If multiple users have access to a specific computer, as can be the case in a normal work environment, you will most likely need to know how to share files between one user account and another. It may seem like a difficult, long and laborious operation, but in reality it is not at all the case. This is a quick and easy process that can be done on both Windows and Mac computers.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Using a Windows Computer
Step 1. Log into Windows using your user account
This way you will have access to all your files on your computer.
Step 2. Click on the "Start" menu icon
It is located in the lower left corner of the desktop.
Step 3. Click on the item "Computer" or "This PC" located in the "Start" menu
The Windows "File Explorer" window will appear showing the main resources of your computer.
Step 4. Find the files you want to share
Access the folder where the data to be transferred is stored.
Step 5. Select the files to share so that they are highlighted
Click the matching names to select them.
- If you need to make a multiple selection of items, hold down the "Ctrl" key while clicking the name of each file you want to include in the selection.
- If you need to select all the files in the chosen folder, simply press the key combination "Ctrl + A".
Step 6. Copy the files under consideration
After selecting them you can start the data transfer process. The procedure to follow varies depending on the version of Windows you are using:
- Windows 7 - Click on the "Edit" menu visible on the menu bar. A list of options will be displayed. Click on the "Move to folder" item to remove the files from the current directory and transfer them to the destination one or click on the "Copy to folder" item to create a copy of the selected files.
- Windows 8 - The "Move to" and "Copy to" buttons, displayed at the top of the "File Explorer" window, will be activated automatically as soon as you have selected the files to transfer. Choose the option you prefer according to your needs, then click on the "Select path" item at the end of the drop-down menu that appeared.
Step 7. Select the destination path for the files you have selected
After clicking on the "Move to …" or "Copy to …" option, you will need to select a public access folder (ie accessible by all accounts registered on the computer) and click on the "Move" or "Copy" button.
The files will be copied or moved to the chosen folder. In this way, all users who have access to the computer in question will also be able to consult your files
Method 2 of 2: Using a Mac
Step 1. Log into the Mac using your user account
This way you will have access to all your files stored inside your computer.
Step 2. Locate the files you want to share
Use the Mac file explorer (Finder) to access the directory where the files to be transferred are stored.
Step 3. Copy the files you want to share with other computer users
After selecting all the data press the key combination "Command + C".
Step 4. Go to the "Shared" folder
Open the "Shared" directory of the Mac hard drive; the latter is normally indicated by the wording "Macintosh HD". Click on the "Users" folder to access the "Shared" directory.
Step 5. Paste the copied files into the "Shared" folder
All other users who have access to the Mac will be able to view and use the data in the "Shared" folder including your files.
