Looking to share your Windows files with Mac OS X or Linux? With a local area network (a router) and a few minutes to spare this can be easily accomplished.

Note: If more advanced sharing is needed, such as different permissions for individual users, follow this article from Microsoft on how to disable simple file sharing. In my case all I’m sharing is movies, songs, and other media. Plus, my network is isolated to my house, so there is no need to worry about different privileges for users.

Step #1

The first step is to go to the Start Menu or the Desktop and double click My Computer. Once in “My Computer” navigate to the folder that is to be shared and right click . If sharing a whole drive simply right click on the drive.  After right clicking on the folder or drive select properties.

Step #2

After entering the properties windows, select the sharing tab. If sharing a whole drive the first step in the sharing tab is to click on the link titled “If you understand the risk but still want to share the root of the drive, click here”. If this link isn’t there move onto the next step.

Step #3

Click on the link titled “If you understand the security risks but want to share files without running the wizard, click here”. Once again, if this link isn’t there move onto the next step.

Step #4

After clicking on the link, a dialog box will come up. In the dialog box select “Just enable file sharing” and click OK.

Step #5

Now that Windows is done trying to prevent file sharing, click on Share this folder on the network. Next, Give the share a name and click Allow network users to change my files (only enable this option if you want network user to be able to have full access to the shared files, i.e. delete and create privileges) and click OK. That’s it, now it’s time to enjoy files stored on Windows from virtually any computer on the local network, whether it be Mac OS X, Linux or just another Windows box.