How to Convert NTFS to exFAT on Mac or Windows 10/11 PC

Cassie Xie
Last updated: Jul 15, 2025
Summary: This post teaches you how to convert NTFS to exFAT on Mac or Windows 10/11. Step-by-step guides are provided.

In some cases, you may want to convert an NTFS drive to exFAT format. For instance, NTFS drives are read-only on Mac, and you can't copy or write files to them from a Mac without third-party NTFS tools. In this case, converting NTFS to exFAT is a good option since exFAT is compatible with both macOS and Windows.

convert NTFS to exFAT

Before Converting NTFS to exFAT on Mac

Before converting, there’s a better solution to read, copy, and write to NTFS drives on Mac—use a professional NTFS for Mac tool.

BuhoNTFS is a user-friendly app that allows full read/write access to NTFS drives on Mac without reformatting to exFAT or FAT32.

To use it:

  1. Download and install BuhoNTFS from the official website.
  2. Launch the app and select the NTFS drive.
  3. Click the "Enable NTFS Writing" button.
  4. Access and manage your files freely.
Download
For macOS 10.13 and above
BuhoNTFS

How to Convert NTFS to exFAT on Mac – 2 Ways

If you still want to convert NTFS to exFAT, try one of the two methods below.

Way 1: Use a Partition Manager for Mac

You can find Mac disk partition tools online to convert NTFS to exFAT. Some examples include:

  • Partition Magic Mac
  • GParted
  • Disk Drill for Mac
  • VolumeWorks

Way 2: Format NTFS to exFAT Using Disk Utility

If conversion tools can't preserve data, formatting is a reliable solution. Be sure to back up your data first.

Steps:

  1. Connect the NTFS drive to your Mac.
  2. Open Spotlight Search, type Disk Utility, and open it.
  3. Select the NTFS drive from the left sidebar and click Erase.
    Disk Utility's Erase Option
  4. Set a name, choose exFAT as the format, and select a scheme.
  5. Click Erase to reformat the drive.
    Convert NTFS to exFAT

How to Convert NTFS to exFAT on Windows 10/11 – 2 Ways

On Windows, you can use a third-party partition manager or reformat the NTFS drive.

Way 1: Use a Disk Manager for Windows

Third-party tools can convert NTFS to exFAT without data loss:

  • EaseUS Partition Master
  • AOMEI NTFS to FAT32 Converter

Way 2: Format NTFS to exFAT Using Disk Management

If you don’t mind formatting, follow these steps:

  1. Connect the NTFS drive to your Windows PC.
  2. Press Windows + R, type diskmgmt.msc, and press Enter.
  3. Right-click the NTFS partition and select Format.
  4. Enter a volume label and choose exFAT as the file system.
  5. Click OK to format the drive.

Conclusion

This guide provides effective solutions to convert NTFS to exFAT on Mac and Windows 10/11. Alternatively, using an NTFS for Mac tool like BuhoNTFS is a quick way to manage NTFS drives on your Mac without reformatting.

Cassie has been writing about technology for her entire career life - over 5 years. She enjoys diving into how Apple products work and then breaking it down in a way anyone can understand.