Read and write NTFS on M1–M6 Macs,
without lowering security
On Apple silicon Macs, traditional kernel-extension drivers make you boot into Recovery, switch to "Reduced Security," allow kernel extensions, and restart. The new CrossDriver NTFS takes a different route: it uses macOS's built-in Virtualization framework, so you can read and write right after installing.
M1–M6Pro · Max · UltraNo kernel extensionNo restartLast updated
Why NTFS drivers are such a hassle on Apple silicon Macs
Kernel extensions are blocked by default
Apple silicon Macs ship with "Full Security," so third-party kernel extensions can't load.
You have to change settings in Recovery
Shut down, then press and hold the power button to enter Recovery. In Startup Security Utility, choose "Reduced Security" and allow kernel extensions, then restart and approve.
macOS updates may break them
After a major macOS update, kernel extensions may stop working until the vendor ships an update.
How the options compare
| CrossDriver NTFS (next generation) | Kernel extension solutions | FUSE-based options | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Requires lowering Mac security | Not required | Required | Depends on version |
| Requires Recovery mode and a restart | Not required | Required | Depends on version |
| After macOS upgrades | Usually keeps working | May need to wait for an update | Depends on version |
| Write speed | Fast, close to kernel-level | Fastest | Slower |
| Impact of errors | Engine only | May restart the whole Mac | That program quits |
Actual behavior varies; see each product's documentation. If you want maximum speed and are OK with Reduced Security, check out the CrossDriver kernel edition (the Classic edition on crossdriver.com).
Read and write NTFS on an Apple silicon Mac
- 1
Download & install
Download CrossDriver NTFS (native on Apple silicon) and drag it into the Applications folder.
- 2
Plug in your disk
NTFS external drives and USB flash drives appear in the sidebar automatically, and the free version opens them read-only in Finder.
- 3
Turn on writing
Start a 7-day free Pro trial or upgrade to Pro to read and write in Finder—no restart needed.
Q&A
Does it work on an M4 Pro or M4 Max MacBook Pro, or an M3 MacBook Air?
Yes. It supports Apple silicon (the full M1–M6 lineup, including Pro, Max, and Ultra) and Intel Macs, including MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, iMac, Mac mini, Mac Studio, and Mac Pro.
Do I need Rosetta?
No. CrossDriver runs natively on Apple silicon.
I already have an NTFS tool that uses a kernel extension. Will they conflict?
Let only one tool open any given disk. When switching to CrossDriver, we recommend uninstalling the old tool's driver first so two drivers never write to the same disk at once.
Does it use memory and battery all the time?
No. The engine runs only while a disk is open, uses about 512 MB of memory, and stops once you eject the disk.
Want to switch back to "Full Security"?
If you lowered security only for NTFS, you can switch back to "Full Security" in Recovery after moving to the new CrossDriver—it doesn't rely on kernel extensions.
Related products and guides
CrossDriver NTFS
Read and write NTFS external drives and USB flash drives in Finder, no kernel extension required.
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Download CrossDriver NTFS and open your NTFS disk in Finder for free.
Download for Mac — Free preview