Thread: Can this HD for MAC be written to by Windows?

WD are swines with these drives. The mac versions come with different 'free' software and firmware, and the update site won't let you cross install between mac and PC versions.
But that shouldn't affect you - if the PC won't read the drive natively, you can add a PC-readable partition that the mac will also be able to read.

(This is what I've done one of their windows-flavour drives)

oops - forgot: Check that your win PC has a USB C port or you'll need to swap cables/use an adaptor for the drive you've linked to.

Thanks Bern. It's says it's compatible with USB A and C (my PC doesn't have C and I very much doubt that the Mac it is going to has a C). I'm pretty sure I have a spare A cable with the correct double mini USB on the other end (which is a USB 3.1 Micro-B 10 Pin).

Rather than fooling around with partitions, would I be better off just getting a Windows HD, writing the files to that (having formatted it in exFAT)? They are only a few dollars more (and don't have any software on them). I have a couple of those in other sizes and they are fine.

The world must be a-changing! The mac flavour used to be more expensive. iSheep iTax.

You can format either version to whatever you want, so either should be readable once re-formatted. I just have two partitions because occasionally the PC or Mac seems to get fussy, so I prefer to keep a separate space for each.

I have the pc version, but mostly use Mac now. The drive works fine with both. I just can't use the provided backup software and other not-really-useful stuff that comes with the drive. However, the supplied WD Drivelock encryption works on Mac as well, so you're covered if you need to secure your data.

Pretty sure this is correct, but someone else may want to chime in. I can have a look at my drive for you when I get a mo - might be the weekend as I'm only home briefly until Tue.

Originally Posted by Bernmc

The world must be a-changing! The mac flavour used to be more expensive.

It's a superceded model....

Just looked at the description: "USB-C ready, USB-A compatible" so I think you'll get a USB C cable with it. I think you'll need to buy a USB A cable (or use one you already have) if you don't have USB-C ports.

For the USB-A, this one: AmazonBasics USB 3.0 Cable - A-Male to Micro-B - 9 Feet (2.7 Meters): Amazon.com.au: Computers & Accessories

The drive looks like it comes with one like this: USB C to Micro B 3.0 (Gen2/10Gbps), CableCreation 1ft USB 3.1 External Hard Drive Cable, Compatible with MacBook (Pro), Galaxy S5 Note 3, etc, 0.3M /Black: Amazon.com.au: Computers & Accessories

(if you get the win version it'll probably come with a USB-A cable)

General answer......
Windows couldn't read HFS format, MAC couldn't read NTFS format but both can read & write exFAT format.
That may have changed recently but generally, exFAT is a safe format to use when moving between the two filesystems.

Originally Posted by Bernmc

I just have two partitions because occasionally the PC or Mac seems to get fussy, so I prefer to keep a separate space for each.

Just to make sure I've been clear: the files will be written from a PC, shipped to another country, and only ever read by a Mac. The HD will never go near a PC again.

exFAT format should be fine then. And worst case scenario, there are 3rd party apps that allow mac to read other flavours like NTFS, so if the drive arrives in Forn Parts, the other bloke should be able to get it to work whatever happens.

Originally Posted by Bernmc

so I think you'll get a USB C cable with it. Yes, that's my understanding too
(if you get the win version it'll probably come with a USB-A cable) Yes, they do (I have a couple)

So reading Cliff's answer (thanks) I think the best thing to do is buy the Windows one, and format it in exFAT.