1. Apfs Encrypted Mac
2. Apfs Encrypted Another Mac

The latest releases of macOS and iOS devices utilizes a new, complex file system called Apple File System (APFS). Based on how APFS differs from prior Apple and Microsoft file systems, digital investigators will have to adapt their processes and examination techniques; especially with regards to APFS encryption and unallocated space. Upgrading from APFS to APFS Encrypted I did a clean install and when I formatted my SSD I chose this option APFS (Case-sensitive, Encrypted), which prompted me to choose a password on the spot. Now, after High Sierra is installed, upon checking my SSD on Disk Utility Get Info it says it is NOT encrypted. A working solution is to go to add an additional APFS volume to your boot drive. Since APFS is a container system, it doesn't have rigid 'partition-walls' in terms of their size, you can add another volume and it will grow and shrink with usage, so it's no different functionally for space than a directory or folder on your / root volume.

Ever since the new file system surfaced in the world of Mac, it has been unclear whether it has been good or bad. While there are a lot of good things that can be said about it, there also happen to be several drawbacks. Some of which is rather annoying.

If you are not familiar with what I am referring to, APFS is a new file system that has been introduced by Apple. It has been around for about a year now. If you are a new Mac owner or a new MacBookPro owner, you will notice that when you go into Disk Utility, your file system is no longer HFS+ but APFS.

So what exactly does that mean? What is the change all about?

Well, considering the change, let’s take a look at the pros first.

1. Speed

It is fast. Managing files, copying, and transferring files is insanely fast. For some users with massive files, this could be a very important plus.

2. Security

It contains full single or multi-key encryption to keep all data safe. Again, for many users, this will be a huge benefit when dealing with file sharing and other transfers.

3. Less Corruption

File corruption or metadata corruption is not as common as in HFS+. Nothing can put a damper on a full day of work like discovering a corruption on a data file that may impact your work progress in a negative way.

4. Less Crashing

It has far better crash protection. Nothing brings a project to a screeching halt like a crash. It isn’t always easy to get back to that momentum once the system is back up and running.

Then there are the cons. These seem to be a bit more critical, at least from my perspective.

1. Time Machine

If you plan on using Time Machine on your newly formatted APFS Mac, you might run into problems. That’s because Time Machine backup drives can only be formatted to HFS+ file system and still be read by APFS file system.

2. Not Supported By Older OS

You would think that if you are creating a new file system that you would sort of want it to be backward compatible with older operating systems, right? Well, of course, you would. However, the APFS is not compatible with all OSX or older Sierra versions of MacOS.

3. Flash and SSD Optimized

Yes, it works well with flash and SSD based machines. Fusion or hybrid, not so much, except for MacOS Mojave. And when it comes down to regular hard drives, you are not going to see any measurable speed differences at all.

4. Data Recovery

Data recovery from APFS can be a lot more complicated than from its predecessor HFS+. That is especially true if you are looking to use the software yourself. In fact, the software may not even be able to recognize the file system at all. Professional help would be your next step to follow which translates to mean there will be a larger investment required to recover the data.

There also happen to be several other pros and cons that I haven’t covered in depth here such as… snapshots, integrity checksums or NVRAM utilization. But all of these items would only come into play if you are a more experienced user.

In Conclusion

If you have a brand new Mac or MacBookPro, congratulations. The chances are that the ‘new’ APFS file system was installed into your machine by default. That’s not entirely a bad thing because if you are a Mac user who has no need for or doesn’t intend to use Time Machine or plan to work with older operating systems, for whatever the reason, you’ll be fine. The new file system offers a fair deal of good reasons to have it onboard.

Now, if you would rather have access to Time Machine or you happen to have Macs with older operating systems you want to connect with your new one, the previous HFS+ file system would be a better fit for you.

Again, it really does depend on what you are using your computer for and what you expect it to do for you. My goal here was to share with you a few of the observations I have made in comparing the two file systems. As I indicated above, there are a number of good things about the change to the newer file system and there are a few drawbacks. The type of user you are will determine what impact these changes will have on your overall experience.

About the author: Yevgeniy Kapishon is a hardcore techno enthusiast, a senior data recovery engineer and a blogger at Aesonlabs® Data Recovery Systems, living in Toronto, Canada. In his free time, he likes to wander and explore the back alleys of his neighborhood or carve into his favorite sci-fi flicks.

Apple File System (APFS) is a new file system for macOS, iOS, and Apple devices. If you work on a Windows-based computer and want to read and write files on APFS-formatted HDD, SSD or flash drive, you need APFS for Windows by Paragon Software.

• New! Supports APFS volumes created in macOS 10.15 Catalina
• New! Detects volumes encrypted by FileVault

The license installs on 3 PCs so you can boost your home setup or make a nice gift to family and friends.

Stable Operation

Fail-safe operability across compatible hardware and software systems for both general-purpose and specialized applications

Data Safety

Protection of data integrity and prevention of accidental data corruption and possible loss

Guaranteed Performance

Steady throughput and balanced goodput with effective flow control, reduced overheads, and congestion avoidance

Efficient Use

Thrifty usage of processor, memory, and disk resources

Native look and feel

How it Works

Install

Download and install APFS for Windows by Paragon Software

Use

Your drive will show up in Explorer

• Useful tray
• You can view, edit and copy files to another volume

Features

Frequently Asked Questions

Apfs Encrypted Mac

Resources

Apfs Encrypted Another Mac