How to convert Hierarchical File System (HFS) to FAT/NTFS?

Question

I know how to change FAT32 to NTFS file system and vice-versa. But I am unaware of Hierarchical File System (HFS). So please tell me if anyone knows how to convert HFS to NTFS/FAT32 ?

Thanks in Advance!

Answer 1

Paragon offers a small freeware utility called NTFS-HFS Converter that will convert whole volumes in both directions (but here is no FAT32 capability). The process is entirely automatic, only giving you a chance to create a simple backup copy before the procedure.

All three versions (including free) of Paragon Partition Manager will also do this, with the addition of being able to convert between FAT32 and NTFS.

Answer 2

In case there is ever a need to format a disk with HFS, HFS+ or NTFS, you can boot from an Ubuntu live USB and install the following packages in the Ubuntu live USB:

HFS – hfsutils
HFS+ – hfsprogs
NTFS – Ubuntu can read/write files in an NTFS partition by default without installing any additional packages.

To install hfsutils and hfsprogs, open the terminal and type:

sudo apt install hfsutils hfsprogs    

GParted partition editor is an application that is able to reformat partitions/hard drives. To open GParted, boot an Ubuntu live USB, select Try Ubuntu and open GParted.

Note: When you boot from an Ubuntu live USB and select Try Ubuntu, it runs Ubuntu from the USB drive without installing Ubuntu or anything else on your hard drive.

Answer 3

For now, there is not any tool to convert HFS to FAT32/NTFS. Because HFS belongs to MAC OS, it can not support Windows OS. So, if you want to convert HFS to FAT32/NTFS, you can use formatting and choose FAT/NTFS.