3 ways to use HFS + disks on Windows

macOS and Windows have a lot of differences, one of the most important - the file system. And if on Mac NTFS-disks can at least read the Windows disks formatted in HFS +, does not see at all. But if you really need, then there are a few workarounds.

Situations where this may be necessary, are different. The most common - is the access to your files from Windows, installed via Boot Camp (for read-only file is available by default). In such cases, either the driver put HFS +, which adds support for the Apple file system on Windows, or using special tools that are already able to work with HFS +. We consider both options plus one more, a bonus.

Method 1. We are working with HFS + through drivers

Drivers are good because they add support for HFS + on the system level, and therefore, the Mac-disks will be displayed in the "Explorer" and other applications. The driver is loaded when you start Windows, and the difference between the file system simply ceases to exist: you can work with discs of any format.

The main advantage of drivers - is to support both read and write files. Furthermore, this method provides highest possible data rate. As a minus can mention a high price: the ever-popular drivers, providing stable operation, are quite expensive.

Paragon HFS + for Windows

The most popular driver with full support for HFS + disk of any type (GPT and MBR) and a set of additional tools. High performance when transferring large volumes of files on various interfaces, including SATA and USB. compatible with Windows 10.

The license is relatively inexpensive - 790 rubles. In this case, there is a 10-day trial.

Try Paragon HFS + for Windows →

MacDrive

A more powerful driver with additional features. MacDrive can do everything the same as the driver of Paragon, but it allows you to open backups Time Machine and copy files from them on Windows-based drives. Also, the driver operates in virtual machines and allows to install Mac-disks in Target Disk Mode mode for download on other computers.

MacDrive is more expensive - as much as 50 dollars. The trial version is also there, but for 5 days.

Try MacDrive →

Method 2. We are working with HFS + through utility

Working with Mac-disks via a special application provides a more limited support for HFS +. Access to the file system at the same time will only be possible in them, and in the "Explorer" discs will not even be displayed. applications typically allow only browse and copy files, but not record.

Utilities for HFS + are much cheaper, with there are even free. This method is suitable for those who need read-only files. In addition, with the help of not requiring the installation of utilities, you can view files from Mac-disks on computers where you can not install the driver, or third-party software.

HFSExplorer

Easy and, importantly, a free utility that lets you view files from HFS + disks on Windows. HFSExplorer opens the contents of the Mac-disks in the tree where you can select the desired files. To view they must be copied to the Windows disk. There is also a possibility to create HFS + disk images for further work with them already.

HFSExplorer utility is not as convenient as the driver, and can only view the files, but not worth a dime.

Download HFSExplorer →

TransMac

As HFSExplorer, TransMac does not install the drivers in the system, and provides access to HFS + drives inside its window. Moreover, the application does not need to be installed, so you can use it on your computer or at a party. In this case, available not only reading, but also writing data. There is even support for change, and format partitions on drives HFS +.

The utility will be useful to all those who for whatever reason do not want (or can not) install the drivers, but needs full support HFS +.

The cost of a license - $ 59, trial period - 15 days.

Download TransMac →

bonus

If you do not want to spend money and bother with the installation of drivers or additional tools, we can proceed in another way: to take advantage of the USB-Live-distro Linux. Boot from it, you will have access to all of your drives, including HFS + and NTFS, and then be able to view or copy any files to them. So can, for example, Ubuntu.

Installation image usually has a Live USB, so all you have to do - is to download the image and burn it to a USB flash drive.