Read and write NTFS on Mac for free:
which method to choose
In short: macOS can only read NTFS on its own; the Terminal fstab trick usually no longer works on recent macOS; open-source NTFS-3G can write, but you install and configure macFUSE yourself; the easiest route is an NTFS tool. CrossDriver NTFS reads for free, and you can try writing free for 7 days. Here are the common options side by side.
Built into macOSTerminal fstabNTFS-3GNTFS toolsLast updated
Five methods at a glance
| Built into macOS | Terminal (edit fstab) | NTFS-3G + macFUSE | Paid NTFS tools | CrossDriver NTFS | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Read NTFS | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Write NTFS | — | Experimental; usually broken on recent macOS | Yes, with manual setup | ✓ | Pro, with a 7-day free trial |
| Cost | Free | Free | Free (open source) | Usually paid licenses | Free read-only; writing requires Pro |
| Ease of setup | Nothing to install | Requires editing system files | Requires macFUSE and a command-line install | Download & install | Download & install |
| Kernel extension / Reduced Security | Not required | Not required | Depends on macFUSE version and macOS | Varies by product | Not required |
| Data safety | Read-only, safest | May corrupt data | Depends on version and setup | Varies by product | Native Linux driver; disks not shut down cleanly open read-only first |
For third-party options, refer to each vendor's website for features, pricing, and compatibility.
CrossDriver NTFS free version
Open read-only in Finder
NTFS disks appear read-only in Finder with no time limit, and the disk is never modified.
Preview and copy
Preview photos, videos, PDFs, and Office documents directly and copy them to your Mac.
7-day Pro trial
When you need to write, try Pro free for 7 days in the app—once per Mac, no payment details required. Afterward, it goes back to read-only and your files are untouched.
Get started for free
- 1
Download & install
Download CrossDriver NTFS and drag it into the Applications folder.
- 2
Use it read-only
Plug in an NTFS disk to browse, preview, and copy files to your Mac in Finder, read-only.
- 3
Try writing when you need it
Start a 7-day free Pro trial in the app, and buy only if you're happy with it.
Q&A
Is there a free, open-source NTFS for Mac that can write?
The open-source NTFS-3G with macFUSE can write, but it's installed from the command line, and some versions and macOS releases also require a kernel extension or extra setup. If you'd rather not install anything, back up the disk and reformat it as exFAT. CrossDriver NTFS is read-only in the free version, and you can try Pro's write support free for 7 days.
Is it safe to edit /etc/fstab in Terminal to enable writing?
We don't recommend it. It relies on an undocumented, unsupported experimental feature from Apple that usually no longer works on recent macOS, and writing this way can corrupt data.
What is Mounty?
Mounty is a small utility that turns on macOS's hidden NTFS write feature. It works the same way as editing fstab and has the same limitations. Refer to its official website for details.
How do I choose NTFS for Mac software?
Look at a few things: whether it needs a kernel extension or Reduced Security, write speed, whether it can repair and format, BitLocker support, and pricing and licensing. Ideally, try a free or trial version on your own disks first.
What happens when the trial ends?
The disk goes back to read-only. You can still browse, preview, and copy files to your Mac in Finder, and your files are untouched.
Related products and guides
CrossDriver NTFS
Free read-only; Pro reads and writes NTFS in Finder, with a 7-day free trial.
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Start using it for free
Download CrossDriver NTFS and open your NTFS disk in Finder for free.
Download for Mac — Free preview