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Software to Read Mac Drive on Windows PC: 3 Best to Use
Read and move files from Mac to Windows easily with these software
5 min. read
Updated onMarch 14, 2024
updated onMarch 14, 2024
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Key notes
It’s obvious that Windows PCs and Mac computers are quite different. But besides their many significant differences, there are also smaller distinctions that separate Microsoft’s andApple’s operating systems.
For example, Windows and Mac computers use different file systems for reading hard disks and removable drives. As you may have heard, Windows uses the NTFS file system, whileMacuses HFS+.
Alternatively, most hard drives andUSB flash drivesareformattedwith the FAT32 file system, recognized by bothPCsandMacs.
That way, wider compatibility means more customers. However, some people might need to load an HFS+ drive but don’t have aMacnearby.
How to read a Mac-formatted drive on a Windows PC?
Paragon HFS+– Full integration with File Explorer
Paragon HFS+is a feature-rich tool that supports multiple Mac file system formats, such as HFS+ (Mac OS Extended), JHFS+ (Journaled Mac OS Extended), HFSX (Case-sensitive Mac OS Extended), and JHFSX (Case-sensitive, Journaled Mac OS Extended).
When mounting a volume in write mode you can do anything with the files, read, edit, delete, rename, or create new.
Paragon HFS+ also has built-in systems for data safety, you don’t have to worry about data integrity because it can prevent accidental data corruption and loss.
ParagonHFS+also offers full integration with the File Explorer so that you can open theHFS+drive from basically anywhere.
The developer promises a satisfying performance, which is another plus for thisprogram.
So, if you need to perform this action only once, you can take advantage of the free trial, and get the job done free of charge.
On the other hand, if you frequently need to manageHFS+drives on your computer, paying this fee is still a pretty good deal.
Paragon HFS+
HFS Explorer– Very easy to use
HFS Exploreris probably theprogramyou’re going to use for this action, especially if you need to read aMac-formatted drive for free on your Windows.
The reason for using HFS Explorer is because, first and foremost, it’s free, unlike otherprogramsfrom this list. Additionally, it’s quite simple to use and doesn’t require much effort.
To access data from anHFS+drive with HFS Explorer, connect the drive, open theprogram, and go toFile>Load File System From Device.
HFS Explorer will automatically recognize the drive and show its content. From here, you can manage and export files and folders from the drive to your computer.
Keep in mind that HFS Explorer is a read-onlyprogram, so you can’t copy files from your computer to the hard drive.
If you want to have full control over yourHFS+hard drive in Windows, you’ll have to try some of the paid solutions listed in this guide.
Additionally, to be able to use HFS Explorer, you need the Java runtime environment installed on your computer.
⇒Get HFS Explorer here
MacDrive 11– Can repair disks
MacDriveis a solution for more advanced users who really need to get the most out of theirHFS+drives.
It offers complete integration with File Explorer, which makesHFS+drives extremely easy to use on Windows computers.
MacDrive’s newest version also provides full support for Apple’s new file system APFS to Windows. You get full read-and-write support, APFS crash protection, multi-volume APFS disks, and APFS formatting.
Perhaps the biggest standout of thisprogramis the ability torepair disksand manage partitions. With all these options, Mediafour’s MacDrive allows users complete control overHFS+drives on Windows.
All these features come with a price of $50 ($49.99 to be more exact). However, just as in the case ofParagon‘sprogram, you can also take advantage of the free trial. With MacDrive, it only lasts for five days.
⇒Get Mediafour MacDrive here
Alternative solution: Use iCloud
Additionally, you can open .page files on Windows 10 by using iCloud. In order to do this, all you need is your Apple ID and a browser.
Here’s how:
And this is how you can read Mac-formatted documents on your computer without downloading any software solution.
Don’t format the drive by yourself
As soon as you connect a Mac-formatteddrive to aPC, you’ll be asked toformata drive. The following message will appear:You need toformatthe disk in drive X: before you can use it.
If you choose toformat, it will erase everything from the drive, leaving an empty space.
This is fine if you just want a free drive to use, but if you have some data to access, clickCanceland use one of the following programs to make the hard drive readable.
In that case, we should seek help from a third-party solution. A few useful programs allow us toread HFS+ drives on our WindowsPCswithout formatting them.
Even more, ourdetailed guide on how to open SKV files on Windows and Macwill show you how to deal with not being able to view SKV files natively (using the built-in applications).
In the end, we hope you’ll find these solutions satisfactory in order to solve your issue. If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, just let us know in the comments section below.
More about the topics:mac os,software,windows 10
Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Passionate about all elements related to Windows and combined with his innate curiosity, Ivan has delved deep into understanding this operating system, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
When he’s not tackling diverse driver-related problems, Ivan enjoys watching good movies and spending time hiking with his family and friends.
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Ivan Jenic
Windows Hardware Expert
Ivan has delved deep into understanding the Windows OS, with a specialization in drivers and driver troubleshooting.
Reviewed byVlad Turiceanu
Coming from a solid background in PC building and software development, he’s a Windows 11 Privacy & Security expert.More about Vlad ›
