How to Convert a Mac SoftRAID Volume for Use on Windows

How to Convert a Mac SoftRAID Volume for Use on Windows

If you've picked up a RAID enclosure or multi-bay drive that came pre-configured with SoftRAID for Mac, and you're actually running Windows, don't worry: your hardware isn't locked to macOS. SoftRAID volumes built on a Mac use APFS formatting, which Windows can't read directly, but SoftRAID for Windows includes a built-in conversion feature that lets you wipe the Mac volume and rebuild it as a native Windows SoftRAID volume in a few minutes.

Here's the full walkthrough, step by step.

Before you start: converting the volume will erase everything on it. If there's any data on the drive you need, back it up first. There's no undo once you delete the existing volume.

Step 1: Download SoftRAID for Windows

Grab the Windows version of SoftRAID directly from the developer at softraid.com, then install it on the PC you'll be connecting the drive to.

Step 2: Connect Your Drive

Plug your RAID enclosure or drive into the Windows machine and launch SoftRAID for Windows. Your existing Mac-formatted volume will show up under "RAID VOLUMES" on the left, but it won't be usable yet. You'll see a warning that reads "APFS volumes aren't currently supported in SoftRAID for Windows" - that's expected, and exactly why we're doing this conversion.

Step 3: Check for Safeguard Protection

Right-click on the volume in the left-hand list. If "Protect with Safeguard" has a checkmark next to it, Safeguard is currently enabled, and it's there to stop the volume being deleted by accident. You'll need to turn it off before you can proceed.

Step 4: Turn Off Safeguard

Click "Protect with Safeguard" to disable it, then confirm when Windows asks if you're sure. Once it's off, you're clear to move to the next step.

Step 5: Delete the Existing Mac Volume

Right-click the volume again and choose "Delete." Confirm the prompt. This clears the old Mac SoftRAID volume entirely, leaving your disks free and ready to be rebuilt as a Windows volume.

Step 6: Start a New Windows RAID Volume

With the old volume gone, the "RAID VOLUMES" section will be empty. Click "New RAID Volume..." to kick off building your new, Windows-native SoftRAID volume.

Step 7: Choose Your RAID Level

Pick the RAID type you want: RAID 0 for maximum speed, RAID 1 for mirrored redundancy, or RAID 5 for a balance of both with parity protection. Choose whichever fits how you're planning to use the drive.

Step 8: Select Your Disks

Tick the individual disks that should be part of the new RAID volume, then click "Next."

Step 9: Confirm Your RAID Settings

Review the volume settings on this screen. SoftRAID will highlight sensible defaults for you, so unless you have a specific reason to change something, you can leave these as they are and click "Next."

Step 10: Create the Volume

Click "Create Volume" to finish the process. SoftRAID will build your new Windows volume, and once it's done, it'll appear under "RAID VOLUMES," fully mounted and ready to use.

That's It

Your drive is now running a native Windows SoftRAID volume, no Mac formatting getting in the way. If you run into any issues part-way through, or you're not sure which RAID level is right for your setup, get in touch with our team and we'll help you sort it out.

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