How to connect to a Windows machine from OS X

While the default and most supported file-sharing protocol in OS X is AFP (Apple Filing Protocol), Apple does include support for sharing files with Windows machines using the SMB (server message block) protocol. With OS X being a Unix-based system, Apple initially included the popular open-source Samba suite as the means for doing this, but because of licensing violations had to replace it with its own SMB implementation.

Regardless of the specifics of the SMB implementation, the methods by which you can connect to Windows machines should be the same throughout the various versions of OS X:

1. Use Bonjour services OS X includes an auto-discovery service called "Bonjour," which should detect nearby Windows-based machines if you have Windows file-sharing enabled. To do this, open the Sharing system preferences and select the "File Sharing" option in the services list. Ensure this service is checked, and then click the "Options..." button. In the drop-down window that appears, check the option to share files and folders using SMB. With this option enabled, you should both be able to see Windows machines on the network appear in the "Shared" section of the Finder sidebar, and also be able to distribute files from your Mac to Windows machines on the network.


2. Direct SMB connection Sometimes Bonjour services do not auto-detect Windows systems, but if the Windows machine you are connecting to is on the network, then you can manually invoke a co... [Read more]