File transfer to mac from windows

Once you switch from a PC to a MAC, you will likely want to transfer the files from one to the other. The easiest method to transfer these files is over WiFi. There is no need for additional cables or hardware required to transfer larger files between Mac and Windows as long as both computers are on the same network or have access to the internet.

This article describes the methods for transfer large files between Mac and Windows over WiFi using free Cloud Services, a WiFi network, and a Flash drive or Hard Disk.

Transfer Files between Windows and Mac with Cloud Drives

The best and free solution to transfer files as is to use a Cloud service. If you are not tech-savvy, rather than going through the network setup, these cloud apps are easy to use. Most of the cloud services like Dropbox, Google Drive, SkyDrive, etc., are available for both the MAC and PC. These Cloud Drive transfer is the most reliable method and does not require additional hardware.

When using the cloud services to transfer files, you can install the Windows and MAC applications in your system and copy files from your hard disk (Windows System hard disk) to the cloud drive. Once you drag or copy and paste the files onto the cloud drive, these files will then sync with your second system. In the second system (MAC), you can copy synced files from cloud drive to your system hard disk to make sure a local copy on your system hard disk.

Related: 6 Easy Methods to transfer files between Android and Windows

Dropbox is one of the best drive solutions available with multip platform support both for PCs and Smartphones. Dropbox is offering 2GB free space and most of the time you can delete the files after transferring to free up space on the cloud drive. You can earn up to 18GB by referral and available on almost all platforms, that can download from DropBox website.

Google Drive, direct from Google also supports and sync files between Windows PC and Mac. Google Drive store files up to 10GB size and offers 15GB free space. You need only a valid Gmail account, and you can install the applications on your PC and MAC system to share files. You can download the Google Drive Application from Google Drive website.

SkyDrive is a cloud service from Microsoft that offers the software for MAC and Windows to install and share files. You can share photos, documents, and other important files between MAC and PC using SkyDrive. This drive offers a 7GB free space and downloads from SkyDrive website.

Transfer Files between Windows and Mac through Network

The next solution as long as you have a home network is to transfer files between Windows and Mac through the network. Before you start, make sure both systems are on the same network. You can’t transfer files remotely from one machine to another one. Both machines should be on the same network to transfer files with each other.

The example below demonstrates Windows PC as the host and the first step is to Enable File Sharing on Windows. This process may be slightly different based on the Windows operating system you are using.

1. Windows 10: Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Advanced Sharing Settings > File and Printer Sharing > Turn on File and Printer Sharing.
2. Windows 7: Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Choose Homegroup and Sharing options > Change Advanced Sharing Settings > click “Turn on File and Printer Sharing.”
3. Windows Vista: Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Expand the File Sharing drop-down > click on “Turn on File and Printer Sharing.”
4. Windows XP: Control Panel > double-click Network Setup Wizard and run it.

Once your Windows PC is ready for file sharing, then the next step is to connect Mac to Windows. Before you start, make sure that followed all the setting on Windows PC as we specified above. Also, please make sure both machines are connected to the same network.

Now open the Finder window on MAC, on the left pane under the “Shared” you can see shared machines. Select the name of the windows machine and click to open up the folder. You can drag and drop files into this folder to share between MAC and Windows.

If you are unable to see the Windows machine on MAC finder, then Click on Finder > Go > Connect to Server (Command+K). Type in the prefix smb:// followed by the IP address or hostname of the windows machine. (like smb://192.168.1.101 or smb://windowspc ).

Related: How to Transfer Photos Without Losing Quality-A Complete Guide

USB Flash Drives to Transfer Files between Mac and Windows

Since USB drives are an easy and portable solution, we can start with the USB drives to transfer files. Flash drives are available in the range of 16GB to 256GB for a very low price. Please see the fast transfer USB 3 USB SanDisk flash drive from Amazon that supports to transfer up to 5 times faster (90MB/s) than standard USB 2.0 drives.

USB drives, by default formatted into FAT32, which is compatible with both Mac and Windows. Two drawbacks on this format are that FAT32 supports maximum file size into 4GB and FAT 32 format is more susceptible to disk errors and offers no security. We strongly recommend this method for a temporary purpose file transfer.

Use Portable Hard Disks to Transfer Files

Even though the hard drives are a one-time investment, you can rely upon these drives to transfer large files between PC and Mac. You can have portable Hard disks with a USB port to transfer files between Mac and Windows.

The portable drives are coming in different storage capacity in Terabytes as regular hard disk and also Solid State Drives. SSDs are fast compared to regular hard drives and we already listed a couple of best external SSDs. When you use a portable Hard Drive, please make sure to format hard disk FAT32 to get access for both Mac and Windows OS system.

The hard drives are readily available in the market that offers compatibility with both OS with some additional software. You can get a Seagate Slim USB 3 2TB hard drive from Amazon for $69.99.

NAS Enabled Hard Drives to Transfer Files

Now you can connect your external Hard Disk as a part of your Home Network. The Hard Disk price is coming down, and the storage capacity is growing in terabytes in the market. There are two smart solutions to use the hard disk to transfer filer. The first one is to depend on NAS (Network Attached Storage) devices that are a little bit expensive, but very reliable solution.

There is one WD 4TB My Cloud Personal Network Attached Storage from Amazon with 4TB size and can buy from Amazon for $167.00. Hard drives are coming with a built-in network card and directly connect to a home network and transfer files between all devices on the same network.

The second low-cost solution is to buy a WiFi router with USB Port (Asus Dual-Band Router with USB from Amazon for $69.00). This router USB port can be used to connect the external hard disk to the home network. You can use this guide to Connect External Hard Disk to Home Network over WiFi.

Transfer Files between Mac and Windows by Email

Email file transfer doesn’t need any additional setup or knowledge. However, we recommend this as the least solution to transfer files. You can send the email attachment from one machine and open the email in the second machine and download the attached file.

Emails are capable of attaching large files size in GBs. However, emails are still not offering large file transferring like cloud dives or SMTP transfer. Please refer to our solution to email LARGE file attachment for those who want to transfer large file attachments.

Smartphones as Flash Drives to Transfer Files

Even you can use your iPhone as a portable drive to transfer the files in between MAC and PC. Please see the post here iPhone as a portable hard disk for your Mac and for the PC please see iPhone as a portable hard disk for your Windows.

Transfer Files between Windows and MAC over WiFi

There are plenty of methods to transfer files between Mac and Windows. If you are not tech-savvy and don’t have large files, then the best choice is Cloud Drives or USB Flash Drives.

Use a Portable Hard Drive or USB drive to transfer your files, if you are ready to spend money on external discs. Transfer files via your network, if you have large size files to transfer. The alternative choice is to use NAS based drives and use as local cloud storage for the entire home network.

Do you need to transfer files from Mac to Windows and vice-versa? You can take a few different approaches, but you can easily do a Mac to Windows or PC to Mac file transfer using both operating systems’ native tools.

Alternatively, there are a few third-party solutions worth checking out. Below, we’ll explain how to transfer files from Mac to Windows and vice-versa.

How to Transfer Files From Mac to Windows PC

The most obvious way to transfer files from Mac to Windows is to use the built-in functions that both operating systems offer.

However, this has one significant drawback. The process will only work if both the Mac and Windows computers are on the same local network. If they aren’t, you can skip ahead to the section on third-party solutions below.

Set Up File Sharing on a Mac

You’ll need to tweak some settings to share files between a Mac and PC. First, you need to allow your Mac to share its files. Follow these steps to do this:

Click on the Apple icon in the upper-left corner of the screen. Choose System Preferences > Sharing. Then, enable the checkbox next to File Sharing in the left panel.

Click on the Options button and, from the window that appears, enable the checkbox next to Share files and folders using SMB. In macOS Big Sur, Apple dropped the ability to share volumes via AFP. Although Catalina retained this ability, you could not share APFS-formatted volumes over AFP.

In the Windows File Sharing section below, enable the checkbox alongside each user whose files you want to share. Enter the users’ passwords and click Done.

You’ll now be back on the Sharing window. Next, you need to choose which folders and users you’re going to share with your Windows computer. Click the Plus (+) and Minus (–) buttons below Shared Folders to adjust your preferences.

Once you have shared a folder, review the users’ permissions and groups that should have access to the data in the Shared Folders list.

Remember that all network access is controlled by the computer with the shared resources (in this case, it’s your Mac); therefore, you must understand what Mac permissions have been applied to a folder. Finally, you need to note your Mac’s IP address. You will see this below the File Sharing: On message.

Access Mac Files on Windows

Now it’s time to head to your Windows computer. Follow the instructions below to transfer files from Mac to Windows:

Open File Explorer. In the address bar at the top of the window, type \\ followed by your Mac’s IP address. When you’re done, it should look something like this: \\192.168.1.68. A new window will pop up asking for a username and password. Enter the user credentials exactly as they appear on your Mac.

File Explorer will display any folders and users you’ve added to your Mac’s Shared Folders and Shared Users lists. You can map that folder as a network drive to move, edit, and copy folders like any other Windows folder.

Map Network Drive

Mapping a network folder makes it appear to other apps that the folder is part of your computer. Windows assigns a drive to the mapped folder, and you’ll see it as a drive in the File Explorer.

Right-click the shared folder and click Map network drive. Select a drive from the Drive list. You can choose any letter that’s not already in use.

The Folder box contains all the pre-filled information. Don’t forget to check Reconnect at sign-in if you want Windows to connect to this shared folder at the start of each login session automatically.

Once you’re done, drag-and-drop files into one of your local folders to transfer files from your Mac to your Windows PC.

How to Transfer Files From PC to Mac

That wasn’t too tough, right? Now let’s look at the reverse process: how to transfer files from Windows to Mac.

Set Up File Sharing on Windows

To begin, you need to make sure that Network Discovery is turned on in Windows. Fire up your Windows PC and work through the following steps:

Open the Settings app and go to Network & Internet. On the left panel, click on Ethernet or Wi-Fi and then Change advanced sharing options located under Related settings.

Expand the Private Network menu and enable the checkboxes next to Turn on network discovery and Turn on file and printer sharing. Then, click on Save changes. Follow these steps to fix network discovery-related issues in Windows 10.

To share folders on a case-by-case basis, right-click on the folder’s name and go to Properties > Sharing > Network File and Folder Sharing > Share. Alternatively, you can use advanced sharing settings if you need to or if you prefer to have full control over sharing.

You’ll also need to note your Windows PC’s IP address. Press Win + X and choose Command Prompt or Windows Powershell. Type in ipconfig and note down the IPv4 address.

Access Windows Files on Mac

Once you’re happy with your sharing options, it’s time to transfer your files from Windows PC to Mac. Follow the steps below on your Mac to do this:

Open the Finder app. In the menu bar at the top of the screen, select Go > Connect to Server. Type either smb://[IP address] or smb://[computer name] and press Enter. You will be prompted to enter your Windows username and password. Click on Connect.

Your shared Windows content will be available in the Shared section of Finder. To transfer files from your PC to your Mac, just drag and drop as needed.

The above methods work great if both Mac and Windows PC are on the same network. However, if they’re not, try these methods and choose the ones that fit best for you.

1. Use a Cloud Storage Service

Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive have dedicated apps available for Windows and macOS. Just install them on the two systems and upload or download your files as needed. Be aware of the space taken up by these apps, and if you’re running low on disk space, follow our guide on how to sync only specific files in Dropbox or Google Drive.

2. Use a USB Stick

A simple-but-effective solution for anyone who needs to transfer files from Mac to Windows quickly is to use a USB flash drive. Remember to choose the exFAT file format since it’s compatible with both operating systems and easily lets you share huge files. Here are our recommendations on the best USB 3.0 flash drives available online.

Resilio Sync and Syncthing are file-syncing apps that let you share files between Windows and Mac. They use an encrypted key to manage the connection between devices. All you have to do is set up a sync folder and create a key. Share the key with your other machine and nominate a folder. Both the apps allow you to set up the read/write permissions.

There are plenty of security challenges we face regarding cloud storage. This author has been using Resilio Sync for many years. If you set up permissions, configure sync to force LAN syncing, and use Archive for file versioning, you ensure that the data transfers happen through your network and save money.

Transfer Files Between Computer and Mobile

Hopefully, the various methods we’ve discussed will help you share files between a Mac and a PC with ease. If you also need to do this with your phone, check out the easiest ways to transfer files between computers and mobile devices.

When you work with Windows and Mac systems, you will encounter practical issues to transfer files between the devices. Since they work in unique platforms with different levels of compatibility compels the users to hunt for better techniques in the transfer process. Here, in this article, you will learn the best ways to transfer files from Windows to Mac.

Choosing the correct technique and tools is essential to ensure successful transfer from one device to another. Migration of data seems to be a tedious process while handling a large number of files in the transfer. Connecting with sophisticated tools enhances the transfer procedure. There are in-built features and third-party applications to move the data from Windows and Mac systems effortlessly.

1Migrate Data from Windows PC to a New Mac

Soon after you purchase a Mac system, the next step is to migrate the data from your old Windows to the new laptop for future access. Moving the data files in this cross-platform is quite challenging but you can perform it using the Migration Assistant application provided by the Apple store. Follow up the below instructions carefully to migrate data from Windows to Mac precisely.

The chosen data starts to transfer from Windows to macOS and you must wait until the process completes successfully. Then, sign into your Apple account in the macOS to finish the basic settings. Finally, check the transferred files in the macOS and ensure it is received without any data loss.

2Enable and Set Up File Sharing on Windows and Mac — Without Software

Try the in-built file-sharing modules in the PC to trigger the data transfer between devices. Enabling this module assists in file transfer without any third-party software.

Tip : To find the workgroup name, on your Windows PC navigate Control Panel-> System and Security -> System (Workgroup or MShome).

Lastly, click the OK button to complete the file-sharing setup process successfully. Some of the newbie users do not know how to handle this setup efficiently. Changes in the settings affect the successful transfer of the files.

3Easy Share Files between Mac and Windows wirelessly – AirDroid Personal

The third-party applications ease the file-sharing process between macOS and Windows wirelessly. It is the perfect method for both novices and professionals to carry out the file transfer process between devices. The AirDroid Personal is a stunning tool with loads of features that enhances file transfers cross-platform. It has surplus functionalities and serves as a complete solution for your needs.

These are the salient functionalities of the AirDroid Personal tool that makes it stand unique from the crowd.

3.1 Via File Transfer (local network and Remote network)

To meet both the requirements of the local network and remote file-sharing process, AirDroid Personal tool provides users with a File Transfer module. This feature permits the users to carry out file transfers flawlessly despite the device’s location. Initial setup in both devices is essential to perform the file transfers. For the local network, ensure both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. In case of remote file transfers, enable the remote features in the receiver device. During the setup process, log into the same AirDroid account on both devices to avoid unnecessary interruptions. After completing the initial setup process successfully, follow the below instructions.

The above steps explain the file-sharing process satisfying both the local and remote networks using the incredible application AirDroid Personal application.

3.2 Nearby Share (local network)

The Nearby Share method is applicable when both devices are separated a few meters. Like Bluetooth connectivity, this feature works only when both devices are placed in the same environment for a flawless transfer process.

4Via Cloud Service

Cloud services play a vital role in the storage and file-sharing operations. It serves as a virtual space for the files to stay in a protected format even for decades hassle-free. The Android platform opts for Google Drives as its cloud service. You can also go for other third-party applications like Dropbox to store and access the files based on the requirements. Excellent access control highlights the Cloud Service despite its downfalls related to security features. The Cloud Service platforms provide users with high-end compatibility so that they can use any gadgets and devices to access the stored files flawlessly. It supports cross-platform operations and enables a smooth flow of data between devices.

5Via Email

Another storage space with good accessibility features is widely used by many users globally. You can send the required files to your email and move them to the respective folders for better access. Use your email and structure it by creating folders for quick access to the desired data. The Email platform allows the users to organize their data and connect to it by simple login. The major drawback of this method is that it has restrictions on memory space allocations. Limited memory space is available and you can store and access only a few files and data.

6Copy Files from PC to Mac

There are different versions of copying files from PC to Mac using a USB stick, cable, and external hard drives.

6.1 Via USB Stick

Connect the USB device to any one of the ports of Windows and copy the files into this external storage. Then, unplug it from the PC and plug it in with the macOS. Next, copy the files from the USB to the Mac system. Wait until all the files copy into the desired storage drives in Mac and finally remove the USB from the macOS.

6.2 Via External Hard Drive

Use an external hard drive to copy the files from the PC to Mac. Connect the drive to the system and then navigate the folders to copy the files into the hard drive. Remove the hard drive and connect it with macOS to get those copied files into this system.

Conclusion

Thus, you had an enlightening discussion about how to transfer files from Windows to Mac. Choose the best method that suits your needs efficiently. Connect with the AirDroid Personal application to satisfy your device requirements beyond expectations. Stay tuned to discover more about file transfer techniques between devices.