By default, they format disks with the Mac-only OS X Extended file system. But, if you plan on using an external drive with both Macs and PCs, you should format the disk with the exFAT file system instead. If you have a Mac that runs the operating system (macOS) older than High Sierra, then it is crucial to format a thumb drive using the Mac OS Extended format. The reason behind this is that a reformatted disk in the APFS file format, will not load in the Mac.
This Answer explains how to Partition and Format a WD Drive on macOS El Capitan, Sierra, and High Sierra.END Critical: The instructions in the article below are designed to help repartition and format a hard drive. This process is Data Destructive and cannot be undone. Once the process begins, ALL THE DATA ON THE DRIVE WILL BE LOST! How to Partition and Format a WD Drive on macOS El Capitan, Sierra, and High Sierra Operating System Instructions macOS 10.11.x (El Capitan) and macOS 10.12.x (Sierra) macOS 10.13.x (High Sierra).
Critical: The instructions in the article below are designed to help repartition and format a hard drive. This process is Data Destructive and cannot be undone. Once the process begins, ALL THE DATA ON THE DRIVE WILL BE LOST! Steps for macOS 10.11.x (El Capitan) and macOS 10.12.x (Sierra). Open Disk Utility. Please See.
Click the Eject button next to the external hard drive volume (My Passport, etc). The drive will now be greyed out.
Click the Erase button. Choose a new Format: Mac OS Extended (Journaled) Choose Scheme: GUID Partition Map.
Type the drive new Name. Click the Erase button. When finished, the drive will be formatted and repartitioned successfully. Click the Done button. Critical: The instructions in the article below are designed to help repartition and format a hard drive.
![Exfat Reformat For Mac Os Sierra Exfat Reformat For Mac Os Sierra](http://www.aidewindows.net/images/mac/osx-utilitaire-disque-forma.jpg)
This process is Data Destructive and cannot be undone. Once the process begins, ALL THE DATA ON THE DRIVE WILL BE LOST! Steps macOS 10.13.x (High Sierra). Open Disk Utility. Please See. In the top menu bar, go to View, and choose Show All Devices. Click the eject button next to the drive volume (My Passport, etc) The drive Volume will now be greyed out.
![Exfat vs mac os journaled Exfat vs mac os journaled](/uploads/1/2/5/5/125564342/983420291.png)
Select the drive (WD My Passport Media, etc). Click the Erase button. Choose a new Format: Mac OS Extended (Journaled) Choose Scheme: GUID Partition Map. Type the drive new Name. Click the Erase button. When finished, the drive will be formatted and repartitioned successfully.
Click the Done button.