exFAT is not compatible with older operating systems. Individual files on a FAT32 drive can’t be over 4 GB.ĮxFAT was introduced in 2006 and has very large limits on file and partition sizes, allowing you to store files much larger than the 4 GB allowed by FAT32. Flash drives you purchase will often come formatted with FAT32 for maximum compatibility across not just modern computers, but other devices like game consoles and anything with a USB port. Learn more about reinstalling m acOS.Before you begin the digitization process, make sure that your USB or external hard drive is formatted in FAT32 or exFAT following the instructions below.įAT32 is the de-facto standard file system that works between PC and Mac operating systems since 1995. If you want your Mac to start up again from the volume you just you erased, select Reinstall macOS in the utilities window, then click Continue and follow the onscreen instructions.When done, quit Disk Utility to return to the utilities window.Optional: If you previously used Disk Utility to add internal volumes other than Macintosh HD, you can erase them individually using the same process.If this button isn't shown, click Erase instead. Format: APFS or Mac OS Extended (Journaled), as recommended by Disk Utility.Click the Erase button in the toolbar, then enter the requested details:.Select Macintosh HD in the sidebar of Disk Utility.From the utilities window, select Disk Utility and click Continue.If asked, select a user you know the password for, then enter their administrator password.Start up from macOS Recovery: Turn on your Mac, then immediately press and hold these two keys until you see an Apple logo or other image: Command (⌘) and R.

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