Share Files Between Mac and PC.
If you follow my Instagram updates, you may have noticed the MacBook I bought a few weeks ago. And the first problem I faced with my new MacBook was how to transfer files to my new computer, i.e. from Windows to Mac.
Watch this video tutorial (recommended)
Related: How to share files between two computers using a network cable
Since you are reading this, I am sure you are facing the same communication problem between PC and Mac. So let’s take a look at our options:
- Pen drive: too slow and tedious to transfer large files.
- External hard drive: good, but not everyone has one.
- Dropbox / Bit torrent sync: not an option as it requires too much bandwidth.
So, the only thing we have left is a LAN / Wi-Fi cable that can transfer a huge amount of data at a good speed, and it is also possible. So let’s find out how to share files between Mac and PC using a Wi-Fi or LAN cable.
Requirement:
- Windows PC (xp / 7 / vista / 8 / 8.1)
- Mac
- LAN cable or Wi-Fi router
Follow the steps to share files between Mac and PC
Step 1. Connect MAC and PC in the same network
To connect them to the same network, you can use a physical LAN cable or WiFi router. If you have a LAN cable, connect both ends of the cable to the RJ45 jack of your PC and MAC. But since the new MacBook doesn’t have a LAN port, you can also connect your computer and MAC to the same Wi-Fi network.
If you have both options, I suggest using a LAN cable to connect your PC and MAC, because a wired connection is faster.
Step 2. Configure the settings on the Windows computer
Once both of these computers are on the same network, we will need to get the computers to communicate with each other by allowing sharing. Secure File Sharing is disabled by default. Therefore, we will have to make some changes to the settings of both computers. Let’s start first with a Windows PC.
2.1 Enable sharing and disable password protection on your Windows computer by going to Control Panel Network and Sharing Settings Advanced Sharing Options All Networks.
Note. For the sake of simplicity, we disable password protection, but discard the changes as soon as you’re done to prevent future misuse.
2.2 Make a note of the name of your Windows computer, we will need it later.
2.3 Create a shared folder that acts as a shared folder linking your computer and MAC. To do this, create a new folder (or select an existing folder that you want to share with your MAC) and right click Properties Sharing Share All Add Share.
Step 3. Configure MAC parameters
Now that your Windows computer is ready to share its data, you need to configure the MAC so that it can receive data from Windows.
To do this on your MAC, under the Finder window select Go from the top menu click Connect to Server from the drop-down menu. Alternatively, you can press the CMD + K keyboard shortcut.
In the new window, enter smb: // Computer name. Since my computer name (step 2.2) is Mrinal. I’ll type smb: // Mrinal.
Note. The computer name is case sensitive.
You will need to enter your Windows username and password for authentication, but since we removed password protection (step 2.1), you can easily log in as a guest and have the same access.
That’s it, both computers are connected to the same network and ready to send and receive files. To share / transfer files, drag and drop the files to the “shared folder” on your Windows computer and the content will sync to the Mac.
You might think
What baud rate will I get?
It depends on system to system, quality, file type, and even whether you are using a LAN cable or Wi-Fi. You get more speed if you use a Wi-Fi cable to transfer data. But to give you a general idea, the speed is around 30-40 MB / s.
How much data can I transfer between PC and Mac?
No limit; you can transfer as much data as the disk can hold, which is usually 100 GB.
Which LAN cable should I use crossover or straight-through?
In theory, a crossover is used to connect two network devices of the same type, such as a PC to a PC, whereas Straight is used for different types of network components, such as a PC with a router, etc.
Therefore, ideally, you should use a crossover LAN cable to connect your PC and MAC, but most modern network devices can work automatically by setting themselves up to a different cable. Therefore, you can use any network cable, for example straight or crossover, if you have a computer that you brought in within 4-5 years.
Is there any data communication software that can do all of this?
Yes, if you don’t want to go through all these connection settings, you can download a file transfer software known as Anysend to exchange data between your PC and MAC. Of course, you will need to connect both computers to the same Wi-Fi network for this to work.
Credits: Share Files Between Mac and PC