How to share files between Mac and Windows easily

Are you in need of transferring files from Mac to Windows or vice versa. Do not worry because the process is very simple.

Transfer files from Mac to Windows

The easiest way to transfer files from Mac to Windows is to use the built-in functions that both operating systems provide. However, this method has drawbacks. The process will only work if both Mac and Windows are connected to the same network. Otherwise you need to use third party software.

Set up file sharing on Mac

To share files from Mac to PC, you need to adjust some settings. First, allow your Mac to share files, by:

1. Touch the Apple icon in the upper left corner of the screen.
2. Go to System Preferences> Sharing .
3. Check the box next to File Sharing in the left panel.
4. Touch the Options button and a new window opens.
5. Check the box next to Share files and folders using SMB .
6. Alternatively, check the box next to Share files and folders using AFP .
7. In the Windows File Sharing section below, check the box next to the type of object you want to share.
8. Enter the user password.
9. Click Done .

You will return to the Sharing window. Next select the folder and users that you will share with the Windows computer. Click the Plus (+) and Minus (-) buttons under Shared Folders and Shared Users to adjust your preferences.

Finally, you need to write down the Mac's IP address (shown below the File Sharing: On message ).

Access Mac files on Windows

Now is the time to transfer bad news from Mac to Windows:

• Open File Explorer .
• In the address bar at the top of the window, type \\ (your Mac's IP address) . Such as \\ 192.168.1.68 .
• A new window pops up asking for your username and password.
• Enter your login credentials exactly as they appear on your Mac.

File Explorer will display any folders and users that you've added to the Shared Folders and Shared Users lists on the Mac before. You can move, edit and copy folders like any other Windows folder. Therefore, to transfer a file from Mac to Windows, simply drag and drop it where you want.

How to transfer files from Windows to Mac

First, make sure Network Discovery is turned on in Windows. Open a Windows PC and follow these steps:

• Open Settings and go to Network & internet.
• On the left panel, select Status .
• Under Change your network settings , select Sharing options .
• Expand the Private Network or Public Network menu , depending on your current connection.
• Check the box next to Turn on network discovery .
• Check the box next to File and printer sharing .
• Click on Save changes .

( Note : You should not share files on public networks because there are often security risks. Instead, use some of the other options that we will suggest later.)

To share the folders according to each specific case, you can click on the folder name and select Properties> Sharing> Network File and Folder Sharing> Share .

You also need to record the Windows machine IP address ( Settings> Network & internet> Wi-Fi> Hardware Properties ) or the computer name ( Settings> System> About ).

Access Window files on Mac

• Open the Finder application .
• In the menu bar at the top of the screen, select Go> Connect to Server .
• Type smb: // [IP address] or smb: // [computer name] and press Enter .
• You will be prompted to enter your Windows username and password. After finishing. Select Connect .

Content to share on your Windows will be available in the Shared section of the Finder. To transfer files from a Windows PC to a Mac, simply drag and drop.

Other ways to share files between Mac and PC

Not only the above way, you can choose many other ways that download.vn suggested the following, even if the two computers are not connected to the same network.

Use cloud storage service

Services like Dropbox , Google Drive , and OneDrive ... are available for both Windows and macOS. Just install them on two systems and upload / download files as needed. If you have backup iCloud storage, you can also consider using that for file sharing.

Use a USB memory stick

Using a USB flash drive is a simple solution to transfer any file from Mac to Windows and vice versa.

Use your own server.

If you pay for file storage on the web, you can upload a file using FTP and download it to another device.

Hopefully the above methods will help you to share files from Mac to PC and vice versa easily.