Step-by-Step Guide: Access Windows Share from Mac

 

🖥️ 1. Ensure Windows is Ready for Sharing

🔧 On the Windows PC:

1. Enable File Sharing:

   • Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Advanced sharing settings

   • Enable:

     • ✔️ Turn on network discovery

     • ✔️ Turn on file and printer sharing

     • ✔️ Turn on password protected sharing

2. Share a Folder:

   • Right-click on a folder → Properties

   • Go to Sharing tab > Advanced Sharing

   • Check ✔️ Share this folder

   • Click Permissions → Add "Everyone" or a specific user and set Read/Write access

3. Create a User :

• Create a local user with a password (e.g., macuser)

• Grant this user permission to the shared folder

    4. Ensure Your Account Has Access:

• Make sure the user account you're logging in with is allowed on the folder:

  • Right-click → Properties > Security tab

  • Add your user → Grant Read or Full Control

5.   Confirm the User Has a Password

• macOS cannot authenticate to a Windows account with a blank password

• Set a password for the user

🍎 On Mac (Client):

1. Press ⌘ + K in Finder (Go > Connect to Server)

2. Enter SMB path like:

   
   smb://192.168.1.100/SharedFolder
   

3. When prompted for credentials:

   • Username: WINDOWS_PC_NAME\username

   • Password: Your Windows user password

   ✅ Use the actual computer name or IP address. Do not enter just the username or your Mac credentials.

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💡 Optional: Automate or Save Connection

• After successful login, you can:

  • Drag the shared folder into Finder sidebar

  • Go to System Preferences > Users & Groups > Login Items and add the mount to auto-connect at login