Connect to a Windows computer from a Mac (2024)

1. In the Finder on your Mac, choose Go>Connect to Server, then click Browse.

2. When you locate the shared computer or server, double-click it, then click Connect As.

   In some cases you need the network area or workgroup for the shared computer. If you don’t have this information, contact the computer’s owner or your network administrator.

   See Also

   File Share (SMB) Debugger Symbol Server - Windows driversMap a network drive in WindowsConnect your Mac to shared computers and serversConnect to servers in Terminal on Mac

3. If necessary, enter your user name and password, then select volumes or shared folders on the server.

   Passwords for Windows computers and servers are often 14 characters or fewer. Check with the owner or administrator to be sure.

   To make it easier to connect to the computer in the future, select “Remember this password in my keychain” to add your user name and password for the computer to your keychain.

1. In the Finder on your Mac, choose Go> Connect to Server.

2. Type the network address for the computer in the Server Address field using one of these formats:

   smb://DNSname/sharename

   smb://IPaddress/sharename

   For information about the correct format for network addresses, see Servers and shared computers you can connect to.

   See Also

   What is Mac file sharing and how to use it?

3. Follow the onscreen instructions to type the workgroup name and a user name and password, then choose the shared folder you want to access.

   If you don’t know the workgroup name and the network name (called the computer name) for the Windows computer, contact the person who owns the computer or your network administrator.

4. If necessary, enter your user name and password, and select volumes or shared folders on the server.

   Passwords for Windows computers and servers are often 14 characters or fewer. Check with the owner or administrator to be sure you have the correct password.

   To make it easier to connect to the computer in the future, select “Remember this password in my keychain” to add your user name and password for the computer to your keychain.

1. Connect your Mac to the Windows computer using a standard Ethernet cable. If your Mac doesn’t have an Ethernet port, try using a USB-to-Ethernet adapter.

   Connecting the two computers creates a small local network that consists of just the two computers.

2. On the Windows computer, turn on file sharing. Refer to the instructions that came with the Windows computer if you’re not sure how to do this.

3. Make sure the Internet Connection Firewall is turned off on the Windows computer, or if it’s on, make sure TCP port 445 is open to allow sharing connections.

   For more information, refer to the user manual and onscreen help for the Windows computer.

4. On the Mac, choose Go> Connect to Server, then click Browse, or type the network address for the computer in the Server Address field.

Here are some ways to reconnect to shared computers and servers you frequently use:

• On your Mac, choose Apple menu >Recent Items, then choose from the list of recent servers.

• In the Finder on your Mac, choose Go>Connect to Server, click the pop-up menu to the far right of the Server Address field, then choose a recent server.

• Add a shared computer or server to your list of favorites. In the Finder on your Mac, choose Go>Connect to Server, enter the network address, then click the Add button .