В этом руководстве мы рассмотрим, как легко обмениваться файлами и папками между несколькими компьютерами под управлением Windows 10, Windows 11 и MacOS по локальной сети. Независимо от того, находитесь ли вы в офисе или дома, это руководство сделает обмен файлами легким.
Шаг 1: Убедитесь, что все компьютеры подключены к одной сети
Прежде чем погрузиться в обмен файлами, важно убедиться, что все компьютеры подключены к одной локальной сети. Это основа успешного обмена. Независимо от того, находитесь ли вы дома или в офисе, стабильное сетевое соединение имеет решающее значение.
Чтобы проверить сетевое подключение, вы можете открыть командную строку на компьютере с Windows и ввести IPCONFIG. Эта команда отобразит текущие сетевые настройки, включая IP-адрес, который важен для идентификации вашего устройства в сети.
Шаг 2: Проверьте IP-адреса компьютеров.
После подтверждения того, что все компьютеры находятся в одной сети, следующим шагом будет проверка их IP-адресов. Это поможет убедиться, что они могут взаимодействовать друг с другом. Запишите IP-адрес каждого компьютера, так как он вам понадобится позже.
Например, если ваш компьютер с Windows 11 имеет IP-адрес 192.168.1.15 и ваш компьютер с Windows 10 показывает 192.168.1.16, все готово!
Шаг 3: Настройка общего доступа к файлам в Windows 11
Теперь, когда настройка сети завершена, давайте настроим общий доступ к файлам на вашем компьютере с Windows 11. Начните с открытия панели управления. Вы можете легко найти ее, выполнив поиск в меню «Пуск».
Находясь в панели управления, перейдите к Сеть и Интернет и затем выберите Центр управления сетями и общим доступом. Здесь вы найдете параметры для изменения расширенных настроек общего доступа.
Настройка расширенных параметров общего доступа
- Выберите Изменить дополнительные параметры общего доступа.
- Обеспечьте Частные выбран профиль.
- включать Обнаружение сети и Общий доступ к файлам и принтерам.
- Выберите, чтобы включить Отключить защищенный паролем общий доступ для удобства доступа.
После внесения этих изменений сохраните их. Это позволит другим устройствам в сети легко находить и получать доступ к общим файлам.
Шаг 4: Создайте общую папку в Windows 11
Далее, давайте создадим общую папку. На рабочем столе щелкните правой кнопкой мыши и выберите Новое > Папка. Назовите эту папку как-нибудь узнаваемым, например SharedFiles.
После создания щелкните правой кнопкой мыши по папке и выберите НЕДВИЖИМОСТИ
, Перейдите к разделение и нажмите Share.
Шаг 5: Установите разрешения для общей папки
Настройка разрешений является ключом к контролю того, кто может получить доступ к вашей общей папке. В настройках общего доступа вы можете добавить пользователей, нажав на Добавить. Вы увидите варианты настройки их разрешений — либо Читать or Читай пиши.
Например, если вы хотите, чтобы все просто просмотрели файлы, выберите Читать. Если вы хотите, чтобы они могли редактировать файлы, выберите Читай пиши. После настройки этих параметров нажмите на Поделиться , а затем Готово.
Шаг 6: Доступ к общей папке с другого компьютера Windows
Теперь давайте получим доступ к общей папке с другого компьютера Windows. Откройте проводник и в адресной строке введите путь к общей папке, используя формат: \\IP-АДРЕС\SharedFiles.
Замените АЙПИ АДРЕС с реальным IP-адресом компьютера, на котором размещена общая папка. Нажмите Enter и вуаля! Вы увидите общие файлы.
Доступ из Windows 10
Если вы используете Windows 10, процесс аналогичен. Откройте File Explorer и в адресной строке введите тот же путь, что указан выше. Вы должны иметь возможность получить доступ к файлам без каких-либо проблем.
Совместное использование с MacOS
Хотите включить Mac в свою настройку обмена файлами? Нет проблем! Сначала убедитесь, что ваш Mac также подключен к той же сети. Затем вам нужно будет настроить обмен файлами на стороне Mac.
Перейдите на Системные настройки > разделение, Установите флажок рядом с Общий доступ к файлам. Затем вы можете добавить папки, которыми хотите поделиться со своего Mac.
Использование SMB для совместимости
При совместном использовании с устройствами Windows лучше всего использовать SMB (Server Message Block) для совместимости. В настройках общего доступа к файлам обязательно отметьте опцию использования SMB для совместного использования. Это позволяет компьютерам Windows беспрепятственно получать доступ к папке.
Заключительные Проверки
После того, как все настроено, будет хорошей идеей перепроверить настройки общего доступа. Попробуйте получить доступ к общим папкам с устройств Windows и Mac, чтобы убедиться, что все работает правильно.
Если у вас возникнут какие-либо проблемы, пересмотрите настройки сети и разрешения на общий доступ. Иногда незначительная настройка может иметь решающее значение для доступности файлов.
Шаг 7: Настройка общего доступа к файлам в Windows 10
Теперь, когда ваш компьютер с Windows 11 настроен, давайте перейдем к настройке общего доступа к файлам в Windows 10. Процесс довольно похож, поэтому у вас не возникнет никаких проблем с выполнением.
Начните с открытия панели управления. Вы можете найти ее, выполнив поиск в меню «Пуск». После того, как вы откроете панель управления, перейдите к Сеть и Интернет и Центр управления сетями и общим доступом.
Настройка расширенных параметров общего доступа
- Выберите Изменить дополнительные параметры общего доступа.
- Обеспечьте Частные выбран профиль.
- Включите Обнаружение сети и Общий доступ к файлам и принтерам.
- Выбрать для Отключить защищенный паролем общий доступ если вам нужен легкий доступ.
После настройки этих параметров сохраните изменения. Это облегчит доступ к общим файлам в вашей сети.
Шаг 8: Создайте общую папку в Windows 10
Теперь давайте создадим общую папку на вашем компьютере с Windows 10. Щелкните правой кнопкой мыши на рабочем столе и выберите Новое > Папка. Назовите эту папку как-то так: ОбщаяПапка чтобы сохранить его идентифицируемым.
После создания папки щелкните по ней правой кнопкой мыши и выберите НЕДВИЖИМОСТИ
, Перейти к разделение и нажмите Поделиться.
Шаг 9: Добавьте компьютер Mac в сеть
После завершения настройки Windows пришло время добавить ваш компьютер Mac в сеть. Убедитесь, что ваш Mac подключен к той же локальной сети, что и ваши компьютеры Windows. Вы можете проверить это в Cеть настройки на вашем Mac.
Чтобы узнать IP-адрес вашего Mac, перейдите по ссылке Системные настройки > Cеть. Выберите активное соединение и запомните отображаемый IP-адрес.
Шаг 10: Настройка общего доступа к файлам на MacOS
Теперь давайте настроим общий доступ к файлам на вашем Mac. Открыть Системные настройки и нажмите на разделение. В настройках общего доступа установите флажок рядом с Общий доступ к файлам.
Затем, щелкните + кнопку под списком общих папок, чтобы добавить папку, которой вы хотите поделиться. Вы можете создать новую папку или выбрать существующую.
Использование SMB для совместимости
При обмене файлами с устройствами Windows лучше всего использовать SMB (Server Message Block) для совместимости. В настройках общего доступа к файлам убедитесь, что установлен флажок для использования SMB.
Этот шаг имеет решающее значение, поскольку он позволяет компьютерам Windows получать доступ к общим папкам на вашем Mac без каких-либо сбоев.
Шаг 11: Доступ к общим файлам из MacOS
Чтобы получить доступ к общим файлам с вашего Mac, откройте Finder и Go > Подключение к серверу из меню. В диалоговом окне введите адрес общей папки в формате: smb://IP-АДРЕС/ОбщаяПапка.
Замените АЙПИ АДРЕС с фактическим IP-адресом компьютера Windows, на котором размещена общая папка, и ОбщаяПапка на имя общей папки, которую вы создали ранее.
Шаг 12. Устранение распространенных проблем
Если у вас возникнут какие-либо проблемы при доступе к общим файлам, не волнуйтесь! Вот несколько распространенных советов по устранению неполадок:
- Убедитесь, что оба компьютера подключены к одной сети.
- Еще раз проверьте настройки общего доступа на Windows и Mac.
- Убедитесь, что настройки брандмауэра на обоих устройствах разрешают общий доступ к файлам.
- Убедитесь, что используются правильные IP-адреса.
Иногда простой перезапуск устройств также может решить проблемы с подключением. Если проблемы сохраняются, рассмотрите возможность проверки сетевых кабелей или сброса настроек маршрутизатора.
Выполнив эти шаги, вы получите бесперебойный обмен файлами между вашими компьютерами Windows и Mac. Удачного обмена!
Whether you are switching from a PC to Mac or just need to transfer some files between the two, there are several ways to go about it. There is a simple way of sharing files using the operating systems’ built-in tools, but some third-party solutions may come in handy. Read on to learn about several go-to methods for sharing files between Mac and Windows.
How to Share Mac Files With Windows Users Using Built-in Tools
Before explaining how to use the systems’ native tools to transfer files, please note this method is only possible if both computers are on the same local network. If this is not the case, feel free to head to the third-party solutions section below.
Set up File Sharing on Mac
For Windows users to access your Mac files, you need to turn on file sharing and enable SMB sharing. Here’s how to do it:
- Click the Apple icon in the upper-left corner of your Mac screen.
- Select “System Preferences.”
- In the “System Preferences” window, click “Sharing.”
- Enable the File Sharing checkbox in the left panel.
- Press the “Options” button.
- Go to “Share files and folders using SMB.”
- Select the checkbox next to each user account you want to share files in the Windows File Sharing list.
- Enter the password for each user and click “OK.”
- After you have selected all the necessary users, click “Done.”
Enabling file sharing on Macs follows the same steps in macOS Monterey 12, macOS Big Sur 11.0, macOS Catalina 10.15, macOS Mojave 10.14, and macOS High Sierra 10.13.
Choose What to Share
After the file-sharing set-up with the Windows user, you’ll be back on the Sharing window. Choose the folders and users you want to share with them:
- Under Shared Folders, click the “plus” button.
- Navigate to the folder you want to share, select it and click “Add.”
- Repeat steps one and two as necessary.
- Select the shared folder.
- Click the “plus” button under Users.
- Choose the user and click “Select.”
For removing folders or users, use the “minus” button.
Access Mac Files on Windows
Now it’s time to do the actual sharing. Head over to your Windows computer and follow the steps below to transfer files from Mac to Windows:
- Go to the Start Menu and select “Run” or press the “Window+R” shortcut.
- Type your Mac’s IP address and press “OK.”
- Enter your Mac’s username and password in the pop-up window, and click “OK.”
File Explorer will display a folder with files and users you’ve granted permission to access through Shared Folders and Shared Users.
This connecting process to Mac should be identical in Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, and the latest Windows 11.
Remember to deselect all the user accounts before turning off Windows sharing because the users’ passwords are not stored securely.
How to Share Windows Files with Mac Users using Built-In Tools
Read on if you want to go the other way around and share files from Windows to Mac. The steps are relatively simple and divided into three stages.
Set up File Sharing on Windows
The first stage entails setting up file sharing on your PC. Start with making sure that Network Discovery is turned on in Windows:
- Open the Settings app.
- Go to “Network and Internet.”
- Select “Ethernet” or “Wi-Fi” from the left panel.
- Press “Change advanced sharing options” located on the right, under Related settings.
- Click on the arrow to expand the Private network menu.
- Tick the checkboxes next to “Turn on network discovery” and “Turn on file and printer sharing.”
- Click on “Save changes.”
Choose What to Share
Now that the PC has been given the green light to share files, choose the files and folders you want to share and follow the steps below for each one:
- Right-click the item and scroll down to “Properties.”
- Under the “Sharing” tab, tap the ”Share” button.
- Choose the user or the group to share the item using the drop-down menu.
- Click “Add.”
- Under the Permission Level, choose “Read” if you only want the user to view and open files. Choose “Read/Write” if you want them also to be able to modify and delete the items.
- Click “Share.”
- Copy the link to the shared folder on the File Sharing window.
- Select ”Done.”
Access Windows Files on Mac
Once you’re all done with choosing the files to share, it’s time to access those files from your Mac:
- Open the Finder app on your Mac.
- In the menu bar on the top of the screen, choose “Go” and scroll down to ”Connect to Server.”
- In the Server Address box, type the network address in either of these two formats:
smb://DNSname/sharename
orsmb://IPaddress/sharename
- Press “Enter.”
- Enter your PC’s username and password in the pop-up window and click “Connect.”
The content you shared from Windows will be available in the Shared section of Finder. To transfer files, just drag and drop them to your desired location.
Third-Party Solutions to Transfer Files Between Mac and Windows
As we’ve explained, it’s smooth sailing if the Mac and PC are on the same local network. If not, there are other ways to transfer your files listed below:
Share Files Using a Cloud Service
If you’re not particularly tech-savvy, this might be your best option.
Most cloud services like Dropbox or GoogleDrive have apps available for Windows and macOS. Plus, they are free and fairly easy to use. Simply install the apps in your system and either copy and paste or drag and drop the desired files onto the cloud drive. The systems will then sync up, and the files will show up on your second system.
Share Files Using a USB Flash Drive
A quick and straightforward way to transfer files between Mac and Windows is using a USB stick. You can move the files and folders onto the stick and plug them into your second system. Just make sure to choose the exFAT file format as it is compatible with both systems. This method works best if you only need to transfer a smaller number of files.
Share Files Using a Portable Hard Drive
If you need to transfer multiple files between Mac and Windows, this is the way to go. They offer different storage capacities, with the most popular being 1TB or 2TB. When using a portable hard drive, also format it to FAT32 to get access for both Mac and Windows OS systems.
Sharing Is Caring
Now that we’ve shared our go-to methods for transferring files between PC and Mac, the rest is up to you. Choose the best option for you and start sharing files to your heart’s content. If both computers share a network, you can keep it in the family and use their built-in tools for file sharing. If not, you can always use a cloud service, USB stick, or portable hard drive.
Have you ever had to share files between Mac and Windows? What method did you use? Let us know in the comment section below.
Connecting to a Windows shared folder from a Mac might seem daunting at first, but it’s a straightforward process that anyone can master. In this guide, we will take you step-by-step through the connection process and provide additional insights that can enhance your experience. Whether you need access to files for personal use or professional purposes, this article will equip you with the knowledge to navigate shared folders effectively.
Understanding Shared Folders
Before diving into the connection process, it’s crucial to understand what shared folders are. Shared folders are directories on a computer that are made accessible to other computers over a network. This capability is particularly useful in home networks as well as in office environments where file sharing is essential.
In a Windows environment, users frequently set up shared folders to allow multiple users access to files and applications without the need for transferring files individually. On the other hand, Macs leverage different protocols to connect and utilize these shared resources effectively.
Requirements for Connecting to Windows Shared Folders
To connect to a Windows shared folder from your Mac, there are certain requirements you need to meet:
1. Network Connection
Ensure that your Mac and the Windows machine sharing the folder are on the same network. This is fundamental as shared folders depend on network accessibility.
2. Permissions
You must have the required permissions to access the shared folder. If the folder is password-protected, you’ll need the password or credentials to log in.
3. Operating System Version
While our guide is relevant for most versions of Mac OS X, it is recommended to have an updated version of the operating system to avoid compatibility issues.
Step-by-Step Guide to Connect to a Windows Shared Folder from Mac
Now, let’s walk through the process of connecting your Mac to a Windows shared folder in a logical progression:
Step 1: Gather Necessary Information
Before you start the connection process, gather the following information:
- The network name (or IP address) of the Windows computer.
- The folder name you wish to access.
- Credentials (username and password) if the folder is secured.
This information is crucial for establishing a connection.
Step 2: Open Finder
On your Mac, click on the Finder icon located in the Dock to open a new Finder window. The Finder is the file management system for macOS and serves as your gateway to connecting to shared folders.
Step 3: Access the “Connect to Server” Option
In Finder, click on “Go” in the menu bar at the top of the screen. From the drop-down menu, select “Connect to Server…” Alternatively, you can use the keyboard shortcut Command (⌘) + K. This will open a dialog box where you can enter the address of the shared folder.
Step 4: Enter the Server Address
In the “Server Address” field, type the address of the Windows shared folder using the following format:
smb://<Windows-Computer-IP-Address>/<Shared-Folder-Name>
For example, if the IP address of the Windows computer is 192.168.1.10 and the shared folder is named Documents, you would enter:
smb://192.168.1.10/Documents
Step 5: Connect to the Shared Folder
After entering the server address, click the Connect button. If your input is correct, you will be prompted for credentials if the folder requires them.
Step 6: Enter Credentials
If prompted, input the username and password associated with the Windows account that has access to the shared folder. You can also choose to save the credentials in your keychain for easier access in the future.
Step 7: Access the Shared Folder
Once the credentials are accepted, the shared folder will open in a new Finder window. You can now interact with the files as if they were on your local machine. You can drag and drop files, open documents, and much more!
Alternative Methods to Connect to Windows Shared Folders
While the manual method outlined above is straightforward, there are also alternative approaches you can utilize:
Using Network Browser
In addition to using the “Connect to Server” option, you can also access shared folders through the Network section in Finder:
- Open Finder and click on Network in the sidebar.
- Wait for the Mac to search for available networks.
- Click on the icon of the Windows computer you wish to connect to.
- Follow the prompts to access the shared folders.
Using the Terminal
For those who enjoy using the command line, it is also possible to connect to a Windows shared folder via the Terminal:
- Open the Terminal application, found in Applications > Utilities.
- Enter the following command:
mount_smbfs //username:password@<Windows-Computer-IP-Address>/<Shared-Folder-Name> /Volumes/<Desired-Mount-Point>
Make sure to replace the placeholders with your actual data. This method is less common but can be useful for advanced users.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While connecting to a Windows shared folder from your Mac is usually a seamless experience, you may encounter issues. Here are a few common problems and their solutions:
Issue 1: Cannot Connect to Server
Ensure that the IP address or network name is correct. Double-check your network connection to ensure both devices are connected to the same network.
Issue 2: Incorrect Username or Password
If you’re prompted with an error regarding credentials, double-check that you are entering the username and password correctly. Keep in mind that Windows usernames may also be case-sensitive.
Issue 3: Shared Folder Not Visible
If the shared folder doesn’t appear in the network browser, ensure that sharing is enabled on the Windows machine and that the folder is configured for sharing. You may need to revisit the sharing settings on your Windows computer.
Understanding Shared Folder Permissions
Another aspect worth discussing is shared folder permissions. These specify who can view or edit files within the shared folder. When setting up a shared folder on a Windows computer, you can adjust permissions in the following ways:
- Read-only: Users can open and view files but cannot edit them.
- Full Control: Users can read, write, and modify files.
For security reasons, it’s essential to configure these permissions judiciously to prevent unauthorized access.
Best Practices for Managing Shared Folders
To enhance your experience when dealing with shared folders, consider these best practices:
1. Regular Backups
Always maintain backups of important files stored on shared folders. This practice will safeguard against accidental deletions or data loss.
2. Organize Shared Content
Organize the contents of shared folders logically to make it easy for all users to find what they need. This is especially important in a team environment.
3. Monitor Access
Consider periodically checking who has access to your shared folders. This ensures that only the necessary individuals can view or edit sensitive information.
Conclusion
Accessing a Windows shared folder from your Mac is a skill that can greatly benefit your day-to-day operations, whether for personal use or collaboration in a work environment. By understanding the steps outlined above and adhering to best practices, you are well on your way to smoothly integrating Windows shared folders into your Mac workflow.
By following this comprehensive guide, you’re not only empowered to connect to shared folders, but you can also troubleshoot common issues and manage your files efficiently. Enjoy a more collaborative and organized computing experience!
A Windows shared folder is a directory on a Windows computer that has been configured to be accessible over a network. This allows other computers or devices on the same network, including Macs, to access and share files stored within that folder. Sharing folders is beneficial in collaborative environments where multiple users need access to the same files or directories without having to transfer files back and forth physically.
By setting folder permissions, users can control who can view, edit, or delete files within the shared folder. This makes Windows shared folders a versatile solution for file sharing in home networks, small businesses, or larger organizational settings.
How can I access a Windows shared folder from my Mac?
To access a Windows shared folder from your Mac, you need to initiate a connection to the shared folder via the Finder. Start by selecting “Go” from the Finder menu, then click on “Connect to Server.” In the dialog box that appears, you’ll need to enter the server address in the format of smb://<IP-address-or-hostname>, replacing <IP-address-or-hostname> with the appropriate details of the Windows machine hosting the shared folder.
After entering the server address, click “Connect.” Your Mac will then prompt you to enter a username and password. These credentials should correspond to an account on the Windows machine that has permission to access the shared folder. Once authenticated, you will be able to browse and interact with the shared folder as if it were a local drive on your Mac.
What do I need to do if I can’t find the shared folder on my Mac?
If you are unable to find the shared folder after attempting to connect, ensure that both your Mac and the Windows computer are connected to the same local network. You can check your network connection settings on both devices to confirm they are on the same Wi-Fi or Ethernet network. Additionally, verify that file sharing is enabled on the Windows computer by going into its Network and Sharing Center settings and ensuring that the specific folder is indeed shared.
Another possibility might be firewall settings on the Windows computer. Firewalls can sometimes block incoming requests from other devices on the network. Ensure that the Windows firewall allows file sharing and that the necessary ports for SMB (Server Message Block) protocol, typically port 445, are open. If these settings are correctly configured, you should be able to access the shared folder successfully.
Are there any additional settings needed on the Windows side?
Yes, some specific settings need to be configured on the Windows computer to ensure smooth access to the shared folder from a Mac. First, go to the “Network and Sharing Center,” and enable file and printer sharing. This allows other devices on the network to see and connect to shared folders. Additionally, you should also verify that the shared folder is set with the appropriate permissions, allowing Mac users to read and, if necessary, write files.
Moreover, it’s crucial to check the sharing settings for the folder itself. Right-click on the folder, select “Properties,” and go to the “Sharing” tab. Click on “Advanced Sharing” to ensure the “Share this folder” option is checked, and set the permissions level as needed. This setup will ensure that your Mac can access the shared folder effortlessly.
What protocol does my Mac use to connect to a Windows shared folder?
Mac computers typically use the SMB (Server Message Block) protocol to connect to Windows shared folders. SMB is a network file sharing protocol that allows applications on a computer to read and write to files and requests services from server programs. This protocol is supported by both macOS and Windows, which facilitates the cross-platform sharing of files seamlessly.
It’s worth mentioning that macOS has been optimized to work with SMB for better compatibility with Windows file sharing. In most cases, SMB is the default protocol used by macOS. However, if there are specific issues with accessing the shared folder, you may also consider enabling AFP (Apple Filing Protocol) on the Windows side, although SMB is generally preferred in modern systems.
Can I map a Windows shared folder as a network drive on my Mac?
Yes, you can map a Windows shared folder as a network drive on your Mac, making it easily accessible from the Finder sidebar. To do this, first, connect to the shared folder as described in the earlier questions. After gaining access, you can select the shared folder in the Finder, then go to the menu and click on “File” followed by “Get Info.” In the info window, look for an option that says “Open at Login” and check it to keep the folder mounted during subsequent logins.
To enhance accessibility further, you can also drag the shared folder to your desktop or Finder sidebar. By having a shortcut accessible this way, you won’t need to go through the connection steps again each time you want to access the shared folder, making your workflow more efficient.
What should I do if I still encounter issues accessing the shared folder?
If you’re still experiencing difficulties accessing the Windows shared folder from your Mac, consider checking for software updates on both systems. Sometimes, outdated software can lead to compatibility issues. On your Mac, go to “System Preferences” and select “Software Update” to make sure you are running the latest version of macOS. Similarly, on the Windows machine, check for updates by heading to the “Settings” app and looking for Windows Update.
Furthermore, it’s beneficial to restart both devices, as this can resolve any temporary network issues. If problems persist, you can also try disabling security software or firewalls temporarily to see if they might be blocking the connection. If you find that the connection works without the firewall, you’ll want to create specific rules to allow SMB traffic while keeping your security measures active.
Let’s say, you are using Windows PC and wanted to share a folder with your friend who is using Mac. Though emailing or using file transfer apps is an easy option, they have limitations of sharing limited file size. Similarly, using cloud storage services like OneDrive or iCloud also have limitations in size and syncing. The best option is to easily setup file sharing from Windows PC to Mac. This will allow sharing of files, folders, or the entire PC drive. The advantage is that you can quickly add additional folders for sharing or remove permissions instantly.
Here are the requirements for enabling file sharing from Windows and Mac.
- Correct username of your Windows PC
- Enable sharing for required folders in Windows
- Connecting Windows PC from Mac
- Accessing shared folders in Mac
Let us go through these steps in details so that you will not miss any detail. We will use Windows 11 and macOS 12.5 in this article. The process remains same if you are using Windows 10 or other macOS versions with some minor changes in the screen.
1. Getting Username in Windows 11
The first step is to find the username of your account in Windows PC.
- Click on Windows Search icon in the taskbar and type “system information”.
- You will see System Information desktop app in the results and click on it to open the app.
- Check the details on the right pane under “System Summary” section and find “User Name”.
- Alternatively, use the “Find what:” box to type “user name” and click on “Find” button. This will highlight the “User Name” item and note down the value.
2. Share Folders in Windows 11
Next step is to share the required folders on your Windows PC.
- Right-click on the folder that you want to share and select “Properties” option.
- Go to “Sharing” tab and click on “Share” button under “Network File and Folder Sharing” section.
- On the next screen, select the user account and change the permission level if required. if you set the permission to only “Read”, then you will not be able to edit the shared files on Mac. If you want to edit the shared files on Mac, make sure to select “Read/Write” permission or select “Owner” user for that folder. After selecting user and required permission level, click on “Share” button.
- If your computer’s network discovery turned off, then Windows will prompt you to enable it. Select the private network option to turn on file sharing option.
- You will see a success message “Your folder is shared” and the full path of the shared folder. Note down the full path which you need to use in different format on the Mac for connecting to this folder.
3. Connecting Windows Shared Folder from Mac
Now that you have a folder on Windows Pc, it’s time to access the folder from Mac.
- Go to your Mac and launch Finder app.
- Click on “Go” menu and then select “Connect to Server…” or press “Command + K” shortcut keys.
- Type the correct path of the Windows shared folder in the text box. Here you should type the path starting with smb: and use forward slash (or slash). This is different than the backslash used in Windows. Therefore, make sure to change the slashes and use correct format. Below is example of the paths of shared folder in Windows and Mac.
Windows Path - \\Windows_PC_Name\Users\Username\Desktop\Folder_Path
Mac Path - smb://Windows_PC_Name/Users/Username/Folder_Path
- After entering the correct folder path, click on “Connect” button. You will be prompted to enter the username and password of your Windows user account. Select “Registered User” option, enter the name/password, and click “Connect” button. Check “Remember this password in my keychain” option if you want the Mac to store password in iCloud. We recommend disabling this option unless you frequently connect Windows PC for file sharing.
- You will not see any success message, but Mac will connect the shared Windows folder in Finder app.
4. Access Shared Windows Folder in Mac
Check Finder app and you will see the name of Windows shared folder is mounted. Browse through the folder and copy the required files to Mac.
If you have setup read/write permissions, you can edit and save the files on the shared folder. However, we do not recommend edit Windows files on Mac as this may result in incompatibilities when you open the files again in Windows PC. It is also possible to add additional file in the shared folder from Mac with read/write permission. If you have only provided read permission, then you can neither edit nor add additional files to the shared folder. You will see permission error when trying to edit files.
Note: If you are connecting with Windows administrator account, it is possible to browse through entire PC from Mac though you share only one folder.
Other Sharing Options from Windows to Mac
As mentioned, there are few other options you can use to transfer files from Windows to Mac.
- Simply ZIP and send the folder through email if this is a one-time task.
- Install file transfer apps to send files.
- Use social apps like WeChat or WhatsApp for sending files. Apps like WeChat has a separate built-in File Transfer feature which you can use for sending file from Windows and them access on Mac or mobile.
- Use cloud storage options like OneDrive or iCloud for sharing files from Windows to Mac. For example, you can install OneDrive app on Mac and access synchronized file from all your devices. Similarly, you can use iCloud for Windows for sharing files across Windows and Mac computers.
If required, you can enable file sharing on Mac to share the folders from Mac to Windows PC.
If you use both a Windows PC and a Mac, you might be spending quite some time fumbling around with flash drives to transfer data between them. The folks who prefer instant access and availability can resort to cloud storage services to transfer files and folders. But you’d be surprised to know that Windows and macOS also packs theability to share folders seamlessly over local networks. Thankfully, it’s not that hard to set up.
For example, you can set up local folder sharing on Windows and use your Mac to access shared files and folders easily. Or, you can do the opposite and use your PC to access the contents on your Mac. So, let’s check out how you can set up a native local folder for sharing files between a Windows PC and a Mac.
Note: Before you proceed with the instructions below, you should cross-check to confirm that your PC and Mac are connected to the same local network.
Share and Access Windows Folders on Mac
To set up folder sharing on Windows, you must turn on Network Discovery on your PC and specify the folders you want to share. You can then connect to your PC with your Mac using Finder. You can find the entire process laid out in the two sections below.
PC – Set Up Local Folder Sharing
Step 1: Open the Notification Center and select All Settings.
Step 2: Click the option labeled Network & Internet.
Step 3: Select the Wi-Fi or Ethernet side-tabs.
Step 4: Select Change Advanced Sharing Options under the Related Settings section.
Step 5: Expand Private. Then, select the radio button next to Turn on Network Discovery. Follow by checking the box next to ‘Turn on automatic setup of network connected devices.’
Additionally, enable the radio button next to ‘Turn on file and printer sharing.’
Note: If the options above were already selected, simply exit the Advanced Sharing Settings screen.
Step 6: Select Save Changes.
Step 7: Right-click a folder that you want to share and select Properties.
Step 8: Switch to the Sharing tab. Then, click the Share button, and then select Share to share the folder right away.
Or, select the Advanced Sharing button to determine the exact Share permissions (Full Control, Change, or Read) that you want to provide.
Step 9: Exit the Properties screen and repeat for any other folders that you want to Share.
How to Access Windows Shared Folders Sharing on Mac
Assuming you’ve setup local folders correctly on Windows, and your Mac is on the same network, here’s how you can access the shared folders.
Step 1: Open Finder.
Step 2: Open the Go menu and select Connect to Server.
Step 3: Type smb:// followed by the name of your PC.
Note: If you don’t know the name of your PC, go to Start > Settings > System > About. You should then see it listed next to Device Name.
Step 4: Insert your Windows username and password to connect to your computer.
Note: If your Mac fails to detect your PC, make sure to connect both devices to the same network and are entering correct credentials of your Windows PC.
Step 5: Select your PC from the Finder sidebar to access your shared Windows folders.
Share Mac Folders on Windows
Your Mac allows you to set up folder sharing and configure the various files and folders that you can share (including the folder permissions) via the Sharing pane in System Preferences. You can then use File Explorer on your PC to access the shared items.
Set Up Local Folder Sharing on Mac
Just like Windows, the macOS allows you to set up local folder sharing with the connected computers on the same network.,
Step 1: Open the Apple menu and select System Preferences.
Step 2: Click the icon labeled Sharing.
Step 3: Check the box next to File Sharing and click the button labeled Options.
Step 4: Check the box next to ‘Share files and folders using SMB’ and select your account. Then, select Done.
Step 5: Select the + sign underneath the Shared Folders section to add a folder that you want to share. Don’t forget to tweak the folder permissions under the Users section. Repeat for any other folders that you want to share.
Step 6: Exit the Sharing pane.
How to Access Mac’s Shared Folders on Windows
Now let’s check how you can access those Shared folders that you just setup on the Mac from your Windows PC.
Step 1: Open File Explorer.
Step 2: Type \\ into the File Explorer address bar. Then, follow by typing the IP address of your Mac. If you don’t know the IP address, you find that on the Sharing pane on your Mac.
Note: If your Mac fails to detect your PC, make sure to connect them to the same local network.
Step 3: Enter your Mac’s user credentials to access your folders.
Step 4: View them subsequently by selecting your Mac from the File Explorer side-bar.
Start Sharing Seamlessly
Once you’ve set up local folder sharing on your Windows and Mac, it’s incredibly easy to access your files as long as both devices are connected on the same network. Of course, the quality of data transfer and the speeds will entirely depend on a couple of factors such as the size of the file, network speed, and so on. Your usual images and documents may not take too long, but if you are transferring large multimedia files, do expect some delay.
To prevent bad actors from accessing your data without your permission, you must only use this functionality on private networks that you absolutely trust. If you have any doubts, consider using alternative file sharing methods instead.
Next up: Want to transfer files from your iPhone to PC? Check these 5 best apps for transferring files from iOS to your Windows-based computer.
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