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To share files directly between a Mac and a Windows PC, use SMB file sharing over the same local network. Turn on sharing for a folder on one computer, then connect to it from the other with the right network address and account permissions. For access when the computers are on different networks—or for ongoing sync—use OneDrive instead.
Choose local sharing or cloud sync
| What you need | Best starting point | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Direct access to a folder while both computers are on the same home or office network | SMB | One computer hosts a shared folder; the other connects over the local network. Both Apple and Microsoft document this approach for Mac and Windows. Apple’s SMB guide; Microsoft’s Windows guidance. |
| Access from different locations or continuous access to synced files | OneDrive or another cross-platform cloud service | Sign in on both devices and let the service sync files. OneDrive’s desktop app integrates synced files with File Explorer on Windows and Finder on Mac; sharing can use links or specific-person permissions. OneDrive sync guidance; OneDrive sharing guidance. |
SMB is a local-network method, not a way to make a folder safely reachable from anywhere on the internet. For cloud sharing, choose the link’s audience and permissions deliberately rather than assuming every link is private.
Share a Mac folder with a Windows PC
- On the Mac, open System Settings > General > Sharing, then open the details for File Sharing. Labels can vary slightly by macOS release.
- Turn on File Sharing, open Options, and enable Share files and folders using SMB.
- Under Windows File Sharing, enable the Mac user account that should connect. Enter that account’s password when prompted.
- In File Sharing settings, note the Mac’s network address and the enabled account’s username. Apple says the address resembles an
smb://address. - On the PC, open File Explorer > Network, select the Mac if it appears, and sign in with the enabled Mac account. It can take a moment for the Mac to show up.
Share only the folders the PC user needs. In the Mac’s sharing settings, assign the least access necessary: read and write, read only, write-only drop box, or no access. Apple also provides an option to allow only SMB-encrypted connections. Apple’s file-sharing settings guide.
Apple warns that passwords for accounts enabled for Windows sharing may be stored less securely. Disable the Windows-sharing account when it is no longer needed; do this before turning off SMB or File Sharing. Apple’s SMB guide.
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#1 Best Overall
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UGREEN Cat 8 Ethernet Cable 6FT, High Speed Braided 40Gbps 2000Mhz Network Cord Cat8 RJ45 Shielded Indoor Heavy Duty LAN Cables Compatible with Gaming PC PS5 PS4 PS3 Xbox Modem Router 6FT
- 40 Gbps 2000 Mhz High Speed: The Cat 8 ethernet cable support max. 40 Gbps data transfer and 2000 MHz Brandwith, ideal for gaming and streaming, greatly improving upload and download speed, sound, image and resolution quality
- Excellent Anti-interference: The ethernet cable comes with 4 shielded foiled twisted pairs (F/FTP), pure copper core and gold-plated RJ45 connector, reducing interference, noise and crosstalk, making network speed faster and more stable
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Share a Windows folder with a Mac
Set up the folder in Windows
- On Windows 10 or 11, open File Explorer, right-click the folder to share, and choose Give access to > Specific people.
- Select the intended network user and grant the required access. Avoid choosing Everyone unless everyone on the network should have access.
Microsoft describes this as network sharing over a local area network (LAN), not internet-wide access. Microsoft’s Windows file-sharing guide.
Connect from macOS
- On the Mac, open Finder and choose Go > Connect to Server.
- Enter the Windows share’s SMB address, for example
smb://DNSname/sharenameorsmb://IPaddress/sharename. Use the actual computer name or IP address and shared-folder name. - Authenticate with an account permitted to access the share, then select the share or folder.
Depending on the network, you may need the Windows server address, workgroup, and account credentials. Apple’s Windows connection guide.
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UGREEN Cat 8 Ethernet Cable 3FT, High Speed Braided 40Gbps 2000Mhz Network Cord Cat8 RJ45 Shielded Indoor Heavy Duty LAN Cables Compatible with Gaming PC PS5 PS4 PS3 Xbox Modem Router 3FT
- 40 Gbps 2000 Mhz High Speed: The Cat 8 ethernet cable support max. 40 Gbps data transfer and 2000 MHz Brandwith, ideal for gaming and streaming, greatly improving upload and download speed, sound, image and resolution quality
- Excellent Anti-interference: The ethernet cable comes with 4 shielded foiled twisted pairs (F/FTP), pure copper core and gold-plated RJ45 connector, reducing interference, noise and crosstalk, making network speed faster and more stable
- Marvelous Durability: Internet cable wrapped with quality cotton braided cord, which makes the LAN cable stronger and more durable. The test proves that this internet cable can be bent at least 10000 times without broken, very suitable for long-term use
- PoE Supported: All lengths of ethernet cord can support the PoE power supply function except 65ft. You don't need additional power supply when installing a PoE camera, which is very convenient and safe
- Wide Compatibility: With the RJ45 Connector, network cable can be perfectly compatible with computers, laptops, modems, routers, PS5, X-Box and other networking devices. It can also be fully backward compatible with Cat7, Cat6e, Cat6, Cat5e, Cat5
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Cable Matters 10Gbps Snagless Cat 6 Ethernet Cable, 25ft, Black
- High-Performance Connectivity: This Cat 6 ethernet cable is designed for superior performance, with a 24 AWG copper wire core. It provides universal connectivity as an ethernet cord for LAN network components such as PCs, servers, printers, routers, and more, ensuring reliable and fast network connections
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DbillionDa Cat 8 Ethernet Cable, 6FT 40Gbps 2000MHz RJ45 LAN Cable
- Designed for Outdoor & Direct Burial Installations – Heavy-duty double-shielded Cat8 Ethernet cable minimizes EMI/RFI interference and delivers stable long-distance performance. Waterproof, anti-corrosion PVC jacket allows safe direct burial and reliable use in outdoor or indoor environments.
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Jadaol Cat6/Cat6A Ethernet Cable 50FT Flat with Clips 10Gbps Network, White
- Cat 6 performance at a Cat5e price but with higher bandwidth
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- Jadaol cat6 standard cable support Cat8 and Cat7 network and provides performance of up to 250 MHz 10Gbps and is suitable for 10BASE-T, 100BASE-TX (Fast Ethernet), 1000BASE-T/1000BASE-TX (Gigabit Ethernet) and 10GBASE-T (10-Gigabit Ethernet)
- UTP(Unshielded Twisted Pair) patch cable with RJ45 gold-plated Connectors and are made of 100% bare copper wire, ensure minimal noise and interference
- The unique flat cable shape allows for a cleaner and safer installation. You can easily and seamlessly make the cable run along walls, follow edges & corners or even make it completely invisible by sliding it under a carpet.
Fix discovery or access problems
- Check the network first. Both computers must be reachable on the same local network. Microsoft uses a shared router as an example of devices on the same network. Microsoft’s network-sharing guidance.
- Allow Windows discovery when appropriate. Set the Wi-Fi network profile to Private when it is a trusted network, then enable Network discovery and File and printer sharing in Windows sharing options. Discovery controls whether devices appear in File Explorer; it does not grant access to every folder.
- Check folder permissions separately. Seeing a computer in Network does not mean the account you used can open its shared folder. Confirm that the selected account has the needed permissions.
- Connect by address if browsing fails. Enter the SMB address directly in Finder’s Go > Connect to Server. In Windows, you can map a network drive to the share’s path for easier repeat access.
- Try advanced Windows discovery troubleshooting only if needed. Microsoft’s steps also cover the Function Discovery Provider Host, Function Discovery Resource Publication, SSDP Discovery, and UPnP Device Host services. These are troubleshooting checks, not prerequisites to start with.
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