How to Use SMB on Windows

The Server Message Block protocol is integral with file and printer sharing on Microsoft Windows networks. SMB is the native protocol with which Windows computers communicate with other systems. Computers running alternative operating systems, such as GNU/Linux, use the SMB protocol to communicate with other computers on the Windows network. SMB is enabled by default on all network adapters on a computer running Windows. You can use SMB on Windows by connecting to a file share on a remote computer.

Instructions

Indirect Method

1. Click the "Start" button in the lower-left corner of the screen.

2. Click "Computer."

3. Click "Network" in the left column of the window.

4. Double-click the desired remote computer.

5. Enter the username and password, if prompted.

6. Double-click the desired share resource, such as a shared folder or printer.

Direct Method

1. Click the "Start" button in the lower-left corner of the screen. Alternatively, press the Windows logo key and "R" simultaneously on the keyboard.

2. Type two backslashes, then type the SMB name of the remote computer. For example, type "\\Owner-PC" and press "Enter."

3. Enter the username and password, if prompted.

4. Double-click the desired share resource, such as a shared folder or printer.

Tips & Warnings

• The direct method is faster if you know the SMB name of the computer to which you wish to connect. The indirect method displays all browsable computers on the network.