Once the computer is in Target Disk Mode and available as an external volume to the host Mac, you can copy files to or from that volume.Īny Mac with a FireWire or Thunderbolt port can be started up in Target Disk Mode. What is Target Disk Mode?Īs mentioned, Target Disk Mode lets your Mac be used as an external hard disk connected to another Mac. I’m also going to explain in layman’s terms why, when and how Target Disk Mode should be used. In this tutorial, you’re going to be taught how to activate Target Disk Mode through the System Preferences application, or enter it directly at boot time with a simple keystroke. It’s not surprising that the vast majority of average Mac owners are totally oblivious to the existence of Target Disk Mode, and who could blame them? After all, Target Disk Mode isn’t exactly front and center on macOS. Our tutorial series dealing with the many ways you can start up your Mac continues with Target Disk Mode, a feature Apple conceived to allow your Mac to act as an external disk for another Mac.

How to format mac hd using another mac