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AviAvn's avatar
AviAvn
Copper Contributor
Mar 17, 2026

How can I read mac drive on windows 11 pc?

I have an external hard drive from my old Mac (probably HFS+ or APFS) that I need to access on my Windows 11 PC. I just need to copy files off and I don't need to write to it. What's the current bes...
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Azraelen's avatar
Azraelen
Brass Contributor
Mar 18, 2026

If you want to read Mac drives on Windows, you can try installing the HFS+ drivers manually. These drivers enable Windows to natively recognize and access HFS+ formatted drives, allowing for read and sometimes write capabilities.

Manual Installation of Apple HFS+ Drivers to Read Mac Drive on Windows:

1. Download the HFS+ Driver

2. Install the Driver

  • Run the installer as administrator.
  • Follow the on-screen instructions.
  • During installation, choose options that enable read-only access if available.

 

3. Connect and Read Mac Drive on Windows PC

  • Connect your external Mac drive.
  • Windows should recognize the drive and, if the driver is installed correctly, show the HFS+ formatted drive as accessible.

 

4. Access Files

  • Open File Explorer.
  • Navigate to the drive and copy files off your Mac drive.

 

To read Mac drive on Windows. Most free or unofficial drivers only support read-only, which is what you want. Be cautious about downloading drivers from unofficial sources to avoid malware.