2024 Tutorial: How to Transfer Files from Mac to PC

Can files be transferred from Mac to PC wirelessly?

Of course, you can. In today's interconnected world, the ability to transfer files seamlessly between different devices and platforms is essential for productivity and collaboration. Whether you're sharing documents, photos, or multimedia files, knowing how to transfer files from a Mac to PC or how to transfer files from phone to laptop is a valuable skill that can streamline your workflow and enhance efficiency. In this article, we'll explore several methods and tools to solve the problem of how to transfer files from Mac to PC without hassle, catering to different preferences and technical abilities.

How to transfer files from Mac to PC [5 options]

How to transfer all files from Mac to PC? Finding a good file transfer method can make your file transfer between different devices and platforms more convenient and faster. There are several ways to transfer files from Mac to PC, and each method has its advantages and limitations. Don’t worry, we have found 5 ways for you to make file transfer more easier. Keep reading to choose the most suitable option.

Option 1. File sharing

Setting up and using file sharing on macOS is straightforward when your Mac and PC are connected to the same network. We'll divide this process into two parts, one for each operating system.

On your Mac:

Step 1. Access “System Preferences” on your Mac and navigate to “General”> “Sharing”.

Step 2. Enable “File Sharing” by toggling the switch, and then clicking the “Info (i)” icon adjacent to the “File Sharing” toggle.

Step 3. Select “Options” to open the SMB File Sharing window. Enable the "Share files and folders using SMB" option.

Step 4. Within the “Windows File Sharing” section, mark the checkbox next to the account name whose files you intend to access on your PC. Provide the password for that user and confirm with “OK”.

Step 5. Confirm your settings by clicking “Done” in the SMB File Sharing window.

Step 6. Make a note of the “IP Address” displayed under the "File Sharing: On" status near the top of the window. Once you've configured file sharing on your Mac, proceed to your PC.

On your PC:

Step 1. Open "File Explorer" on your PC.

Step 2. Click inside the address bar and enter the IP address from your Mac. Omit the SMB prefix—the IP address should resemble \\192.168.x.x.

Step 3. PC will prompt for the username and password of the Mac user's files you're accessing. Ensure to input them exactly as you did on your Mac.

Step 4. You'll now gain access to the shared folders on your Windows PC. Copy the files as you normally would from any other Windows folder.

Option 2. AirDroid Personal

Third-party applications simplify the wireless file-sharing process between macOS and Windows. This method is ideal for both beginners and experts alike to facilitate seamless file transfers between devices. AirDroid Personal stands out as an impressive tool equipped with numerous features that enhance cross-platform file transfers.

For local network transfers, ensure that both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. If conducting remote file transfers, activate the remote features on the receiving device. During the setup phase, sign in to the same AirDroid account on both devices to prevent any interruptions. Once the initial setup is complete, proceed with the following instructions.

Step 1. On the sender device, open the AirDroid Personal Desktop client app and log in to your AirDroid account. Access the dashboard and click on the "File Transfer" icon located in the left menu of the screen.

Step 2. From the displayed list under the My Devices section, select the name of the receiver device.

Step 3. Next, browse through the folders and select the desired files. Drag and drop them into the right side of the AirDroid Personal interface. Finally, click the Send button to initiate the file-sharing process.

Option 3. Email

Another storage option with convenient accessibility features is widely utilized by users worldwide. You can send the necessary files to your email and organize them into respective folders for improved access. Utilize your email account and arrange it by creating folders to swiftly locate the desired data. The Email platform enables users to structure their data and access it easily through simple login credentials. However, a major drawback of this method is its limited memory space allocation. Users are restricted to storing and accessing only a limited number of files and data due to the constraints on memory space.

Option 4. Cloud Service

Cloud services are essential for storage and file-sharing tasks. They act as virtual storage spaces, ensuring files remain protected and easily accessible for decades. The Android platform commonly utilizes Google Drive as its cloud service, although other third-party applications like Dropbox are also available for file storage and access as needed. Despite security-related drawbacks, cloud services offer excellent access control features. These platforms boast high compatibility, allowing users to access stored files seamlessly across various devices. They support cross-platform operations, facilitating smooth data transfer between devices.

Option 5. Removable USB Storage Device

This is frequently the easiest method for transferring files between a Windows PC and a Mac. All you require is an external hard drive or USB stick to copy files to and from your devices.

USB Stick:

Insert the USB device into one of the ports on your Windows PC and transfer the files to this external storage. Once completed, disconnect it from the PC and connect it to your macOS. Then, transfer the files from the USB to the Mac system. Allow all files to finish copying to the desired storage drives on the Mac, and then safely remove the USB from the macOS.

External Hard Drive:

Utilize an external hard drive to transfer files from the PC to Mac. Connect the drive to your PC, navigate to the folders containing the files, and copy them to the hard drive. After copying, disconnect the hard drive from the PC and connect it to your macOS to access the copied files on the system.

Bonus tip: How to transfer files from PC to PC

In addition to the file transfer between different platforms that distresses users, PC to PC file transfer also distresses many users. It's hard to find a free, fast and secure file transfer tool. But don’t worry, we’ll bring you the best answers.

AnyViewer is the top choice in this field. It acts as a free, fast and secure file transfer tool allowing users to enjoy fast file transfer speeds without purchasing. AnyViewer also uses end-to-end encryption using a robust 256-bit elliptic curve encryption (ECC) algorithm and uses two-factor authentication to better protect data security during remote desktop connections, allowing you to avoid the possibility of security threats.

Step 1. Install and open AnyViewer on both PCs. Navigate to "Log in" and choose "Sign up" to create an AnyViewer account. Ensure to use the same account for logging in on both devices.

Step 2. Log in to the identical account on both PCs. Your devices will automatically be linked to the account.

Step 3. On your local PC, access "Devices," select the desired remote PC, and opt for "File transfer."

Step 4. You'll now have access to files stored on your local device, displayed on the left side, as well as files located on your remote device, displayed on the right side. Effortlessly transfer files between the two PCs.

★Tips: It is highly recommended to upgrade your account to a professional or enterprise plan to enjoy unrestricted file transfers. Here are the benefits you can expect from the Professional or Enterprise plan:

Faster file transfer speeds: Transfer speeds for free accounts are limited to 500 KB/s, whereas paid accounts offer speeds of up to 10 MB/s.

Simultaneous transfer of a larger number of files: Free accounts can transfer up to 100 files simultaneously, while paid accounts have no limit on the number of files that can be transferred at once.

Increased file size limit: Free accounts are restricted to a maximum file size of 100 MB per transfer, whereas paid accounts allow transfers of files up to 1 TB in size.

Conclusion

Now the problem of how to transfer files from Mac to PC has been perfectly solved. By utilizing these methods and tools, you can transfer files from a Mac to a PC with ease, regardless of the file size or type. Whether you prefer using network sharing, cloud storage services, file transfer apps, email, or external storage devices, there's a solution available to suit your needs and preferences. With seamless file transfer capabilities, you can enhance collaboration, streamline your workflow, and maximize productivity across different devices and platforms.

In addition, AnyViewer, a tool for exploring PC-to-PC remote file transfer, will make your file transfer options richer and the process more efficient.