Jun 24, 2020  Using the built-in File Sharing feature on Windows 10 is the best method you can use to share files in a local network, as it’s more flexible. You can use more restrictive permissions, and you can share files with virtually any device, including Mac, Android, and Linux devices. Open Sharing preferences for me. Select the File Sharing checkbox, then click Options. Select “Share files and folders using SMB.” In the Windows File Sharing list, select the checkbox next to the user account that will be used to share files with Windows users, enter the password for that user, then click OK.

If you use both a Mac and a Windows PC in your home, you might sometimes want to share files between them. Whether its photos, music, or documents, it's actually fairly easy to set up file sharing between macOS and Windows so long as the two machines are on the same network. With just a few clicks, your Mac and PC can be talking to one another and swapping files. You don't need any additional software, because everything is built into your Mac.

Here's how to switch on file sharing between your Mac and PC.

How to share files between a Mac and a PC

  1. Open System Preferences on your Mac.

  2. Click Sharing.

  3. Click the checkbox next to File Sharing.

  4. Click Options…

  5. Click on the checkbox for the user account you'd like to share with a Windows machine under Windows Files Sharing. You might be asked to enter a password.

  6. Click Done.

Once you've done all this, you'll be able to share files with your Windows PC while you're on your shared local network. You'll find any PCs on your network in the sidebar of any Finder window.

Questions?

If you have any questions about sharing files between Macs and PCs, lets us know in the comments.

macOS Catalina

Main

We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.

power balance

New EU regulations target App Store, empowering developers

The EU has introduced new regulations and measures to help protect developers and publishers who deal with storefronts like the App Store.

If you're using macOS Mojave or earlier or a Windows PC, use iTunes to share files between your computer and your iOS or iPadOS device.

Other ways to share

Windows

Learn about other ways you can share files between your Mac and your devices. These features work wirelessly.

iCloud Drive lets you securely access all of your documents from your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, or PC. No matter which device you're using, you'll always have the most up-to-date documents when and where you need them.

With Handoff, you can start a document, email, or message on one device and pick up where you left off on another device. Handoff works with Apple apps such as Mail, Safari, Maps, Messages, Reminders, Calendar, Contacts, Pages, Numbers, and Keynote. It also works with some third-party apps.

AirDrop lets you instantly share your photos, videos, documents, and more with other Apple devices that are nearby.

What you need to use the Finder to share files

  • An iPhone, iPad, iPod touch with the latest version of iOS or iPadOS
  • An iOS or iPadOS app that works with File Sharing

See the iOS and iPadOS apps that can share files with your Mac

  1. Open a Finder window.
  2. Connect your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to your computer with a USB cable.
  3. Select your device in the Finder. Learn what to do if your computer doesn't recognize your device.
  4. Click the Files tab to see a list of apps that can share files. If you don't see a Files section, your device doesn't have any apps that can share files.
  5. Click the triangle next to an app to see the files that you can share.

Copy from your Mac to your device

  1. Select the files that you want to copy. Select only files that work with the app. Check the app’s user guide to see which ones work.
  2. Drag the files to the app on your device. The Finder copies the files to your device.

Copy from your device to your Mac

  1. Select the files that you want to copy.
  2. Drag the files to a folder on your computer. The Finder copies the files to your computer.

File Sharing Software Between Mac And Pc 2017

Open shared files

On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, use the app that you chose in the Files tab to open files that you shared from your computer.

Share Files With Mac

Depending on the file type, some apps can't open files in other apps or locations. You can see the list of files in the Files tab of the Finder when your device is connected to your computer.

Back up shared files

When iCloud or your computer backs up your device, it backs up your shared files as well.

If you delete an app with shared files from your iOS or iPadOS device, you also delete those shared files from your device and your iCloud or computer backup. To avoid losing shared files, copy the files to your computer before deleting the app from your device.

Delete shared files from your device

  1. Open a Finder window on your Mac.
  2. Connect your device to your computer using a USB cable.
  3. Select your device in the Finder. Learn what to do if your computer doesn't recognize your device.
  4. Select the app from the list in the Files section.
  5. In the Documents list, select the file that you want to delete, then press the Delete key on your keyboard.
  6. When the Finder asks you to confirm, click Delete.

File Sharing Software Between Mac And Pc Download

There might be other ways to delete files from an app. See the app's user guide to find out more.

⇐ ⇐ Home Blueprint Software For Mac
⇒ ⇒ Mac Apps For Money Management