How to Access a Shared Folder on PC or Mac

This wikiHow teaches you how to access a shared network folder on your Windows or macOS network.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Windows

  1. Image titled Access a Shared Folder on PC or Mac Step 1
    1
    Double-click the Network icon. It’s usually on the desktop. If you don’t see it, double-click This PC, then click Network on the left side of the window.
  2. Image titled Access a Shared Folder on PC or Mac Step 2
    2
    Double-click the computer with the folder you want to access. You may have to wait a few moments for the computer to appear.
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  3. Image titled Access a Shared Folder on PC or Mac Step 3
    3
    Sign in to the computer. If prompted to sign in, enter your username and password, then click Connect. A list of shared folders will appear.
  4. Image titled Access a Shared Folder on PC or Mac Step 4
    4
    Double-click the shared folder. The shared contents of that folder will now be accessible.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

macOS

  1. Image titled Access a Shared Folder on PC or Mac Step 5
    1
    Click the Go menu. It’s at the top of the screen.
  2. Image titled Access a Shared Folder on PC or Mac Step 6
    2
    Click Connect to Server…. It’s at the bottom of the menu.
  3. Image titled Access a Shared Folder on PC or Mac Step 7
    3
    Enter the address of the server that hosts the folder. This may be an IP address or host name, depending on your network.
    • If you see the server listed under “Favorite Servers,” click it once to select it.
  4. Image titled Access a Shared Folder on PC or Mac Step 8
    4
    Click Connect.
  5. Image titled Access a Shared Folder on PC or Mac Step 9
    5
    Sign in to the server. If prompted to sign in, enter your username and password, then click Connect. A list of shared folders will appear.
  6. Image titled Access a Shared Folder on PC or Mac Step 10
    6
    Double-click the shared folder. The shared contents of that folder will now be accessible.
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About This Article

Nicole Levine, MFA
Written by:
Nicole Levine, MFA
wikiHow Technology Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Nicole Levine, MFA. Nicole Levine is a Technology Writer and Editor for wikiHow. She has more than 20 years of experience creating technical documentation and leading support teams at major web hosting and software companies. Nicole also holds an MFA in Creative Writing from Portland State University and teaches composition, fiction-writing, and zine-making at various institutions. This article has been viewed 22,989 times.
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Co-authors: 2
Updated: July 9, 2019
Views: 22,989
Categories: File Sharing
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