How to Share Folders from macOS 13 to Windows

Sharing folders from macOS 13 Ventura to a Windows PC over a local network requires configuring macOS’s built-in SMB (Server Message Block) file-sharing protocol and connecting to the shared directory via Windows File Explorer. This guide provides step-by-step instructions for enabling SMB sharing, assigning permissions on your Mac, and accessing those shared folders directly from your Windows computer.

Step 1: Enable File Sharing on macOS 13

  1. Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings.
  2. In the sidebar, select General, then click Sharing on the right.
  3. Turn on the toggle switch next to File Sharing, then click the Info (i) button next to it.
  4. Under the Shared Folders list, click the Add (+) button, locate the folder you want to share, and click Add.
  5. Select the folder in the list and adjust user permissions in the Users column on the right (set access to Read & Write or Read Only).

Step 2: Configure Windows SMB Settings on macOS

  1. In the same File Sharing window, click the Options button at the bottom.
  2. Check the box next to Share files and folders using SMB.
  3. Under the Windows File Sharing section, check the box next to the user account that will access the files.
  4. Enter the password for that Mac user account when prompted, then click Done.
  5. Look at the text under "File Sharing: On" at the top of the window. Note your Mac's network address, which looks like an IP address (e.g., 192.168.1.50) or a network name (e.g., MacBook-Pro.local).
  6. Click Done to close the Sharing settings.

Step 3: Access the Shared Folder from Windows

  1. Ensure the Windows PC is connected to the same local Wi-Fi or Ethernet network as the Mac.
  2. Open File Explorer on your Windows PC (press Windows Key + E).
  3. Click the address bar at the top, type two backslashes followed by your Mac’s IP address or computer name, and press Enter.
    • Example: \\192.168.1.50 or \\MacBook-Pro.local
  4. When prompted by the Windows Security dialog, enter your Mac user account name and password. Check Remember my credentials if you want automatic access in the future.
  5. Click OK. The shared folders from your Mac will now appear in File Explorer.

Optional: Map the Network Folder on Windows

To access the Mac folder easily without typing the IP address each time:

  1. Right-click the shared folder inside Windows File Explorer.
  2. Select Map network drive....
  3. Choose an available drive letter.
  4. Check Reconnect at sign-in and click Finish. The folder will now appear under This PC alongside your local drives.