Is it still possible to format an external SSDHD in exFAT format?

Question

Is it still possible to format an external SSDHD in exFAT format?

Hey everyone, I have a 2021 MBP, I am trying to format my SanDisk Extreme SSD HD as ExFat because I need to use it to transfer large video files between Windows and Mac. When in disk utility, I don't get the option to format the disk in such format. I am running Monterey 12.4

The hard drive used to be ExFat and was working fine - I accidentally erased it and made it APFS and since then the option for the ExFat format seems to be gone from the drop down menu - only various APFS formats (see pic).

I also tried on a 2020 MB Air with the same outcome.

Anyone over here is able to shed some light?

Any help would be much appreciated.

Cheers,

Fed

Posted on Jul 24, 2022 12:14 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Grant Bennet-Alder

Level 10

135,055 points

Jul 24, 2022 7:13 AM in response to Fed_Downunder

to use ExFAT, you must select the Physical DEVICE, by its immutable manufacturer-provided device-name, not Macintosh HD or Untitled or any user or system provided Volume designator.

There should be a small popup menu on the Disk Utility pane to allow View: show all Devices.

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Answer 2

Jul 25, 2022 11:02 PM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

Brilliant, I didn't realise - thank you so much for taking the time to explain this, Grant. Much appreciated.

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Is it still possible to format an external SSDHD in exFAT format?

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