How to Set Up a Network Share on a Mac to a PC

Mac computers come standard with tools that allow you to create a network share. Using these tools to allow access to files on your Mac from a PC is a matter of clicking a few buttons and not dealing with complicated directory settings. Once you create a network from your Mac, you can then also share files on your PC.

Instructions

1. Click the small apple icon in the top, left corner of your desktop on your Mac. Click "Preferences" and then click the "Sharing" folder in the "Internet & Network" section.

2. Click the "Windows Sharing" option so a check-mark appears. Note the message that appears below the box that says "Windows users can access your computer at (file string)."

3. Click the "My Computer" icon on your desktop on a Windows machine. Type the file string that you noted in Step 2 and click the "Enter" button on your keyboard.

4. Type the user name and password for entry on to the network. An icon that goes to the network will appear. Click on it to get to files and folders on the Mac.

5. Right-click on a folder that you want to share on your personal computer. Click the "Sharing" tab and then click the radio button next to "Share this folder." Click the "Apply" button and then the "OK" button.

6. Click "Finder" on your Mac and then click the "Network" icon in the window that appears. Click the "Mshome" folder and then click the "Connect" button. Click the drop-down menu to choose the folder you want to view and click the "OK" button. The contents will appear in the window.

References

• New York University: How to Connect to Other Computers From Windows - A Guide For Mac Users
• Ofzen and Computing: How to Share a Mac's Files With a PC
• New York Times: Mac Meets PC and Both Learn to Share