IMPORTANT: This article applies to the following macOS version:
- macOS 26 (Tahoe)
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- Not sure what version you are using? Click here to determine your version of macOS
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It is important to keep the following in mind when formatting Mac OS Extended (Journaled):
- Starting with Big Sur, Mac OS Extended (Journaled) is no longer the default when using Time Machine. Time Machine's default is now APFS
- Mac OS Extended (Journaled) does not work natively with Windows. If you need to go between macOS and Windows then format your drive ExFAT on macOS
Looking for a different formatting option?
Steps:
IMPORTANT: Reformatting the drive will erase all data on the drive. Be sure to copy any data you want off the drive prior to formatting.
- Open Disk Utility
To open Disk Utility - Open Finder > Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility
- Click View in the upper left and select Show All Devices
- Select the non-indented entry, you will see Media in the name
Click the button labeled Erase in the menu which will bring up this window.
NOTE: If you don’t see Scheme, then make sure that all devices are showing and the non-indented entry is selected. Check step 2 to confirm Disk Utility is Showing All Devices.
Provide a Name for the volume
Set Format to Mac OS Extended (Journaled)
Set Scheme to GUID Partition Map
WARNING: Formatting the drive will erase all data on the drive. Be sure to copy any data you want off the drive prior to formatting.
Click the Erase button, Disk Utility will start formatting the drive
Once complete, click Done
The drive should now be formatted Mac OS Extended (Journaled) and can be confirmed by selecting the indented entry which will now show Mac OS Extended (Journaled) Volume under the name you provided
