Summary :
What is the Xbox One external hard drive format type? This post shows you the correct Xbox external hard drive format type and also offers the most easy-to-use Xbox one hard drive format tool for you to have a try.
As outlined in our guide on how to choose an external hard drive, you'll want one that's fast, easy to use, and won't break the bank. Our current top pick is the Samsung T5, a compact. VANSUNY 120GB External SSD, USB 3.0 400MB/s High-Speed Read Write Portable Aluminum SSD External Hard Drive, Mobile External Solid State Drive (120 G, Black) WD 2TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive HDD, USB 3.0, Compatible with PC, Mac, PS4 & Xbox - WDBU6Y0020BBK-WESN. Portable external hard drives are a little pricier than their desktop, plug-in equivalents, but they can fit in your pocket, and in some cases transfer data just as fast. Consider your own needs, and if you need to take your data with you anywhere, get a portable external hard drive. External hard drive prices. WD Elements Portable. Though not the fastest on the market, the WD Elements' large capacity.
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As all-in-one entertainment system developed by Microsoft, Xbox One is now gaining popularity all over the world. It is a strong competitor of Sony's PlayStation 4 and Nintendo's Wii U and Switch.
As you may know, Xbox One comes with 500GB or 1TB/2TB built-in storage space. However, the problem is that Xbox games are huge and each one could take 50GB around disk space. So the built-in drive is easy to fill up.
Luckily, Xbox One accepts external hard drives to be connected for extra storage space. However, these drives should meet specified requirements.
Part 1: Xbox One External Hard Drive Requirements
According to support.xbox.com, for an external storage drive to save games and apps from Xbox One, it must meet the following requirements:
- It uses a USB 3.0 connection. If you're using a USB hub, the hub must also be USB 3.0 or later.
- It has 256 GB or larger storage capacity.
- It has a partition. Typically, drives should come with a preformatted partition. For more information about partitioning an external hard drive for Xbox One, please refer to Part 2.
- No more than 3 storage devices are connected to the console at the same time. Xbox will recognize only 2 external drives at one time.
Devices that don't meet these requirements will be treated as Media Storage for music, video or pictures.
Part 2: Xbox One External Hard Drive Format
First Move: Make Sure the External Hard Drive Is Already Partitioned
As mentioned above, before it can be formatted to that kind of storage device, a partition needs to be created on the external hard drive. If you found no partition on the drive, here is the guide for you to go through the partition creation process.
In Windows, you have two options to finish this job, choose either one you prefer:
Option 1: Use MiniTool Partition Wizard
Step 1. Download MiniTool Partition Wizard. Install and run it to get the main interface.
Step 2. Select the unallocated space on the Xbox One external hard drive and then choose Create Partition.
Step 3. Keep the default settings for this creation and click OK.
Step 4. Finally, hit the Apply button.
Option 2: Use Windows Disk Management
Disk Management is another good thought for it is the built-in tool of Windows operating system:
Step 1. Run 'diskmgmt.msc' in the RUN box.
Step 2. In the graphical interface, right-click on the unallocated space of the Xbox One external hard drive and then choose New Simple Volume.
Step 3. Follow the instructions and keep the default settings to go through all the process.
But if you are running the Mac OS, you need to follow this guide:
Step 1. Go to Finder and then navigate to Applications.
Step 2. Scroll down to the bottom to locate and find Utilities > Disk Utility.
Step 3. Find the external hard drive under External and then click Partition on the top menu of the right panel.
Step 4. Click the '+' button to create a new partition on the device. In the format column, choose FAT or exFAT files system.
https://freeexo.mystrikingly.com/blog/free-download-zip-opener-software. Step 5. Confirm the creation and wait for Disk Utility to finish.
Second Move: Add and Format Xbox One External Hard Drive
Please make sure you don't have any important information stored on the Xbox One external hard drive before setting it up with your Xbox One.
Next, it is time formatting the Xbox One external hard drive.
Note: To save games and apps, you need to do this formatting on Xbox One itself because the Xbox One external hard drive format type is a proprietary one. After that, it is impossible to read the game files on Windows/Mac PC.
Step 1. Plug the USB 3.0 Xbox One external hard drive into one of the free USB sport on your Xbox One Console.
Step 2. The Xbox will detect the drive and ask how would you like to use this drive: for media (music, videos, and pictures) OR for games & apps? If you choose media, you will keep any content that's currently on the drive; if you choose games & apps, the drive needs to be formatted and can be used only on Xbox One.
Step 3. Choose Format storage device and then give your device a name.
Step 4. In the next page, choose Install new things here and then Format storage device. Be aware that any data on the drive will be wiped clean. When finished, all is done.
Kind Remind: If you cancel formatting a storage device, you can set it up later by following these paths:
Step 1. Open the guide and select System> Settings > Manage Storage.
Step 2. Select your device, and then select Format for games & apps.
With all things done, you can now save more games & apps on Xbox One external hard drive. Like this post? Share it with more Xbox One users!
Part 3: Use Xbox One External Hard Drive for PC
While a lot of users complained their Xbox One external hard drive cannot be recognized by Windows anymore, we find that the drive is actually detected in BIOS and appears in Disk Management but shows as Disk Unknown not Initialized. Xbox One just changed the way for communication so Windows cannot recognize the drive.
And two ways are offered here for Xbox One external hard drive format NTFS so that you can use the drive normally in Windows PC.
Way 1: Use MiniTool Partition Wizard to Recreate
In MiniTool Partition, not initialized hard drive will be shown as unallocated disk space. And in this case, you just need to create a new partition on the drive. Please refer to Part 2 (First Move) to create a new partition OR you may follow the Help Tutorial.
Way 2: Use Disk Management to Create
Disk Management is another Xbox One hard drive format tool to make Windows recognize hard drives. But when an Xbox One external hard drive is connected, no partition is displayed. You need to initialize the hard drive first and then recreate.
Step 1. Select the Xbox One external hard drive which shows as 'Disk Unknown Not Initialized' and choose Initialize Disk from the context menu. Then choose a partition style and confirm.
Step 2. Now select the whole unallocated space and choose New Simple Volume. Follow the guide to go through all the steps.
See also:How to Free Create FAT32 Partition on External Hard Drive
Now you regain the ability to use Xbox One external hard drive in Windows PC and you can save files to that external hard drive.
Wrapping Things Up
Have you thought of expanding your Xbox One's storage capabilities by adding an external hard drive? Now it is your turn to have a try on the suggested Xbox One external hard drive format. Someday if you want to use that external hard drive for PC, you also have the solution.
If you have any suggestion, please put it in the comment zone. And if you come across any difficulty when using MiniTool software, don't hesitate to let us know via [email protected].
Step 1. Go to Finder and then navigate to Applications.
Step 2. Scroll down to the bottom to locate and find Utilities > Disk Utility.
Step 3. Find the external hard drive under External and then click Partition on the top menu of the right panel.
Step 4. Click the '+' button to create a new partition on the device. In the format column, choose FAT or exFAT files system.
https://freeexo.mystrikingly.com/blog/free-download-zip-opener-software. Step 5. Confirm the creation and wait for Disk Utility to finish.
Second Move: Add and Format Xbox One External Hard Drive
Please make sure you don't have any important information stored on the Xbox One external hard drive before setting it up with your Xbox One.
Next, it is time formatting the Xbox One external hard drive.
Note: To save games and apps, you need to do this formatting on Xbox One itself because the Xbox One external hard drive format type is a proprietary one. After that, it is impossible to read the game files on Windows/Mac PC.
Step 1. Plug the USB 3.0 Xbox One external hard drive into one of the free USB sport on your Xbox One Console.
Step 2. The Xbox will detect the drive and ask how would you like to use this drive: for media (music, videos, and pictures) OR for games & apps? If you choose media, you will keep any content that's currently on the drive; if you choose games & apps, the drive needs to be formatted and can be used only on Xbox One.
Step 3. Choose Format storage device and then give your device a name.
Step 4. In the next page, choose Install new things here and then Format storage device. Be aware that any data on the drive will be wiped clean. When finished, all is done.
Kind Remind: If you cancel formatting a storage device, you can set it up later by following these paths:
Step 1. Open the guide and select System> Settings > Manage Storage.
Step 2. Select your device, and then select Format for games & apps.
With all things done, you can now save more games & apps on Xbox One external hard drive. Like this post? Share it with more Xbox One users!
Part 3: Use Xbox One External Hard Drive for PC
While a lot of users complained their Xbox One external hard drive cannot be recognized by Windows anymore, we find that the drive is actually detected in BIOS and appears in Disk Management but shows as Disk Unknown not Initialized. Xbox One just changed the way for communication so Windows cannot recognize the drive.
And two ways are offered here for Xbox One external hard drive format NTFS so that you can use the drive normally in Windows PC.
Way 1: Use MiniTool Partition Wizard to Recreate
In MiniTool Partition, not initialized hard drive will be shown as unallocated disk space. And in this case, you just need to create a new partition on the drive. Please refer to Part 2 (First Move) to create a new partition OR you may follow the Help Tutorial.
Way 2: Use Disk Management to Create
Disk Management is another Xbox One hard drive format tool to make Windows recognize hard drives. But when an Xbox One external hard drive is connected, no partition is displayed. You need to initialize the hard drive first and then recreate.
Step 1. Select the Xbox One external hard drive which shows as 'Disk Unknown Not Initialized' and choose Initialize Disk from the context menu. Then choose a partition style and confirm.
Step 2. Now select the whole unallocated space and choose New Simple Volume. Follow the guide to go through all the steps.
See also:How to Free Create FAT32 Partition on External Hard Drive
Now you regain the ability to use Xbox One external hard drive in Windows PC and you can save files to that external hard drive.
Wrapping Things Up
Have you thought of expanding your Xbox One's storage capabilities by adding an external hard drive? Now it is your turn to have a try on the suggested Xbox One external hard drive format. Someday if you want to use that external hard drive for PC, you also have the solution.
If you have any suggestion, please put it in the comment zone. And if you come across any difficulty when using MiniTool software, don't hesitate to let us know via [email protected].
Last Updated on January 13, 2021 by
Nowadays, the size of data is increasing day by day. People have lots of movies, games, songs, photographs and more data to store. These are the types of data that we never want to lose and want to carry anywhere we go.
Sometimes, the data is private so you don't want to store it in the cloud storage. External portable hard disks have become a part of our life to handle those huge amounts of data we come across daily. The external storage technology has increased to a tremendous amount by enabling us to store, transfer and manage GBs and TBs of data easily.
There are many brands that manufacture external hard disks for a good value for money, but from the customer point of view, an external hard disk has to be reliable and durable. Therefore, the requirements for a portable hard drive with 2TB storage or more arises. 2TB External Hard Disk is the best way to keep your favorite data with you.
So, we have done the research and going to provide you the list of top 10 cheapest 2tb external hard drives that are reliable and are a must-buy.
10 Best 2TB External Hard Drives
We have also written a 2TB external hard drive buying guide at the end of the article. There, we discuss some of the important factors of hard drives, you should consider before buying the hard drives.
How to download another browser on mac. Jump to What to Look for in an External Hard Drive before Buying
1. Seagate Backup Plus Slim
The Seagate Backup Plus Slim 2TB Portable External Hard Drive is an ultra slim and high-efficiency hard disk drive. The compatibility features are great with both USB 2.0 and the USB 3.0 connectivity, and it works well with a wide variety of operating systems like Windows, Mac OS, iOS, and Android.
Large volume files are dealt with quite smoothly with exceptional data transfer speed. This hard drive did not display any heating issues or vibrations. You can easily backup your Facebook, Flicker, and other content with a useful Seagate Mobile Backup Application. The USB cable is of average quality and getting a spare wire should take care of that.
This 2TB Portable External Hard Drive would make an apt choice if you are on the lookout for a hard disk drive with at least 2TB inbuilt storage. With all its advanced features at affordable pricing, it should be a perfect choice to buy.
Pros:
- Super Slim form factor
- Very Good Overall Read & Write Performance
- Free Two Year 200GB OneDrive Subscription
- Useful bundled software
Cons:
- Poor write performance
- Windows software was sluggish, at times
- Only Available In 1/2TB Capacities
2. Buffalo MiniStation Extreme NFC
An external hard drive you can buy at affordable pricing, Buffalo's MiniStation Extreme NFC could be your match made in heaven. With compatibility for both Windows OS and Mac OS, the Buffalo MiniStation Extreme NFC is very flexible. This hard drive comes with a rugged case that's dust and water resistant, along with a built-in USB 3.0 cable.
Moreover, not only is your data kept protected from knocks and drops with the rugged shell, but it also allows 256-bit AES security features and NFC (Near Field Communication) features as well. Essentially it enables you to unlock the drive to get to your files quickly by tapping the supplied NFC card onto the drive's body.
Pros:
- Built-in USB cable
- Hardware encryption
- Mac and PC format utility
- Ruggedized and water resistant
Cons:
- NFC card is easy to lose
- Doesn't unlock via smartphones
3. WD My Passport Ultra 2TB
The WD My Passport Ultra 2TB Portable External Hard Drive is a fantastic product with the right mix of specs and features. The hard disk is slim and lightweight that makes it easy to handle and transport. It exceeds all your expectations when it comes to data transfer speeds but doesn't come near the top of the leaderboard.
This hard drive offers a useful 256-AES encryption feature that lets you secure it with a password. It is compatible well with both Windows and Mac OS and its backup feature is extremely smart that only allows the files which have been newly added or altered. The one small flaw it has is that the encryption feature does not compatible with Linux OS. The WD My Passport Ultra 2TB Portable External Hard Drive is a stunning product from a trustworthy brand. It should make a great choice for you.
Pros:
- Excellent large-block transfer rates
- Included WD software for local and cloud backups adds value
Cons:
- No option to exclude/include extensions.
4. Samsung T5 SSD
The Samsung T5 Portable SDD is a bit pricey, but the speed and security it comes with are worth it for those looking for durable performance. It comes in light weight (2 ounces) and small as the palm of your hand. The all-metal, shock-resistant enclosure is rugged and portable, making it safe to just stash in a bag on the go.
Moreover, it has a super fast transfer speed up to 540 MB/s that is about five times as fast as a standard HDD, making it much faster to move giant files like 4K videos and high-resolution photos. The T5 compatible with USB 3.1 Type-C and Type-A ports, and works with Windows, Mac, and Android devices.
Pros:
- Streamlined, metal enclosure
- Excellent performance
- Easy-to-use software
- Full hardware-based encryption
Cons:
Best External Hard Drives
- No backup software
5. Toshiba Canvio Basics
The Toshiba Canvio Basic 2TB External Hard Disk Drive is another quality device in our list. The solid build quality and sleek, compact design from Toshiba makes it a sturdy device. It is compatible with Windows OS and Mac OS. The Canvio drive can handle large volume file transfer quite smoothly.
The data transmission speed it works exceeds your expectations. You can easily connect it with Smart TV through TV USB port. Toshiba is popular name in the hard disk industry and this hard disk is unbeatable in terms of value for money and portability. This 2TB wired external hard disk drive is a great product to meet your extensive storage needs.
Pros:
- 1TB platter technology
- Pocket sized
Cons:
- The provided USB 3.0 cable is a bit short for PC use.
- Not the fastest external drive
6. Transcend StoreJet 25H3P
Transcend StoreJet 25H3P 2.5-inch 2 TB Portable External Hard Drive is what stands out the most and it gives it a sturdy and rugged look. It has superlative data transfer with 3.0 USB port. The durability of the external hard disk is also enhanced by Military-grade shock resistance with a high-tech three-stage shock protection system.
This 2TB HDD also offers a Transcend Elite Data Management Software that let you arrange and systematize your data better. This external hard disk is compatible with USB 3.0, 2.0 and supports most of the commonly used operating systems. The Transcend StoreJet external hard drive is a must-buy if durability is your biggest concern.
Pros:
- Fast transfer rates
- Three stage shock protection system
- One Touch auto backup button
- Power saving sleep mode
Cons:
- Only available in purple
- Drive does not ship with Mac software
7. Sony PSZ-HB2T/BC 2TB Pro External Hard Disk Drive
Sony PSZ-HB2T/BC 2TB Pro External Hard Disk Drive external hard disk is a perfect choice for lovers for brand Sony. The build quality is excellent, and the drive is sure to last for a long while. The attractive slim and compact design from Sony gives it an elegant look. The hard disk proves to be a steady performer with fast data transfer speed.
The hard disk offers some additional utility features such as an automatic cloud backup with preloaded Back-Up Manager software. This includes password protection security and free backup software. The drive uses AES 256-bit algorithm data encryption and password protection technologies which give complete security to your data. The Sony PSZ-HB2T/BC 2TB Pro External Hard Disk Drive is a quality product from a top brand.
Pros:
- Great performance
- AES 256-bit encryption
- additional utility features
Cons:
- More expensive per-GB
8. Lenovo F309
The Lenovo F309 2TB External Hard Disk Drive is an amazing product from a trusted brand, and its reasonable pricing makes it a true value for money gadget. The hard disk feels pretty sturdy with the solid build quality it has. The sleek and compact shape it has, give it some good portability and easy handling.
The USB 3.0 connection offers easy and quick data transmission. Its performance and speed are comparable to products from more expensive brands. No compatibility issues so you can use it with different operating systems, desktops and notebooks. It has electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection of up to 8 KV that guards it against shock.
Pros:
- Good performance
- sleek and compact shape
- ESD protection
- No compatibility issues
Cons:
- No backup software
9. ADATA HV620 2TB USB 3.0 Stylish and Sleek External Hard Drive
The Adata HV620 External Drive 2TB will suit those looking for a rugged storage device that can provide ample capacity without costing too much. Its performance is superb well and remains the only SSD we've seen that is IP68 rated. The solid-state drive that resides in this drive, it's faster than external drives that use traditional spinning hard drives.
Moreover, This external drive offers great transfer speeds as well as rugged protection. Also, you don't have to worry about missing out on storage space just because it uses an SSD – this external drive really does hit all the right notes.
Pros:
- Scratch-Prevention Design
- Sleek and Glossy
- LED Indicator Shows Transfer Status
- SuperSpeed USB 3.0
Cons:
- No free backup software
10. WD Elements 2TB Portable
The WD Elements 2TB USB 3.0 Portable Hard Disk is a perfect storage solution from Western Digital. The amazing portability on offer has to be its USP. The drive is extremely lightweight, slim and compact in design and it is an easy fit into your pocket. Its plastic body makes the product extremely durable.
The drive compatible with both USB 3.0 and 2.0 connections and offers amazing transfer speed. The USB cord is of good quality, but its short length might disappoint many users. This portable drive also includes a free trial of WD SmartWare Pro automatic backup software. It can be a great choice if you are looking for a reliable 2TB external hard disk.
Best Buy External Hard Drive
Pros:
- Low price.
- Huge capacity.
- No external source needed for power.
Cons:
- No free backup software
What to Look for in an External Hard Drive before Buying
Capacity: The capacity is the most important thing, you need really depends on your lifestyle. If you're a photographer or videographer, for instance, you'll require something with a large capacity that can store all of your media files. In that case, you should go for 4TB and above. If, however, you're a student who just needs to back up some term documents and smartphone photos, 1TB or 2TB should be plenty.
Transfer speed: Backing up your files takes time, depends on the size of data. If you have a lot of data to backup, you could be looking at a couple of hours at the least. If speed is your concern, buy an external hard drive with transfers speeds of at least 120MB/s for writing and 130MB/s for reading.
Portability: There are a lot of pretty hefty hard drives out there, but if you're often on the go, portability is key. Some devices are as compact in design as a deck of cards, which make them easy to put into your bag or pocket for convenient backing up.
Reliable External Hard Drive Reviews Seagate
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