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Nobel_Baynes's avatar
Nobel_Baynes
Iron Contributor
Jan 13, 2025

Is paragon ntfs for mac free and safe to use?

Hi all,

I have been a long Window user and recently bought an used Mac Mini for testing. One annoying issue is that I can copy files to a NTFS drive formatted by a Windows 11 PC. I did a bit search myself and found out an app called paragon ntfs for mac. It acts like ntfs driver on macOS. Does anyone know is paragon ntfs for mac free and safe to use?

I don't want to build a Windows virtual machine for this purpose as the internal ssd of Mac Mini does not have enough free spcace.

5 Replies

  • Eommy's avatar
    Eommy
    Silver Contributor

    Hey, my suggestion is not to use Paragon NTFS for Mac, after all, it is not free, and you have to pay for the license after the trial period. And just for NTFS writing, it is a bit redundant to install such a driver tool, and the underlying changes to the system may not be safe.

    In my experience, SYSGeeker NTFS for Mac is another solid choice—fast, reliable, and supports the latest macOS versions. 

    You can follow this guide: https://www.appleinsidez.com/read-write-ntfs-drive-on-mac

     

     

     

  • Poyrmont's avatar
    Poyrmont
    Iron Contributor

    For writing NTFS drive on Mac, Paragon NTFS for Mac is not a good option since I tried it a few ago. It can't copy files to my NFFS formatted hard drive (WD 512GB). You'd better check out the other free alternatives as Paragon NTFS for Mac is a paid app and not recommended!

    For instance, the open-source project NTFS3CG allows macOS users to read and write to NTFS drives on Mac for free. It is an open-source, cross-platform driver that enables full read and write access to NTFS-formatted drives on operating systems that do not natively support writing to NTFS, such as macOS and various Linux distributions. NTFS, or New Technology File System, is the default file system used by Windows, and while many non-Windows systems can read NTFS drives, writing to them typically requires additional software. It bridges this gap by allowing users to seamlessly transfer and modify files between Windows and non-Windows environments, facilitating better interoperability and data management across different platforms.

    Being open-source, it is freely available for anyone to use, modify, and distribute, which has contributed to its widespread adoption among users who prefer or require a cost-effective solution for NTFS support. Additionally, its compatibility with various versions of Windows and its adherence to NTFS standards ensure reliable performance and data integrity during file operations.

  • Sofiamilll's avatar
    Sofiamilll
    Iron Contributor

    As far as I know, Paragon NTFS for Mac is not free. It is a commercial software solution designed to provide full read and write access to NTFS-formatted drives on macOS. This capability is particularly useful for users who frequently transfer files between Windows and Mac systems, ensuring seamless compatibility and data management across different operating environments. Paragon offers various licensing options, including single-user licenses and volume licenses for businesses, tailored to meet different user needs.

    However, Paragon does offer a trial version of NTFS for Mac, allowing users to evaluate its features before committing to a purchase. The trial typically provides full functionality for a limited period, such as 10 to 30 days.

    During the trial period, users can experience the performance, ease of use, and reliability that Paragon NTFS for Mac provides, helping them make an informed decision about investing in the full version. It's advisable to download the trial directly from Paragon's official website to ensure you're getting a legitimate and secure version of the software.

  • Vivianie's avatar
    Vivianie
    Iron Contributor

    Paragon NTFS for Mac -- This software is one of the most popular and reliable tools that lets you read and write to NTFS drives on your Mac. It's a paid solution, but it's worth considering if you frequently work with Windows systems or need to transfer files between platforms. Paragon NTFS for Mac is generally considered safe to use. It's a well-established company with a strong reputation for producing high-quality software. However, as with any third-party software, always be cautious when installing and follow the instructions carefully.

    There isn't a completely free version of Paragon NTFS for Mac free and safe, but they do offer a trial that allows you to test the software before deciding whether to purchase it. The trial version will watermark your files, so it's more of a demo than a fully functional version.

    NTFS--3G: This is another popular free solution that allows you to read and write to NTFS drives on Macs. However, its support is community-driven and might not be as polished as commercial software like Paragon.

    If you're using a Windows 11 PC to format your drive, ensure it's formatted in a way that's compatible with macOS. Typically, NTFS is the safest choice, but make sure you understand the formatting options before proceeding. When working with NTFS on a Mac, there's a small risk of file system corruption. To minimize this risk, make sure to back up your files regularly and avoid sudden shutdowns.

  • Almaiw's avatar
    Almaiw
    Iron Contributor

    Paragon NTFS for Mac is a commercial application, which means it typically requires a purchase after a trial period. However, they often offer a free trial that allows you to test the software for a limited time. This can be useful to determine if it meets your needs before committing to a purchase.

    As for safety, Paragon Software is a well-established company, and their products are generally considered safe and reliable. However, as with any third-party tool, it’s wise to download it directly from the official website to avoid potential malware issues and ensure that you're getting the latest version of the software.

    Additionally, while Paragon NTFS for Mac is designed to provide read and write access to NTFS-formatted drives, it's always a good idea to back up your important files before using any new software, especially when dealing with disk drives.

    If you're looking for free alternatives, you might consider using FUSA for macOS along with the NTFS 3G driver. However, it may require a bit more technical setup compared to Paragon's straightforward solution.

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