution.

Method 4: Using virtual machines - a unique workaround

For users who require both macOS and Windows environments, using a virtual machine can be a practical workaround for accessing NTFS drives with full read and write capabilities. Virtualization software like Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion allows you to run Windows on your Mac. In this scenario, the NTFS drive can be accessed directly by the virtual Windows machine, bypassing macOS limitations entirely.

Step 1. Install a virtual machine application (e.g., Parallels or VMware) on your Mac.

Step 2. Set up a Windows virtual machine within the application.

Step 3. Connect your NTFS drive to the Mac, and the virtual machine will recognize it as a Windows-compatible device.

Step 4. From within the Windows virtual machine, you can freely read and write to the NTFS drive without any restrictions.

This method is more resource-intensive, requiring significant RAM and CPU power to run both macOS and a Windows VM simultaneously. However, it's a versatile solution for users who frequently switch between macOS and Windows workflows. The downside is that setting up and running a virtual machine can be more complex and time-consuming compared to standalone NTFS software.

Method 5: Network sharing - an alternative approach

Another alternative for accessing NTFS drives on macOS is to use a network share. If you have a Windows computer on the same network, you can share the NTFS drive over the network and access it from your Mac. Steps for network sharing:

Step 1. Connect the NTFS drive to the Windows computer.

Step 2. Share the drive by right-clicking it, selecting "Properties," then navigating to the "Sharing" tab, and enabling sharing.

Step 3. On your Mac, open Finder, select "Go" in the menu bar, and then "Connect to Server."

Step 4. Enter the IP address of the Windows computer, and you'll be able to access the NTFS drive remotely.

While this method works, it's slower than direct access via USB, especially when dealing with large files. It's best used when you only occasionally need to access files on an NTFS drive from your Mac.

Conclusion

Accessing NTFS drives on macOS Sequoia may initially seem like a challenge, but with the right tools, it's entirely possible to read and write to NTFS drives. Whether you choose to use a free method like macFUSE and NTFS-3G or opt for a more user-friendly paid solution like DoYourData NTFS for Mac, you can overcome the native limitations of macOS.

For users who frequently work with Windows systems or external NTFS drives, these solutions are essential for a smooth workflow. Alternatively, switching to file systems like exFAT can simplify file transfers between macOS and Windows without the need for additional software.

Ultimately, the choice depends on your specific needs and technical comfort level. For seamless NTFS write support, third-party tools like DoYourData NTFS for Mac provide a hassle-free experience, while open-source solutions like macFUSE offer flexibility for advanced users.

FAQs About Reading and Writing NTFS Drive on macOS Sequoia

1. Easy and free solutions for enabling NTFS write access on macOS Sequoia.

It's free to accomplish the task with terminal on macOS Sequoia:

• Click Command and Space keys to search Terminal and open it.
• Enter the command: sudo nano /etc/fstab
• Add the following line to specify write access for your NTFS drive: LABEL=DRIVE_NAME none ntfs rw,auto,nobrowse
• After that, NTFS drive on your macOS Sequoia will be mounted as writable.

2. Best software to enable NTFS write access on macOS Sequoia.

• DoYourData NTFS for Mac
• Paragon NTFS for Mac
• Tuxera NTFS
• Donemax NTFS for Mac
• Mounty for NTFS

3. How to enable NTFS writ access on macOS Sequoia with DoYourData NTFS for Mac?

It's extremely simple to enable NTFS writable access. You can just do as follows:

• Download and install the software on macOS Sequoia.
• Connect the NTFS drive and run the software.
• Choose the NTFS drive in the software and click Enable Writable. Then it's done.

4. Best practices for using NTFS drives on macOS Sequoia

When using NTFS drives on macOS, there are some best practices to ensure smooth performance and avoid data corruption:

• Backup files - Always back up your files before making changes to an NTFS drive. macOS does not natively support NTFS write access, so third-party solutions can occasionally cause issues.
• Eject drives properly - Always eject your NTFS drive properly before unplugging it to prevent data corruption.
• Check permissions - If you encounter permissions issues, use the Disk Utility to check and repair the NTFS drive.
• Keep software updated - If you're using third-party tools like DoYourData NTFS for Mac or macFUSE, ensure that they are up to date for compatibility with macOS Sequoia.

5. Any way to enable read-write access for a drive on both Windows and Mac without additional tools?

Yes, it's able to achieve that goal by formatting the drive to exFAT. You can format it in Windows Disk Management or Mac Disk Utility. The exFAT drive can bot read and write on both Windows and Mac natively.