Apple was the first reckoner troupe to make networked file portion out easy . Decades after insert that feature on the Mac , it ’s less important in an era of cloud warehousing . Unless you ’re on a collective mesh – and often even so – it ’s easier to push files to a cardinal depository by copying them to a pamphlet or intensity on your desktop that syncs . Cloud memory also bypasses web conformation issues , like the dread “ two-fold NAT , ” which can prevent making Indian file - interchange connections over the internet .
Still , it ’s frequently helpful to allow access to files hive away on your Mac by other computer on a local mesh . Let ’s front at what ’s required to set it up .
Enable file sharing
Start withSystem Preferences > communion . This one - plosive shop class for all networked serving that macOS includes a checkbox for File Sharing . enable single file sharing lets you or anyone with an accounting on that Mac enter the reckoner ’s file server using chronicle credentials and requiring no additional configuration . Anyone with an account with Admin below their story name in Users & Groups can access files across the inauguration and all mounted volume . People with regular user account can access their home directory and the Home leaflet ’s Shared folder by default .
Apple discontinued its original file - sharing software , AFP ( Apple Filing Protocol ) , in favor of the Microsoft - initiate SMB ( Server Message Block ) . This take into account a immense mountain range of devices to connect to a Mac that has Indian file sharing turned on . you may see the chronicle of Apple ’s support by selecting File Sharing in the Sharing preference paneling and clicking Options . For the last few spillage of macOS , only the “ Share file and folder using SMB ” checkbox appear , an odd choice . But for several years , AFP and SMB were separately selectable before AFP disappeared .
However , this is also where you’re able to enable backward compatibility for Windows systems that use an Old version of SMB .
Configure file sharing
You have several options for what you might share and with whom :
Add share leaflet by cluck the + ( plus ) at the bottom of the Shared Folders list . you could select any intensity or folder . Remove a brochure or volume by selecting it and clicking – ( minus ) .
specify users and permissions to shared folders by selecting the leaflet in the Shared Folders list and then modify existing permit in the Users list . you’re able to add users groups by clicking + . ( you’re able to also remove sure users and groups by selecting one and click “ - “ . )
The permission next to each substance abuser or radical submission are the same as establish in the Finder :
If the Guest User in System Preferences > Users & Groups has “ Allow guest users to connect to partake folders ” condition , guest users can get at any shared folder that has Everyone set to a value other than No Access . However , you could also explicitly disable guest admission by ascendancy - clicking a shared brochure , choosing Advanced Options , and unchecking “ earmark guest user . ”
you’re able to also apply Advanced Options to enable networked Time Machine backups to a finicky folder on a volume . I excuse that process in “ How to determine your Mac as a share fill-in terminus for Time Machine . ”
A immediate monition ! With file sharing fighting , conceivably anyone anywhere in the world could reach out your Mac and roleplay as a node user or endeavor to access . On most home networks , ISP and router configuration make it nearly or entirely impossible . Still , I suggest incapacitate or restricting guest access code to forfend partake anything you did n’t intend to with the domain .
Connect to a Mac’s file server
From macOS , you may relate to a filing cabinet waiter in the Finder . Open any Finder and look under the Locations listing . mac with file sharing or screen sharing enable appear there . ( If you do n’t see them , go toFinder > predilection > Sidebarand hold Bonjour computers . ) Click any host and then click Connect As , participate credentials , and choose an uncommitted volume .
Some servers wo n’t show up in the Finder , calculate on your local web . Click theNetworklink in the Finder sidebar under location or chooseGo > internet(Command - duty period - K ) .
If you need to enter a Mac ’s destination , chooseGo > Connect to Server(Command - K ) . You enter the address in the formatsmb://address , such assmb://10.0.1.120 , and cluck Connect or press Return . A Finder window appears , just as if you clicked a server in the Finder sidebar .
For Macs that you ca n’t see via Bonjour or to connect to a Mac from a Windows estimator or other system , you’re able to find the Mac ’s address inSystem Preferences > connection . Select any active user interface in the left-hand - hand list , and in the chief section of the pane under Connected the IP name and address will come along .
Ask Mac 911
We ’ve roll up a tilt of the query we get asked most oft , along with answers and links to columns : read our super FAQ to see if your question is cover . If not , we ’re always looking for new problems to solve ! e-mail yours tomac911@macworld.com , including CRT screen capture as appropriate and whether you want your full name used . Not every query will be reply , we do n’t answer to electronic mail , and we can not allow for lineal troubleshooting advice .
