To delete files from a Seagate external hard drive, open it in File Explorer on Windows or Finder on a Mac, select the items, and delete them. If a Mac says the drive is read-only, its format—often NTFS—may prevent changes; check the drive before considering a reformat, which erases its contents.
Delete files on Windows 10 or 11
- Connect the Seagate drive and open File Explorer.
- In the navigation pane or under This PC, open the Seagate drive and navigate to the files or folders you want to remove.
- Select only the intended items, press the Delete key or use File Explorer’s delete command, and confirm any prompt.
- When finished, use the taskbar’s Safely Remove Hardware and Eject Media control. Wait for Windows to indicate the drive is safe to remove, then disconnect it. Seagate advises ejecting a drive before physically unplugging it because unsafe removal can corrupt or damage files: Seagate drive manual.
Do not assume a file deleted from an external disk will be recoverable from the computer’s Recycle Bin. Microsoft notes that files deleted from a disk location may be destroyed rather than sent there: Microsoft: Recover lost or deleted files.
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Delete files on a Mac
- Connect the drive, open Finder, and select the Seagate volume.
- Find and select the files or folders you intend to remove.
- Press Command-Delete or move the selected items to Trash. Apple documents these Finder actions here: Apple: Delete files and folders on Mac.
- When you are done, eject the volume using Finder’s eject control or its desktop icon before unplugging it. Seagate warns that disconnecting without ejecting can corrupt or damage files: Seagate drive manual.
Trash behavior for external-drive files can depend on the macOS version and the prompts shown. If you deleted something by mistake, do not empty Trash while you are checking whether restoration is possible.
If a Mac won’t let you delete files
macOS generally cannot write to NTFS partitions by default. If the Seagate volume is formatted as NTFS, it may mount read-only, which can prevent deleting files. Seagate explains the issue and notes that NTFS-driver support depends on the specific model: Seagate: How to use an NTFS drive on macOS.
#1 Best Overall
- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
- Check the volume’s file system in macOS and confirm the exact Seagate model.
- If the drive is NTFS, verify whether Seagate provides an NTFS driver for that model; do not assume every Seagate drive includes one.
- Do not reformat simply to remove an individual file. Reformatting is appropriate only if you intend to erase the drive and have backed up anything you need.
Seagate says newer external drives commonly use exFAT for Windows and Mac compatibility, but an individual drive may use a different format. Its format guidance warns that formatting erases data: Seagate: How to format your hard drive.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.If you deleted the wrong file
Ordinary deletion is not a guaranteed secure wipe, and it does not necessarily make the underlying data unrecoverable. Microsoft says deleted file data may remain recoverable: Microsoft: Recover lost or deleted files. If recovery matters, minimize use of the affected drive; further writes can reduce the chance of recovering deleted data.
Quick Recap
Rank #3
- Easy-to-use desktop hard drive—simply plug in the power adapter and USB cable
- Fast file transfers with USB 3.3
- Drag-and-drop file saving right out of the box
- Automatic recognition of Windows and Mac computers for simple setup (Reformatting required for use with Time Machine)
- Enjoy peace of mind with the included limited warranty and Rescue Data Recovery Services
Rank #2
- Easily store and access 1TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop. Reformatting may be required for Mac
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
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