How to Recover Data From Mac Hard Drive to PC

When you need to access or recover data from a Mac hard drive on a Windows PC, the process requires the right tools and steps. This guide provides the solutions you need to recover files from a Mac hard drive with Windows or simply read a Mac disk on Windows. With proven methods and tools, we’ll help you manage your Mac drive on a PC with ease.

Is It Possible to Recover Files from a Mac Hard Drive with Windows?

Yes, you can recover files from a Mac hard drive with Windows, but it requires specific tools because Windows doesn’t natively support macOS file systems like APFS or HFS+. These tools can help you read the drive and recover data, whether you are dealing with accidental deletion or file system issues.

⚠️ Important. When you connect a Mac-formatted drive to a Windows PC, the system will often suggest formatting the drive so Windows can work with it. Avoid doing this, as formatting will erase all data on the Mac disk. If you have already formatted the drive, there is still a good chance of recovering your files using the methods covered in this article.

Windows suggests formatting the drive

Mac hard drives formatted with APFS or HFS+ won’t show up in Windows Explorer without the right software. Windows typically recognizes only FAT32, ExFAT, and NTFS formats. This means you’ll need a method that either reads the Mac file system or performs data recovery directly on the drive. The following sections provide solutions for these scenarios, from reading a Mac drive on a PC to performing a complete recovery.

4 Main Scenarios When You Need to Use a Mac Hard Drive on Windows

There are several situations where you may need to use a Mac hard drive on a Windows PC. While Mac and Windows handle file systems differently, you can still access or recover data with the right tools. It’s also important to understand whether your Mac has a removable or non-removable hard drive, as this affects the methods you’ll use.

Scenarios When You Need to Use a Mac Hard Drive on Windows

Scenario 1: You’ve Switched from Mac to Windows and Need Access to Old Files

If you’ve recently switched from a Mac to a Windows PC, you might still need access to files stored on your old Mac hard drive. In this case, using an ExFAT-formatted external drive or third-party software like HFSExplorer allows you to access and transfer files between both systems easily.

Scenario 2: The Mac Is Damaged, and You Can Only Use a Windows PC

When your Mac is damaged or no longer functional, recovering files from its hard drive can be done using a Windows PC. Data recovery software can scan the Mac drive connected to the Windows machine, allowing you to recover important data even if the Mac can’t be turned on.

Scenario 3: Regularly Sharing Files Between Mac and Windows Devices

For users who frequently share files between a Mac and a Windows PC, there are two convenient methods:

  • Network Sharing. Enable File Sharing on your Mac and access shared folders from your Windows PC using your Mac’s IP address. This method is ideal for large or frequent transfers over the same network.
  • ExFAT-Formatted External Drive. If you prefer offline transfers, using an ExFAT-formatted external drive allows you to move files between systems without any compatibility issues.
  • Cloud Storage. Use services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or iCloud to upload and access files from both your Mac and Windows PC. This option is perfect for remote file sharing or when you need access from multiple devices.

Scenario 4: You Need to Recover Deleted or Lost Files from a Mac Hard Drive

If you’ve accidentally deleted files or lost data on your Mac drive and you only have access to a Windows PC, you can recover those files using data recovery software. These tools can scan Mac drives and recover lost data directly on a Windows system.

📌 Note. Older Mac models (like MacBook Pro models A1181, A1278, and A1297) have removable SATA hard drives that can be connected directly to another machine for easy data recovery. These drives can be taken out and used with a SATA-to-USB adapter for fast access. However, modern Macs like those with retina displays (A1425, A1502) or newer models with the Apple T2 Security Chip (A1989, A1990) use onboard SSDs, which are non-removable and often encrypted. For these newer models, direct hardware access to the SSD is impossible, and more advanced data recovery services may be required.

How to Recover Data from Mac Hard Drive to PC

In this section, we will cover several methods to recover data from a Mac hard drive to a Windows PC, no matter your situation. Whether you’re dealing with a removable drive or a non-removable one, these solutions will help you recover lost or inaccessible files efficiently.

Method 1: Recover Mac Hard Drive on Windows with Disk Drill

The first thing you should do is connect your Mac hard drive to your Windows machine. We recommend using a SATA-to-USB adapter or a dock station for this task. When Windows prompts you to format the drive, make sure you ignore this message—formatting will erase your data. However, even if you’ve accidentally formatted the drive, data recovery software like Disk Drill can still recover your files.

Disk Drill is one of the most popular and reliable tools for recovering data from both Mac and Windows drives. It works seamlessly on both operating systems and supports various file systems, including APFS, HFS+, NTFS, FAT32, and exFAT. Even if your Mac drive doesn’t show up in File Explorer, Disk Drill can still detect it and scan the drive directly. This makes it a versatile tool that can recover data in almost any situation.

Disk Drill can recover over 400 types of files, including documents, images, videos, audio files, archives, and more. Whether you’ve lost important documents, family photos, or large video files, Disk Drill has the capability to retrieve them from your Mac drive.

📌 Note. Disk Drill offers different versions, including a free version that allows up to 500MB of data recovery. This makes it a great starting point for users who only need to recover a small amount of data, with paid options available for larger recovery needs.

How to recover data from a Mac hard drive to a PC with Disk Drill:

  1. Use a SATA-to-USB adapter or a dock station to connect your Mac drive to your Windows machine. When Windows prompts you to format the drive, avoid doing so.
  2. Visit the official Disk Drill website, download the Windows version of the software, and install it. Once installed, launch Disk Drill to get started.
  3. Once your Mac drive is connected, Disk Drill will automatically detect it, even if it doesn’t appear in File Explorer. Select the Mac drive from the list of available drives to begin the recovery process.Disk Drill interface
  4. Click the Search for lost data button to begin scanning the Mac drive. Disk Drill will perform a deep scan to locate lost or deleted files. Depending on the drive size and file system, this process may take some time.Disk Drill scanning the drive
  5. Once the scan is complete, Disk Drill will present a list of recoverable files. You can filter the results by file type, such as documents, photos, videos, or audio files. The software can recover over 400 file types, including common formats like JPG, DOC, MP4, and ZIP.Select files you want to recover
  6. Before recovering the files, Disk Drill allows you to preview the files to check if they are intact. Click on any file to view its content before proceeding with recovery.Choose a destination folder on your PC
  7. Select the files you want, click the Recover button, and choose a destination folder on your Windows PC or an external storage device.
  8. Disk Drill will recover your files and save them to the selected destination. You’ll receive a confirmation once the process is complete.

As you can see, the process is quite straightforward, and you don’t need to be a technical expert to recover your Mac’s drive on a Windows PC. This method works well if you can connect your Mac drive directly to the PC. If that’s not possible, we’ll show you how to use Disk Drill in such a situation in Method 3.

Method 2: Recover Data Using PhotoRec

Another good option for recovering data from a Mac drive is PhotoRec. It’s one of the few completely free and open-source recovery tools available, but it’s not as user-friendly or convenient as Disk Drill. It requires more work to operate. It uses a signature-based method of scanning, which means it doesn’t care about the file system on the drive—it looks for file signatures instead. If you’ve lost important files on your Mac drive or formatted it when Windows prompted you, PhotoRec is a capable tool to help get your data back.

Originally, PhotoRec only had a command-line interface, which made it harder to use. However, the Windows version now offers a graphical user interface (GUI). While the GUI makes it easier to navigate than the original version, it remains very basic and sparse, lacking features like file previews. You’ll need to manually check the recovered files after the process completes.

Here’s how to recover data from a Mac hard drive to a PC using PhotoRec:

  1. Go to the official CGSecurity website, download the TestDisk and PhotoRec package, and extract the files to a safe location.
  2. Navigate to the extracted folder and open the file named qphotorec_win.exe. This will launch the graphical interface for PhotoRec.PhotoRec
  3. In the PhotoRec GUI, choose the Mac drive from the list of available drives. This will be the drive you’re trying to recover data from, and PhotoRec will scan it for recoverable files.
  4. Select a folder where PhotoRec will save the recovered files.
  5. Click the Search button in the PhotoRec GUI. As PhotoRec scans, it will display the number of recovered files by file type, giving you an idea of the progress. The software looks for recoverable files based on their signatures, and the process can take time depending on the size of the drive.PhotoRec recovering files
  6. After the scan finishes, navigate to the destination folder where PhotoRec saved the recovered files. Since PhotoRec restores files based on their signatures rather than their original names, you may need to manually organize and identify the files.

PhotoRec may require more manual effort than other tools, but it’s a powerful and free option for recovering files from a Mac hard drive on Windows.

Method 3: Create a Backup on Mac and Scan It on Windows

If you cannot connect your Mac’s drive directly to a Windows PC, there is still a way to recover your data, and for that, we will need the previously mentioned Disk Drill. One of the reasons we chose Disk Drill for this article is its reliability on both Windows and Mac, making it an ideal choice for recovering data from all kinds of drives and file systems. It also offers a very useful byte-to-byte backup feature, which creates an exact copy of your drive, capturing every sector.

📌 Note. This method is especially helpful if your Mac drive is corrupted, as it makes a complete copy of your drive’s current state before attempting any recovery. Having a byte-for-byte copy of a corrupted drive is beneficial because it preserves all the data sectors, even if the file system is damaged or data is partially corrupted. This approach prevents further damage to the original drive during recovery attempts. You can perform multiple recovery scans on the copy without risking harm to the drive, which is important when dealing with failing hardware or logical corruption.

🍏 Here are steps to perform on your Mac:

  1. Visit the official Disk Drill website, download the macOS version, and install it on your Mac.
  2. Open Disk Drill and select the option to create a byte-to-byte backup. Select your drive and click on the Create backup button. This backup will make an exact image of your Mac drive, preserving all data.Create backup in Disk Drill
  3. Save the backup file to an external storage device.Save backup file
  4. Once the backup is complete, transfer the external storage device with the backup to your Windows PC.

🖥️ Here are steps to perform on your PC:

  1. Download and install Disk Drill on your Windows machine. Launch the software once the installation is complete.
  2. Click the Attach disk image… button at the bottom of the window and select the image backup file from the external storage device.Click the Attach disk image
  3. Disk Drill will add the image backup to the drive selection screen. Select the backup file and click Search for lost data. Disk Drill will treat the backup like the original drive and begin scanning it for recoverable data.
  4. After clicking Search for lost data, the process is the same as outlined in Method 1. Disk Drill will display the recoverable files in categories like documents, photos, and videos. You can preview the files before recovering them.
📌 Note. Alternatively, you can use Disk Utility on your Mac to create a disk image. To do this, open Disk Utility, select your Mac drive, and choose File > New Image > Image from [Drive]. Select read-only or compressed for the image format and save it to an external drive. Once the disk image is created, transfer it to your Windows PC. The process of recovering data from this image in Disk Drill is exactly the same as with the byte-for-byte image created using Disk Drill.

Method 4: Recover Data Using a Time Machine Backup

If you have a Time Machine backup of your Mac, you can still recover your files on a Windows PC using third-party tools like HFSExplorer or Paragon for HFS+. These tools allow Windows to read the HFS+ file system, which is used for Time Machine backups.Paragon for HFS+

To use these tools, you would typically connect your Time Machine drive to your Windows PC, open the software, and browse through the backup to locate and extract the files you need. The interface varies depending on the tool, but the process is generally straightforward: load the drive, find your backup, and recover the desired files to your PC.

📌 Note. In addition to using third-party tools, you can also scan your Time Machine drive for data using the same method described in Method 1. Disk Drill or similar recovery software can scan the drive for recoverable files, even if the backup is damaged or incomplete.

Alternative Methods of Reading/Transferring Mac Data on a PC

If all you need to do is transfer files from a Mac to a Windows PC, without dealing with any file system or recovery issues, there are several simple methods to make the process smooth. Here are three ways to transfer your data efficiently.

Method 1: Use an ExFAT-Formatted External Drive to Transfer Data

You can use an ExFAT-formatted external drive as a simple and reliable solution for transferring files between a Mac and a Windows PC. ExFAT is highly recommended because it is compatible with both operating systems, making file transfers easy and efficient.

📌 Note. Another option is FAT32, which is also recognized by both macOS and Windows. However, FAT32 has a 4GB file size limit, which can be restrictive when transferring large files. We recommend ExFAT because it has no file size limit and provides better compatibility for modern devices and larger files, making it the ideal choice for seamless file transfers between Mac and Windows systems.

Here’s how to do it:

  1. Connect the external drive to your Mac.
  2. Open Disk Utility (found in Applications > Utilities).Disk Utility
  3. Select the external drive in the sidebar and click Erase.Click Erase
  4. Choose ExFAT as the format and Master Boot Record (MBR) as the scheme.Choose ExFAT as the format
  5. Click Erase to format the drive. Be sure to back up any important data on the drive before formatting, as this process will erase everything.
  6. After formatting the drive, copy the files you need from your Mac onto the external drive using drag-and-drop or the Copy and Paste commands.
  7. Safely eject the drive from your Mac and plug it into your Windows PC. The ExFAT format allows your Windows PC to immediately recognize the drive.
  8. Open the external drive in File Explorer on your Windows PC. Copy the files from the external drive to the desired location on your PC.

Method 2: Transfer Files from Mac to PC Over a Network

If both your Mac and Windows PC are connected to the same network, transferring files between them can be quick and convenient without using external drives. This method allows you to share files between the two systems directly.

Here’s how to do it:

  1. Open System Settings on your Mac and select General.General in System Settings
  2. Then click Sharing on the right. (You may need to scroll down.)
  3. Check the box next to File Sharing.Check the box next to File Sharing
  4. Click the Info button on the right.
  5. Click on the + button to add folders that you want to share. Navigate to the folder you want to share and click Add. You can repeat this process to add multiple folders.Add folder you want to share
  6. Click Options, then turn on Share files and folders using SMB. In the Windows File Sharing list, select the checkbox next to each user account that needs to share files with Windows users and enter the passwords for those users, then click OK.Turn on Share files and folders using SMB
  7. Go back to System Settings and click on Network. Select your active network connection (e.g., Wi-Fi or Ethernet). Your IP address will be displayed. Note this IP address as you will need it to access your Mac from your PC.Note this IP address
  8. Make sure both the Mac and PC are connected to the same Wi-Fi network or are connected via Ethernet. This step is necessary for establishing a connection between the two devices.
  9. On your PC, open File Explorer and type ‘\\<Mac’s IP address>’ in the address bar. Replace ‘<Mac’s IP address>’ with the actual IP address you noted earlier. Press Enter to connect.File Explorer
  10. You will be prompted to enter your Mac’s username and password. Enter these credentials to access the shared folders.Enter your Mac’s username and password
  11. Once connected, you will see the shared folders from your Mac in the File Explorer window on your PC. You can now copy and paste files between the Mac and PC as needed. This method allows for seamless file transfer without the need for external storage devices.The shared folders from your Mac in the File Explorer

Method 3: Use Cloud Storage to Transfer Files from Mac to PC

Cloud storage services are another efficient way to transfer files between a Mac and a Windows PC. Services like Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, and iCloud allow you to upload files from one device and download them on another, making the transfer process quick and convenient without needing physical drives.

  1. Upload files to a cloud service from your Mac. Open your preferred cloud storage service on your Mac, such as Google Drive, iCloud, or Dropbox, and log in to your account. Upload the files you need to transfer. You can organize the files into folders for easier navigation later.Upload files to a cloud service
  2. Access and download files on your Windows PC. Log in to the same cloud storage account on your Windows PC. Navigate to the uploaded files and download them to your PC. You can save them in any folder on your Windows machine.Download folders

This method is particularly useful when the two computers are not in the same location or when you need access to the files from multiple devices.

📌 Note. Cloud storage offers flexibility, especially when transferring files remotely. However, if you are working with large files or have limited internet speed, using an external drive might be a faster option.

Conclusion

In this article, we covered the most common scenarios of transferring and recovering data from a Mac hard drive to a Windows PC. No matter what your needs are—whether you’re recovering lost files or simply transferring data between systems—our detailed guides provide straightforward methods to help you get the job done.

FAQ

To recover data from a Mac hard drive to a PC, you can use third-party recovery software like Disk Drill, which works on both macOS and Windows. Simply connect your Mac drive to your PC using a USB adapter, and use the software to scan the drive and recover the files. This process works even if the drive is damaged or formatted.
If your Mac hard drive is not recognized on Windows, use recovery software like Disk Drill, which can detect Mac drives that don’t appear in File Explorer. Connect your Mac drive using an adapter or dock, and let Disk Drill scan the drive for recoverable data. It can recover files from drives that are damaged, corrupted, or even formatted.
To read a Mac drive on a Windows PC, you need to use third-party software like HFSExplorer or Paragon HFS+. These tools allow Windows to access Mac-formatted drives (APFS or HFS+), so you can browse and transfer files easily. MacDrive is another option that integrates directly with File Explorer.
By default, Windows cannot read Mac-formatted disks like APFS or HFS+ without additional software. You will need tools such as HFSExplorer or MacDrive to access the files on the Mac disk through a Windows PC. Alternatively, you can format the drive to ExFAT, which is compatible with both macOS and Windows.
The easiest way to transfer files from a Mac to Windows without using recovery software is to use an ExFAT-formatted external drive. ExFAT is compatible with both systems, allowing you to move files easily. Alternatively, you can use cloud storage services like Google Drive or iCloud, or transfer files over a local network.
Jeff Cochin
Jeff Cochin is a distinguished expert in data management, recovery, and warehousing, with over a decade of hands-on experience. His expertise extends to data clouds, failovers, SaaS, and constructing digital marketing strategies for high-growth startups. Notably, he holds comprehensive knowledge of Mac computers, Apple's ecosystem, and iPhone technology, making him a trusted authority in these domains. With nearly five years as a dedicated technical writer, Jeff has become a seasoned researcher and reviewer of new applications and services, particularly those within the Apple and Mac universe. His articles and tutorials, often covering nuances of Mac and iPhone use, have graced the pages of many publications, including Macgasm, OnMac, Applenapps, LAWeekly, and more. They have collectively reached a global audience of millions. Jeff spends a substantial portion of his professional life interfacing with AWS, Docker, Medium.com, freeCodeCamp, and SQL-related technologies, integrating these tools with his profound understanding of Mac systems and software. When he's not immersed in writing, troubleshooting, or scripting for Mac and iPhone environments, or staring at computer screens, Jeff embraces the thrill of outdoor adventures. An enthusiast of biking, kayaking, and hiking, he often seeks new trails to explore alongside his like-minded, outdoors-loving friends.
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