If you use both a Windows PC and a Mac, you can spend a lot of time searching for flash drives to transfer data between them. Those who prefer instant access and availability can use cloud storage services to transfer files and folders. But you will be surprised to know that Windows and macOS also integrate the ability to share folders seamlessly over the local network. Thankfully, it’s not 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 content on your Mac. So let’s see how you can set up your own local folder to share files between a Windows PC and a Mac.
Note: Before you continue with the instructions below, you should cross-check to confirm that your PC and Mac are connected to the same local network.
To set up folder sharing on Windows, you must enable Network Discovery on your PC and specify the folders you want to share. You can then connect to your PC using your Mac using Finder. You can find the entire process covered in the two sections below.
PC – Set up local folder sharing
Step 1: Open Notification Center and select All Settings.
Step 2: Click on the option labeled Network & Internet.
Step 3: Select the Wi-Fi or Ethernet side tab.
Step 4: Select Change advanced sharing options in the related Settings section.
Step 5: Expand Privacy. Then, select the radio button next to Enable Network Discovery. Follow it by checking the box next to ‘Enable automatic setup for networked devices’.
Also, turn on the radio button next to ‘Enable printer and file sharing.’
Note: If the above options are already selected, simply exit the Advanced Sharing Settings screen.
Step 6: Select Save Changes.
Step 7: Right click on the folder that you want to share and select Properties.
Step 8: Switch to the Share tab. Then, press the Share button and then select Share to share the folder right away.
Or, select the Advanced Sharing button to define the exact Sharing permission (Full Control, Change or Read) you want to give.
Step 9: Exit the Properties screen and repeat for any other folders you want to Share.
Assuming you’ve correctly set up your local folders on Windows and your Mac is on the same network, here’s how you can access shared folders.
Step 1: Open Finder.
Step 2: Open the Go menu and select Connect to Server.
Step 3: Enter smb:// followed by your PC’s name.
Note: If you don’t know your PC’s name, go to Start > Settings > System > About. You should then see it listed next to the Device Name.
Step 4: Insert your Windows username and password to connect to your computer.
Note: If your Mac isn’t detecting your PC, make sure both devices are connected to the same network and are entering the correct credentials for your Windows PC.
Step 5: Select your PC from the Finder sidebar to access your shared Windows folders.
Your Mac lets you set up folder sharing and configure the various files and folders you can share (including folder permissions) through 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, macOS allows you to set up local folder sharing with computers connected on the same network.,
Step 1: Open the Apple menu and select System Preferences.
Step 2: Click the icon labeled Share.
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 choose your account. Then select Done.
Step 5: Select the + sign below the Shared Folders section to add the folder you want to share. Don’t forget to adjust folder permissions in the Users section. Repeat for any other folders you want to share.
Step 6: Exit the Share pane.
Now, check out how you can access the Shared Folders you just set up on your Mac from your Windows PC.
Step 1: Open File Explorer.
Step 2: Type \\ in the File Explorer address bar. Then follow along by entering the IP address of your Mac. If you don’t know the IP address, you’ll find it on the Sharing pane on your Mac.
Note: If your Mac can’t 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 afterwards by selecting your Mac from the File Explorer sidebar.
Start sharing seamlessly
Once you’ve set up local folder sharing on Windows and Mac, accessing your files should be super easy as long as both devices are connected on the same network. Of course, data transfer quality and speed will completely depend on a number of factors such as file size, network speed, etc. Your usual pictures and documents may not take too long. , but if you are transferring large multimedia files, there will be a slight delay.
To prevent bad guys from accessing your data without permission, you should only use this function on private networks that you completely trust. If you have any doubts, consider using alternative file sharing methods.
Next: Want to transfer files from iPhone to PC? Check out these 5 best apps to transfer files from iOS to your Windows computer.
Categories: How to
Source: thpttranhungdao.edu.vn/en/
