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How to Connect a PC to a Mac

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. Get an Ethernet/LAN Cable.

Part 1 of 3:

Creating a Physical Connection

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    Get an Ethernet/LAN Cable.
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    Plug the cable to the Ethernet port on both of the machines.
Part 2 of 3:

Configuring the Windows PC

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    Open a window on your PC.
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    Go to Homegroup. On the directory panel at the left side of the window, click on 'Homegroup.'
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    Click on 'Create a Homegroup' button.
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    Check all the type of files you want to share (documents, images, etc.) and click on 'Next.'
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    Remember the password. 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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    Click on 'Finish' once you're done.
Part 3 of 3:

Configuring the Mac

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    Click on 'Go' on the menu bar at the upper left of the desktop.
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    Select 'Connect to Server.'
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    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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    Click on the Plus (+) button to add it to the server list.
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    Click on the Server Address you've just added, and click on 'Connect.'
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    Type in the password that you got from the Windows PC. Click on 'Connect.'
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    Open your Mac's Finder. The Windows PC's name should now appear on the left panel under the Shared section.

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Marvin Fry

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Marvin Fry
Update 04 March 2020