IBOYSOFT (NTFS)
iBoySoft NTFS for Mac is a utility tool designed to enable full read-write access to NTFS-formatted drives on macOS. NTFS (New Technology File System) is the default file system used by Windows, but macOS only supports read-only access to NTFS drives by default. This can be frustrating for Mac users who need to work with NTFS-formatted external drives, such as hard drives, SSDs, or USB drives. iBoySoft NTFS aims to solve this problem by offering two-way file management for NTFS devices, providing both read and write access on macOS without the limitations imposed by Apple’s built-in support.
In this review, we will explore iBoySoft NTFS for Mac, its features, performance, ease of use, pros, cons, and whether it’s worth investing in for your Mac-based workflow.
NTFS is an acronym for ‘NT File System’ or ‘New Technology File System’, and refers to a ‘file format system’ used by the operating system in order to identify how files are stored, named and organized on a hard-disk drive (HDD), solid-state drive (SSD), USB memory stick, microSD card and other similar storage devices. There are some other main formats too like: exFat , Fat32 , Apple APFS, Mac OS Extended ! All disc formats are not compatible with Apple or Windows and vice versa! Windows mainly operates with NTFS and Apple uses APFS and Mac OS Extended as their format system.
When was NTFS invented and by who?
NTFS is a file system that was developed by Microsoft. It was first introduced in July 1993, with the release of Windows NT 3.1. Because it was created to work with the Windows NT family of operating systems, Microsoft called it the NT File System, which became NTFS in its abbreviated form. Before NTFS, the Windows operating systems used the FAT32 file system. However, FAT32 had its limitations, such as the fact that it could work only with files smaller than 4GB and partitions with a maximum size of 8TB. Also, it did not offer any data protection in case of a power outage. NTFS was the answer to all these problems and more: it provided better support for metadata, better performance because of its improved data structuring, more reliability and so on.
To keep it simple, we need a widely adapted compatible format for any (USB or newer) interface to communicate. By default, NTFS write support is disabled in macOS & macOS because of copyright and licensing. Microsoft NTFS formatted drives show read-only and you can open and view NTFS files but are unable to copy and write to Windows drives in macOS.
NTFS for macOS software grants you full read and write access to NTFS volumes in macOS Ventura, Monterey, macOS Big Sur, macOS Catalina, Mojave and macOS High Sierra. NTFS for Mac OS X is available through support email separately.
So NTFS management is needed to solve this Apple problem. Well its not Apple fault, but Apple tends to lean more to Unix than Windows. There is some NTFS Management software available like Paragon NTFS, Tuxera and Stellar to name a few. Which is your best value for money you wonder. Well they are all relative simple software tools and may provide some bonus tools. All NTFS applications cost about the same really, Tuxera being cheapest.
All Intel-based software and programs can’t run with Apple’s in-house ARM-based M1/M2 processor, unless relying on Rosetta 2 to convert Intel x86_64 instructions to the ARM64 instruction.
Also a Disk Management Tool
Microsoft NTFS for Mac by iBoysoft is not only a NTFS driver for Mac, but also a disk management tool. It allows you to:
- View disk information
- Open drive Mount NTFS drive
- Unmount NTFS drive Check disk
- Erase disk Format drive to NTFS file system
Mount NTFS volumes in read-write mode automatically
After the software is successfully launched and NTFS volumes are detected, NTFS volumes will be listed in the drop-down menu for your convenience to open it or eject it. Meanwhile, the NTFS volumes has been mounted in read-write mode automatically. It seems that NTFS write support exists natively on Mac. Once the NTFS volumes or disks are opened, you can make changes to the stored files as you want. There will be no bugs or instabilities which could cause damages to your disks while you are writing to the NTFS volumes. The file transferring speed is noticeably fast too.
- Fast and Secure Native NTFS Read Write Access
- Top-Notch Safety and Stability
- 4K Hard Drive Support and Smooth 60,000+ File Sharing
- Highly integrated with macOS Disk Utility and Finder
- Mount NTFS Drives in Read-Write Mode Automatically
- Super-Fast Read-write Speed
- Support macOS Big Sur & M1, M2 Mac
macOS does not support write access to Windows-formatted NTFS volumes. NTFS drives remain read-only unless you modify the Kernel extension in macOS through Terminal commands. Our updated NTFS for Mac driver now skips over OSXFUSE. Instead, iBoysoft NTFS for Mac is improved with its independently programmed file system driver. This provides a better native read-write performance to the Windows NTFS drive. It’s with faster Mac NTFS write speed (equivalent to native Apple’s APFS or HFS+) and securer data transfer.
Repair NTFS volumes
If your NTFS disk faces some issues that make it not work properly on Mac, this utility might help you out. After you click on the “Disk Management” in the drop-down interface, you will be led to a window displaying all connected NTFS disks and disks formatted with other file systems. After you select an NTFS disk and click on the “Check disk” button in its Disk Management window, iBoysoft NTFS for Mac can fix some minor file system errors on that NTFS disk and make it work correctly again.
Erase data on NTFS volumes
This is another useful feature when you want to erase all data on an NTFS disk and start anew. By simply clicking the “Erase disk” button in its Disk Management window, iBoysoft NTFS for Mac can erase all stored files on the disk and reassign an NTFS file system to the disk. This feature will fix almost all file system problems you might have with the NTFS disk and leave you a blank NTFS disk for new data. With one single click, you can get rid of the data you on longer need and have a fresh start with the NTFS disk. However, if you have important files in the NTFS disk, remember to back up them or recover them first.
Reformat other file systems to NTFS
New Technology File System (NTFS) has quite a few advantages that users have been enjoying for years such as its excellent security and better support for large files and large disk capacity. However, you can’t reformat a disk to NTFS on Mac. The file systems you can choose from in Mac’s Disk Utility only include the formats that are fully compatible with the current macOS. If you prefer to reformat the disks to NTFS, iBoysoft NTFS for Mac provides a simple solution. In its Disk Management window,after selecting a disk with any other file systems (except for APFS) and clicking “Erase to NTFS” button, you will get an NTFS-formatted disk. iBoysoft NTFS warns about incompatible format when changing from APFS to NTFS.
For those using Apple’s latest M1 processors, there is a manual available on How To ?
How to Enable System Extension on M1 Mac? (iboysoft.com)
- Full Read and Write Support for NTFS Drives
- The primary feature of iBoySoft NTFS is its ability to provide full read-write access to NTFS drives on macOS. Once installed, you can copy, modify, delete, and create new files on your NTFS-formatted external drives, making it much more practical than the default read-only support offered by macOS.
- Whether you’re working with external hard drives, USB flash drives, or SD cards, this software enables seamless interaction between macOS and Windows-formatted drives.
- High-Speed File Transfer
- iBoySoft NTFS ensures that file transfers to and from NTFS drives are fast and efficient. The software offers high-speed data transfer without slowing down operations or impacting system performance. This makes it a reliable tool for users who regularly transfer large files between Mac and Windows systems.
- Support for NTFS Drives with MacOS Big Sur, Monterey, and Later
- The tool supports macOS Big Sur, macOS Monterey, macOS Ventura, and the latest macOS versions. The seamless integration into macOS makes it easy to access and manage NTFS drives without the need for complex workarounds or extra steps.
- Simple Installation and Setup
- iBoySoft NTFS has a straightforward installation process, allowing users to quickly set up the software and start using it. It automatically integrates into the macOS system, and once installed, it works just like any other native disk utility. There’s no need to manually configure settings after installation.
- Native macOS Integration
- Once installed, iBoySoft NTFS integrates directly into the macOS Finder, appearing as a fully functional drive. NTFS-formatted drives will be automatically mounted and available for both reading and writing directly from Finder, allowing you to work with files as if the drive was formatted with macOS-compatible file systems (such as HFS+ or APFS).
- Auto-Mounting NTFS Drives
- The software supports auto-mounting of NTFS drives when connected to your Mac. This means that when you plug in an NTFS-formatted drive, it will automatically mount and be ready for use without requiring any additional manual action or configuration.
- Formatted Drive Warning
- iBoySoft NTFS for Mac comes with a built-in warning system that alerts users if they try to format an NTFS drive. This is especially useful for those who might accidentally format a drive that contains important data.
- Reliable Data Protection
- The software includes data protection features that minimize the risk of accidental data loss or corruption. Unlike some other NTFS tools that might leave your data vulnerable during write operations, iBoySoft NTFS offers a stable and safe environment for transferring files without compromising data integrity.
- Speed and Efficiency
- iBoySoft NTFS for Mac performs at a high level of speed and efficiency when transferring files between NTFS-formatted drives and macOS. File transfers are as fast as you would expect from an NTFS-capable device on Windows, and there’s minimal latency in reading or writing files.
- For users transferring large files, such as videos, backups, or software, the speed is reliable, and it does not show significant performance issues under heavy load.
- Compatibility with External Storage Devices
- iBoySoft NTFS works seamlessly with USB drives, external hard drives, and SD cards formatted with NTFS. It handles both small and large storage devices effectively, allowing users to transfer files back and forth between Mac and Windows systems with ease.
- System Resource Usage
- iBoySoft NTFS is lightweight and does not consume excessive system resources. It runs quietly in the background and does not impact overall system performance, even while transferring large files or managing multiple drives.
- Intuitive User Interface
- iBoySoft NTFS integrates directly with macOS Finder, meaning you don’t have to interact with an external window or dashboard. NTFS drives simply appear as mountable drives in Finder, allowing for a natural file management experience without any complicated steps.
- There’s no need for a separate application window, and everything is streamlined into the macOS ecosystem. The application itself runs quietly in the background and only appears in the menu bar for access when necessary.
- Ease of Installation
- Installing iBoySoft NTFS is simple. You download the installer from the official website, run it, and follow the easy installation steps. Once the software is installed, it will automatically handle NTFS drives, and you won’t need to reconfigure any settings unless you’re troubleshooting or need to manage preferences.
- Automatic Mounting and Ejection
- iBoySoft NTFS automatically mounts NTFS drives when connected and also allows easy ejection. This ensures that users don’t have to deal with complicated mounting processes, making the software both user-friendly and convenient for regular use.
| Full Read and Write Access for NTFS Drives | The primary advantage of iBoySoft NTFS is its ability to provide full read-write access to NTFS-formatted drives on macOS. |
| High-Speed Data Transfer | iBoySoft NTFS offers high-speed file transfers with minimal latency. |
| Simple and Seamless Integration with macOS | The software integrates seamlessly with macOS Finder, making it a native part of the macOS experience. |
| Data Protection | The software ensures reliable data protection during file transfers and prevents accidental overwriting or corruption. |
| Automatic Mounting of NTFS Drives | iBoySoft NTFS automatically mounts NTFS drives when they are connected. |
| Affordable Pricing | iBoySoft NTFS offers an affordable pricing model compared to some other NTFS utilities on the market. |
| Limited to NTFS File Systems | iBoySoft NTFS is specifically designed for NTFS-formatted drives. If you work with other file systems (like exFAT or FAT32), you would need a different tool. |
| No Built-In Encryption | iBoySoft NTFS for Mac does not offer native encryption features. |
| Free Version Has Limitations | The free version of iBoySoft NTFS offers basic read-only functionality, with the full write access unlocked only through a paid license. |
| Occasional Performance Glitches | Some users have reported occasional performance issues with very large NTFS drives (over 2TB). |
- One-Year License: $19.95 for a single license.
- Lifetime License: $39.95 for a single license.
- Family License: $49.95 for up to 3 computers.
The software offers a free trial that allows you to test basic read-only functionality before committing to a paid plan.
Is iBoySoft NTFS for Mac Worth It?
iBoySoft NTFS for Mac is an excellent tool for Mac users who need full read-write access to NTFS-formatted external drives. Its ability to seamlessly integrate with macOS, offer high-speed file transfers, and provide safe data management makes it a standout solution in this category.
It is particularly
useful for users who regularly work with Windows-based external drives and need a hassle-free way to interact with them on macOS. The software is affordable, easy to use, and offers reliable performance, which makes it a top choice for many users.
However, if you need support for multiple file systems or advanced features like encryption, you might need to look for other solutions in addition to iBoySoft NTFS. But for anyone looking for a straightforward and efficient NTFS solution for Mac, iBoySoft NTFS for Mac is an excellent investment.
- Pros: Full read-write access to NTFS drives, seamless integration with macOS, high-speed data transfer, easy installation, reliable data protection.
- Cons: Limited to NTFS file systems, no built-in encryption, occasional performance issues with large drives.
Overall: iBoySoft NTFS for Mac is a must-have tool for any Mac user working with NTFS drives. It’s user-friendly, efficient, and affordable, making it a strong contender in the market for NTFS compatibility on macOS. If you need reliable NTFS access for your external drives, this software delivers exactly what you need.
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