Once you understand the difference, it will be easier to decide whether you prefer to reformat Mac or simple formatting.

So, you only need to decide whether you want to use the drive for other data or simply want to free up space on the drive. It is considered a high-level formatting process. As you reformat MacBook Pro or any other version, a partition map is created on the selected drive and an appropriate file system is applied that works with Mac such as OS X Extended (Journaled) file system. The process is accompanied by the deletion of data on the drive as the format changes, the files saved on the drive become irrelevant. The traces of the data are still left even after formatting.īut when you change a file format system of a drive, it is called reformatting. It doesn't overwrite the existing data or remove it completely. It is a low-level formatting process that only involves erasing the data on the system. Under normal situations, you only format Mac as the intention is to wipe away the data and files from Mac. When you are about to format a Mac hard drive, it is vital that you have a complete understanding of the Mac file system format too. Formatting also fixes glitches and software conflicts in the system.It will prevent data theft as all the important data is deleted without leaving a trace.

It will improve hard drive performance.

It will prevent unexpected system crashes and extend the file of storage media.

The advantages of formatting the Mac hard drive include:

If the macOS installer states that you can't install the volume as it is a part of Apple RAID.ĭespite the reason for formatting, there are various benefits of carrying out the task too.

If the macOS installer doesn't see the disk or can't install it properly.

When you are trying to resolve a disk error or working issue which can't be repaired.

If you want to change the format of the disk such as Windows to Mac format.

The reasons which lead to formatting the Mac hard drive are listed below: Typically, reformatting involves changing the NTFS or exFAT format to MacOS Extended format or APFS format as they are more compatible with Apple systems. You must have come across forums where people ask how to format NTFS on Mac. Formatting means erasing data on a drive while keeping the same format. This is done to make space for new data on the storage media. How to Recover Formatted Data on Mac?įormatting means deleting, erasing, or wiping out the existing data from a drive.

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