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How to Encrypt a USB Drive for Use on Mac & Windows

I want to encrypt a USB (preferably on Mac) for use on both Mac and Windows without using third-party software. I've tried using Disk Utility on Mac but can only format the drive to non-encrypted DAT32 or exFAT as APFS (encrypted) is not readable on Windows. And formatting and encrypting the USB with VeraCrypt on Mac makes it not work on Windows. I also tried using BitLocker to encrypt the drive on Windows, but it doesn't work on Mac. So, what should I do?

Best Answered by

iBoysoft author Connie Yang

Connie Yang

Answered on Tuesday, August 27, 2024

I'm very sure that there's no native program that supports cross-platform full disk encryption up to now. Only using third-party tools can make that achievable.

As you say that you want to encrypt a USB on Mac for use on both Mac and Windows, you are recommended to use iBoysoft BitLocker for Mac. This tool allows you to encrypt a USB, HDD, SSD, SD card, or other storage device with the Windows BitLocker method and also unlock BitLocker-encrypted drives.

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iBoysoft Bitlocker for Mac

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Here are the highlights of iBoysoft BitLocker for Mac:

  • Support encrypting drives using BitLocker on macOS Ventura, Monterey, Big Sur, and earlier.
  • Support encrypting drives using BitLocker on Intel and M2, M1, M1 Pro, and M1 Mac-equipped Macs.
  • Support BitLocker encrypting a drive formatted with NTFS, FAT, FAT32, and exFAT file systems.
  • Allow unlocking BitLocker-encrypted drives and read-write access to them on Mac.

Here's how to use iBoysoft BitLocker for Mac to encrypt your USB for use on Mac and Windows PC:

  1. Free download and install iBoysoft BitLocker for Mac on your Mac.
  2. Connect your USB drive to your Mac.
  3. Open iBoysoft BitLocker for Mac and click Encrypt on the toolbar.
  4. Choose the partition you want to encrypt and click Encrypt.
  5. Enter the password and save the recovery key.
  6. Wait for the encryption to complete.

Then, you can read and write to the BitLocker-encrypted drive on both Mac and Windows freely.

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