How to Connect a PC to a Mac

Last Updated: March 29, 2019 Tested

Although the two machines have different operating systems, you can still connect a Windows PC and Mac to each other and share files. You don’t need any expensive equipment. All you need is an Ethernet cable.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Creating a Physical Connection

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Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Configuring the Windows PC

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On the directory panel at the left side of the window, click on “Homegroup.”
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) and click on “Next.”
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On the following page, you’ll be given a password. Take note of the password. You’ll be using that later once you try to connect your Mac to your PC.
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Configuring the Mac

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”
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3
Type in your PC’s network address on the Server Address field. Use the following format:
- smb://username@computername/sharename – i.e.: smb://johnny@mypc/users.
- If the above format won’t work, you can use the Windows PC’s IP address: smb://IPaddress/sharename.
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”
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Click on “Connect.”
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The Windows PC’s name should now appear on the left panel under the Shared section.

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Tips

To get your Windows PC’s name, right-click on the My Computer icon on your desktop and select “Properties.”

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You can’t create a Homegroup if you’re connected to the Internet.

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If your Mac doesn’t have an Ethernet port, you can use a USB-to-Ethernet cable and connect it to a Windows PC using the same method.

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How to Connect a PC to a Mac

Steps

Creating a Physical Connection

Configuring the Windows PC

Configuring the Mac

Expert Q&A

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