| Software | Read APFS | Write APFS | Read HFS+ | Write HFS+ | Free Version | |----------|-----------|------------|-----------|------------|---------------| | | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | No (paid) | | Paragon HFS+ for Windows | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | No (paid) | | MacDrive | ✅ (Pro) | ✅ (Pro) | ✅ | ✅ | Limited trial | | HFSExplorer | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | Yes (free) | | APFS for Windows by Paragon (Microsoft Store) | ✅ | Read-only | ❌ | ❌ | 10-day trial |
Here’s a helpful, step-by-step report on how to open and access a Mac-formatted hard drive on a Windows PC. The Problem Macs typically use APFS (macOS 10.13+) or HFS+ (older Macs) as their file system. Windows natively cannot read or write to APFS or HFS+ drives. Without additional software, Windows will prompt you to format the drive — which would erase all data. The Solutions 1. Use Third-Party Software (Recommended) Specialized software allows Windows to read (and sometimes write) to Mac drives. open mac hard drive on windows