Set up SMB file sharing on Mac (2024)

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Copyright

You can use the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol to share files on your Mac.

Turn on SMB file sharing

On your Mac, choose Apple menu >System Settings, click General in the sidebar, then click Sharing on the right. (You may need to scroll down.)
Open Sharing settings for me
Turn on File Sharing, then click the Info button on the right.
Click Options, then turn on “Share files and folders using SMB”.
If you’re sharing files with Windows computers, select the On tickbox for each user that needs to share files with a Windows computer, then enter the password for that user’s account.
Click Done.

Turn off SMB file sharing

On your Mac, choose Apple menu >System Settings, click General in the sidebar, then click Sharing on the right. (You may need to scroll down.)
Open Sharing settings for me
Click the Info button next to File Sharing.
Click Options, then turn off “Share files and folders using SMB”.
Below Windows File Sharing, deselect any tickboxes that are selected.
Click Done.

Because passwords for some Windows users may be stored less securely, it’s a good idea to deselect the On tickbox next to each account when it’s not in use. Do this before you turn off file sharing on your Mac. Otherwise, the password is still active and stored in a less secure manner.

See alsoSet up file sharing on MacShare Mac files with Windows users