Despite having different operating systems, a Windows computer and a Mac can still connect to each other and share files. You won't need any expensive accessories, all you need is an ethernet cable.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Physically Creating the Connection
Step 1. Get an ethernet cable
Step 2. Connect the ends of the ethernet cable to the corresponding ports on both computers
Part 2 of 3: Set up your Windows PC
Step 1. Open a window on your PC
Step 2. Go to Homegroup
On the folder panel, on the left side of the window, click on “Homegroup”.
Step 3. Click on the “Create a Homegroup” button
Step 4. Select all types of files you want to share (documents, images, etc.)
) and then click on "Next".
Step 5. Remember your password
On the next page, you will be provided with a password - make a note of it. You will use it later to connect the Mac to your PC.
Step 6. Click on “Finish”
Part 3 of 3: Setting up the Mac
Step 1. Click on “Go” on the left side of the desktop top menu bar
Step 2. Select “Connect to Server”
Step 3. Enter the network address of your PC in the "Server address" field
Use the following format:
- smb: // username @ computername / sharename - example: smb: // johnny @ mypc / users.
- If the above format does not work, you can use the IP address of the PC: smb: // IP address / sharename.
Step 4. Click the Plus (+) button to add it to the server list
Step 5. Click on the newly added Server address and click "Connect"
Step 6. Enter the password obtained from the Windows PC
Click on "Connect".
Step 7. Open your Mac Finder
Your Windows PC name should appear on the left panel in the "Sharing" section.
Advice
- To get the name of your PC, right-click the "Computer" icon on your desktop and select "Properties".
- You cannot create a Homegroup if you are connected to the internet.
- If your Mac doesn't have an ethernet port, you can use a Usb-Ethernet cable and connect it to a Windows PC following the same method.
- The Windows operating system used for this article is Windows 7. The procedure for creating a Homegroup on previous versions of Windows may be different.
