Transferring Data from macOS to Windows

Step by step

1. 1 min

   Format the external drive for compatibility

   Connect your external drive to the Mac. Open Disk Utility from Applications > Utilities. Select your drive, click Erase, and choose ExFAT as the file system format to ensure read-write compatibility between macOS and Windows.

   Note: ExFAT is required because NTFS is read-only on macOS.
2. 2 min

   Consolidate files into a transfer folder

   Create a master folder on your Mac desktop named 'Migration'. Move all documents, photos, and media files you wish to transfer into this directory to simplify the copying process.

   Note: Command + Shift + N
3. 5 min

   Transfer data to the external drive

   Drag the 'Migration' folder from your desktop onto the mounted external drive icon. Wait for the copy operation to complete before physically disconnecting the drive.

   Note: Check the status bar in Finder to ensure the file transfer has fully finished.
4. 1 min

   Mount the drive on the Windows PC

   Safely eject the drive from your Mac and insert it into the USB port of your Windows PC. Open File Explorer by pressing the Windows key and typing 'File Explorer'.

   Note: Windows Key + E
5. 3 min

   Copy files to the local storage

   Locate the external drive in the left-hand navigation pane of File Explorer. Select the 'Migration' folder, right-click, and select Copy. Navigate to your desired local folder, right-click an empty area, and select Paste.

   Note: Large migrations can take significant time; keep the PC powered on.
6. 2 min

   Configure OneDrive for future cross-platform sync

   Sign in to OneDrive on your Windows PC. Move your migrated files into the OneDrive folder to ensure they are backed up and accessible if you choose to access them via a web browser on your Mac in the future.

   Note: Ensure you have sufficient cloud storage quota before initiating the sync.