---
title: "what is the use of thunderbolt and can i transfer data between external hard disk and mac book air without using thunderbolt?"  
description: "what is the use of thunderbolt and can i transfer data between external hard disk and mac book air without using thunderbolt?"  
author: "Peterson arnold"  
published: 2018-09-18  
canonical: https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/49940/what-is-the-use-of-thunderbolt-and-can-i-transfer-data-between-external-hard-disk-and-mac-book-air-without-using-thunderbolt  
category: "troubleshooting"  
tags: ["mac troubleshooting"]  
reading_time: 2 minutes  

---

# what is the use of thunderbolt and can i transfer data between external hard disk and mac book air without using thunderbolt? 

what is the use of [thunderbolt](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/102468/explain-the-significance-of-a-laptop-s-thunderbolt-connectivity) and can i [transfer data](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/111083/how-to-transfer-data-on-android) between [external hard](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/102434/how-do-external-hard-drives-contribute-to-data-backup) [disk](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/96923/what-are-hard-disk-partitions) and [mac book air](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/49973/is-malwarebytes-a-part-of-mac-book-air) without using thunderbolt? \
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## Answers

### Answer by Hitesh Vohra

- You can connect a monitor, a TV, or a device, such as an [external](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/31963/which-program-has-been-launched-by-the-union-ministry-of-external-affairs-mea-to-bring-indian-foreign-policy-to-students-across-the-country) storage device, to your Mac's **Thunderbolt** connector. You may also connect your Mac to a display that supports DisplayPort, Mini DisplayPort, HDMI, or VGA with the right adaptor.
- A USB, USB-C, or Thunderbolt connection connects the two PCs. Do one of the following on the Mac you want to use as an external disc in target disc mode:
- If the computer is turned off, hit and hold the T key to turn it on.
- If the machine is turned on, go to **[Apple](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/94890/what-does-apple-s-solution-for-iphone-battery-life-in-ios-13) menu > System Preferences > Startup Disk > Target Disk Mode.**
- When the computer starts up, a disc icon displays on the other computer's desktop.
- Drag and drop files to and from the hard drive.
- Drag the disk's symbol to the Trash to eject it.
- The Trash icon transforms into an Eject icon as you drag.
- Disconnect the cord from the Mac you used as a disc by pressing the power button.

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**Read More: [How to create second account and add it to your iPhone 8 Instagram app](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/50569/how-to-create-second-account-and-add-it-to-your-iphone-8-instagram-app)**


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Original Source: https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/49940/what-is-the-use-of-thunderbolt-and-can-i-transfer-data-between-external-hard-disk-and-mac-book-air-without-using-thunderbolt

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