Set up Windows to share files with Mac users
To let users connect to a Windows computer from a Mac, you need to share a folder on the Windows computer.
Set up sharing on a Windows XP or Windows Vista computer
To share a folder, right-click the folder’s icon, then choose Properties. Click the Share tab and follow the onscreen instructions.
You may need to disable the Internet Connection Firewall in the Advanced pane of the device’s properties. If you can’t disable the Internet Connection Firewall, make sure TCP port 445 is open. For more information, refer to the manual and onscreen help that came with the Windows computer.
You may need to restart the Windows computer after setting it up.
If you have never set up the Windows computer for sharing, open My Network Places, then follow the onscreen instructions to set up a home or small office network.
Set up sharing on a Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows 10 computer
To share a folder, right-click the folder’s icon, then choose “Share with.” Choose “Specific people,” then follow the onscreen instructions.
You may need to disable the Internet Connection Firewall in the Advanced pane of the device’s properties. If you can’t disable the Internet Connection Firewall, make sure TCP port 445 is open. For more information, refer to the manual and onscreen help that came with the Windows computer.
You may need to restart the Windows computer after setting it up.
If you have never set up the Windows computer for sharing, open Network and Sharing Center, then follow the onscreen instructions to set up a new network.
Find the information Mac users need to connect to the Windows computer
Mac users need the network address for the Windows computer, the workgroup name, and the user name and password for the shared folder.
To find this information on a Windows 10 computer:
For the computer’s workgroup name and computer name, enter “view basic information” in the search field next to the Start button, then choose the Control panel result.
For the names of user accounts available on the computer, enter “view basic information” in the search field next to the Start button, choose the Control panel result, then click “Manage another account.”
For the Internet Protocol (IP) address, click the Wi-Fi icon in the system tray, click Network settings, then click Advanced options; the IP address is listed as the IPv4 address.
To find this information on a Windows 7 or Windows 8 computer:
For the computer’s workgroup name and computer name, open Control Panel > System and Security > System.
For the names of user accounts available on the computer, open Control Panel > User Accounts and Family Safety > User Accounts.
For the Internet Protocol (IP) address, open the Network and Sharing Center, click View Network Connection, then select an active network connection. In the toolbar, click “View status of this connection” (you may need to click >> to see all the toolbar options). Click Details; the IP address is in the Value column next to “IPv4 Address.”
To find this information on a Windows XP or Windows Vista computer:
For the computer’s workgroup name and computer name, open the System control panel, then click the Computer Name tab.
For the names of user accounts available on the computer, open the User Accounts control panel.
For the Internet Protocol (IP) address, look in the Details pane of the Explorer. You may need to open the Network Connection control panel and select the connection you’re using. The information appears in the Explorer bar.
For detailed instructions on connecting to a Windows computer from a Mac, see Connect to a Windows computer from a Mac.