Reformat a seagate external hard drive​

Reformatting a Seagate external hard drive is a powerful solution for resolving persistent errors, preparing the device for a new operating system, or simply wiping it clean for a fresh start. Whether you’re transitioning from Windows to macOS, fixing corrupted data, or repurposing your drive for new tasks, knowing how to properly reformat the device is essential. 

Part 1: Formatting Basics

What Does It Mean to Format a Hard Drive?

Formatting a hard drive involves setting up a file system that your computer uses to read and write data. It essentially wipes the drive clean and prepares it for storage use. This process can also help correct logical errors or corruption.

File System Types

NTFS (New Technology File System): Preferred for Windows. Not natively writable on macOS.

exFAT: Compatible with both Windows and macOS. Ideal for drives shared across platforms.

FAT32: Widely compatible, but limited to 4GB maximum file size.

HFS+ (Mac OS Extended): Optimized for macOS. Not readable by Windows without third-party tools.

APFS (Apple File System): Default for newer versions of macOS.

Choosing the correct file system depends on how you intend to use the drive.

Part 2: Preparation Steps

Step 1: Backup Your Data

Formatting erases everything, so:

Transfer important files to your computer or another storage device.

Use backup software like Time Machine (macOS) or File History (Windows).

Step 2: Identify Your Seagate Drive

Plug in the drive.

On Windows: Open File Explorer and check the drive letter.

On macOS: Use Finder or Disk Utility to view the drive.

Step 3: Download Useful Tools (Optional)

Seagate Dashboard (Windows)

Seagate Toolkit (macOS)

Partition management tools like EaseUS Partition Master, MiniTool Partition Wizard, or AOMEI

Part 3: Reformatting on Windows

Method 1: Using File Explorer

Plug in your Seagate external hard drive.

Open File Explorer > Right-click the Seagate drive.

Select Format.

In the dialog box:

Choose File System (NTFS, exFAT, FAT32).

Enter a Volume Label (e.g., “Seagate External”).

Leave “Quick Format” checked for a fast format.

Click Start and confirm.

Method 2: Using Disk Management

Press Win + X > Choose Disk Management.

Locate your Seagate drive.

Right-click > Format.

Choose desired file system and perform the format.

Method 3: Using Command Prompt

Open Command Prompt as Administrator.

Type:

diskpart

list disk

select disk X (Replace X with your Seagate disk number)

clean

create partition primary

format fs=exFAT quick (or NTFS/FAT32)

assign

exit

Part 4: Reformatting on macOS

Method 1: Using Disk Utility

Connect the drive.

Open Disk Utility (Applications > Utilities).

Select your Seagate drive in the sidebar.

Click Erase.

Choose a format:

APFS or Mac OS Extended (Journaled) for Mac-only use.

exFAT for cross-platform compatibility.

Name the drive and click Erase.

Method 2: Using Terminal (Advanced Users)

Open Terminal.

Type:

diskutil list

diskutil eraseDisk exFAT Seagate /dev/diskX (replace X with your disk number)

Press Enter to execute.

Part 5: What to Do After Formatting

Step 1: Confirm the Format

Reopen File Explorer or Disk Utility to check the drive’s new format.

Make sure it is writable and readable.

Step 2: Restore Data (If Backed Up)

Copy files back to the drive as needed.

Step 3: Install Seagate Tools (Optional)

Useful for drive monitoring, backups, and firmware updates.

Part 6: Troubleshooting Format Errors

Windows

Drive not showing: Try a different USB port or computer.

Format failed: Use Disk Management or Diskpart.

Write-protected: Use Command Prompt to remove attributes.

macOS

Disk grayed out: Use First Aid in Disk Utility.

Can’t erase drive: Try formatting via Terminal.

Read-only drive: Ensure the format is supported by macOS.

Part 7: Alternatives to Formatting

If you want to fix errors without losing data:

Run CHKDSK on Windows: chkdsk X: /f /r

Use Disk Utility’s First Aid on macOS

Use third-party tools for partition repair

Part 8: Maintaining Your Reformatted Drive

Eject Safely: Always eject before unplugging.

Scan Regularly: Use antivirus and diagnostic tools.

Keep Backups: Don’t rely on a single copy.

Update Firmware: Via Seagate tools.

Avoid Shocks: Physical protection extends drive life.