Home > Questions

Can't copy files larger than 4GB to external drive on Mac?

Ever since I updated to the latest macOS Big Sur, I can't copy any files larger than 4GB to my external USB device, no matter if it's NTFS or exFAT formatted. It pops up an error saying "The operation can't be completed because an unexpected error occurred (error code 100006)."

Best Answered by

iBoysoft author Jenny Zeng

Jenny Zeng

Answered on Monday, April 29, 2024

Can you still copy files smaller than 4 GB? This issue is really strange because only FAT32 has the 4GB file size limit. I assume your issue isn't tied to the file size, right? If it's a size issue, you should get a different error that says the file is too large for the volume.

So let's focus on the error "The operation can't be completed because an unexpected error occurred (error code 100006)." Try the following tips:

  • Connect your drive directly with your Mac if you can.
  • Try copying the files you want to transfer to your Mac's desktop, then move them to your USB external drive.
  • Repair your external hard drive with Disk Utility First Aid.
  • Reinstall macOS without erasing your Mac.
  • Reformat your external hard drive after backing up the important files.

Check this guide for more details: 11 Ways to Fix Error Code 100006 on Mac with External Drive

 

People Also Ask

Read More Questions

Read More Advice From iBoysoft's Computer Experts

Problemas do aplicativo Apple Mail

[Resolvido] Uma lista abrangente de problemas do aplicativo Apple Mail no Mac

Esta é uma lista abrangente de problemas do aplicativo Apple Mail em todos os tipos de dispositivos macOS, incluindo soluções detalhadas relacionadas ao problema. Use-a como instrução para lidar com problemas no aplicativo Mail.

Teclas de función en Mac

Cómo usar las teclas de función en Mac con o sin la tecla Fn

Este artículo te guía sobre cómo usar las teclas de función en Mac con o sin la tecla Fn para controlar las características del sistema o para realizar atajos de teclado en Mac.

large purgeable space showing up in Disk Utility

Remove Purgeable Space on Mac Sonoma/Ventura/Monterey

What is purgeable space on Mac? Discuss what purgeable means on an external hard drive and internal disk, and how to remove purgeable space on Mac with or without Terminal command lines.

How to Tips