how to format hard drive in mac os x for windows installation

Format Hard Drive In For Windows Ation How To Format A

Formatting a drive will erase all of the data on a drive, so make sure that everything you need to save is backed up to a safe location.

To create this article, 19 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time.

The format you choose for the drive determines the drives compatibility.

Formatting a drive will erase all of the data currently on the drive, so ensure you have everything you need backed up.

Format Hard Drive In For Windows Ation How To Format A

Learn how to format a second (or third, or fourth.) drive from within Windows and OS X, as well has how to format your boot drive for both operating systems.

Youll also learn how to securely erase all of the data on any of your hard drives.

You can, however, usually back up settings and preference files.

If you are formatting a new drive, it will need to be installed in your system.

See this guide for instructions on installing an internal hard drive.

This can be accessed from the Start menu, or by pressing Win E.

This window displays all of the drives connected to your computer.

Select Format. This will open the Windows disk formatting tool.

The file system is the way that the hard drive stores and catalogs files.

The file system will determine what the drive is compatible with.

If the drive is internal and you are only using it with your Windows computer, select NTFS.

It is compatible with the most systems and can store the largest files.

If you are primarily using the drive for one use, giving it a name will help you identify whats on it.

For example, if you are using a second drive to store your music, movies, and pictures, naming it Media will quickly let you know what it contains.

A Quick Format will perform the format much quicker than a standard format, and is fine for most users.

Only perform a regular format if you suspect that the drive may have errors.

A regular format may be able to correct some of these errors.

If you need to securely wipe the drive, see the last section of this article.

Click OK to confirm that you understand everything will be erased.

How To Format Hard Drive In Mac Os X For Windows Installation