Can newer macOS versions write to NTFS?
Every version at a glance
From Monterey to Tahoe, macOS has always been able to read NTFS but not write to it. Tools that suddenly stop writing after a system upgrade are another common problem. Here's the situation for each version and how to fix it.
Tahoe 26Sequoia 15Sonoma 14Ventura 13Monterey 12Last updated
macOS versions and NTFS
To check your version, click the Apple menu in the top-left corner of the screen and choose "About This Mac."
| Built into macOS | CrossDriver NTFS | |
|---|---|---|
| macOS 26 Tahoe | Read-only | Read & write |
| macOS 15 Sequoia | Read-only | Read & write |
| macOS 14 Sonoma | Read-only | Read & write |
| macOS 13 Ventura | Read-only | Read & write |
| macOS 12 Monterey | Read-only | Read & write |
| macOS 11 and earlier | Read-only | Not supported by the new generation |
The free version of CrossDriver NTFS gives you read-only access in Finder; writing requires Pro, with a 7-day free trial. For macOS 11 and earlier, check out the Classic edition on crossdriver.com—see its product page for supported versions.
NTFS suddenly not writable after a macOS upgrade?
The driver hasn't caught up with the new macOS
NTFS tools that depend on kernel extensions or system interfaces often have to wait for the vendor to release a new version before they work on a new macOS.
Security settings were reset
Settings some solutions need, such as "allow kernel extensions," may have to be approved again after an upgrade.
Switch to an approach that isn't affected
CrossDriver NTFS uses macOS's built-in Virtualization framework and installs no kernel extension, so macOS upgrades usually don't affect it.
Read and write NTFS on newer macOS
- 1
Check your version
Apple menu → "About This Mac": make sure you're on macOS 12 or later.
- 2
Download & install
Download CrossDriver NTFS and drag it into the Applications folder—no restart needed.
- 3
Plug in and write
Plug in an NTFS disk and the free version opens it read-only; start a 7-day free Pro trial or upgrade to Pro to write.
Q&A
Will Apple add NTFS write support in a future macOS?
So far, built-in NTFS support in every version of macOS is read-only. For future versions, refer to Apple's official release notes.
What should I do before upgrading macOS?
Eject all external disks and back up important files first. CrossDriver doesn't rely on kernel extensions, so you can usually keep using it right after the upgrade.
Is it the same on Intel Macs?
Yes. Every version of macOS can only read NTFS on Intel Macs too; CrossDriver NTFS runs natively on both Intel and Apple silicon.
Related products and guides
CrossDriver NTFS
Read and write NTFS external drives and USB flash drives on macOS 12 through 26.
Read and write NTFS on M1–M6 Macs (no kernel extension)
Read and write NTFS on M1–M6 Macs, no kernel extension needed.
Mac can't write to an NTFS external drive
Mac can't write to an NTFS external drive: why, and three ways to fix it.
Free ways to read and write NTFS on Mac, compared
Free ways to read and write NTFS on Mac, compared.
Newer macOS? NTFS read and write still works
Download CrossDriver NTFS and open your NTFS disk in Finder for free.
Download for Mac — Free preview