How to Format an External Hard Drive to Use With Windows & OS X
- 1). Insert the CD, if one is included with the external hard drive, and install any applicable software. For OS X, only install Mac software. For Windows, only install Windows software. For some external hard drives, the software is the same. Connect your hard drive when prompted by the software. If no software is included with your external hard drive, connect the drive to your computer via the USB cable. Allow your operating system to automatically install the drive.
- 2). Go to "My Computer" and right-click the newly installed external hard drive. It will be listed under "Devices with Removable Storage." Choose "Format."
- 3). Check to see if the file system is NTFS. If so, press "Start." This can take up to 30 minutes, depending on the size of the drive.
- 4). Begin using the drive as a second hard drive. If the drive doesn't operate correctly, visit the manufacturer's website for updated drivers. For OS X, download Mac drivers. For Windows, download Windows drivers for your version of Windows. The website will vary depending on the manufacturer. Signs the drive isn't operating correctly are difficulty opening or saving files, problems installing or running software and trouble with the system recognizing the external hard drive. Installing drivers will solve the problems.
