
Though, if your Mac is based on Apple Silicon, you may find incompatibilities. In theory, there’s no reason why you couldn’t boot an older version of macOS, and Apple does offer ways to install older versions on a USB. Select your USB flash drive on the sidebar, choose Erase. Go to Applications > Utilities > Double click and open Disk Utility. Connect the USB flash drive to your Mac computer. Can I boot older versions of macOS from a USB drive? To format the USB drive to FAT32, follow the next steps: Step 1. Our testing gave us no issues when using a USB 2.0 to USB-C connector, so you’re able to press your older USB drives into service. Am I able to use a USB connection other than USB-C? We recommend 16GB to give yourself enough “wiggle room” when it comes to the installation process.

As such, you’ll need a large enough USB drive to store Big Sur. Click the Finder Icon to open Finder and select.
Which format usb drive for mac and pc how to#
In our experience, you will not be able to do this. Description: This article will show how to format a USB drive so that it will work on both Mac and PC computers.

Can I split an installation across multiple USB drives? You can also move files to video game systems like the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and. Disk operations on the boot drive can be performed safely from a USB stick as well. A drive formatted this way can easily transfer files between Macs and PCs.
Which format usb drive for mac and pc mac os x#
You can now run the operating system as normal and use this USB drive to boot up your Mac. Learn how to format your USB flash drive or USB external drive so you can use it on both Mac OS X and Windows computers. USB drives can be formatted on your Mac using the Disk. If you’re using an Apple Silicon machine, you’ll need to insert the USB drive, shut the Mac down, then reboot and hold the Power key until you come to the Startup Manager.įor Intel Macs, restart and hold the Option key to enter into the boot selection dialog.įor both types of machines, use your keyboard’s arrow keys to select the USB drive from the list of bootable devices, click to confirm, and your USB drive will begin to boot. Most external hard drives and USB drives are compatible for use on Mac computers as long as you format the devices for use with Mac OS X. You could also use the Startup Manager to select your boot drive when you start macOS. Your Mac will reboot from the USB instead of your default startup disk.
