[5 Ways] How to Transfer Files Between Mac and PC?

When transitioning between platforms or upgrading to a different computer, it becomes necessary to move files. Additionally, specific files or formats might be exclusive to either Mac or PC. In these situations, transferring files is crucial to preserving essential data and documents. 

Furthermore, it grants you the ability to retrieve your data irrespective of the device in current use. This article will get you through five effective methods on how to share files between Mac and PC. These straightforward methods require minimal time and effort to facilitate file transfers between your devices.

Part 1. Top 5 Approaches for Transferring Files Between a Mac and PC

The process of transferring files between Mac and PC is commonly perceived as easiest on Mac compared to Windows. If you are seeking guidance on file sharing between these platforms, you've reached the right place. This section outlines 5 straightforward methods to streamline and enhance the efficiency of the file transfer process.

1.1 Via Avica Remote Desktop [Fast & Safe]

Our first method to transfer files between Mac and PC involves the use of the Avica Remote Desktop. This tool stands out for its high utility and user-friendly interface, making it accessible even for beginners. It incorporates a patented transfer protocol to ensure high-speed transfers and includes a privacy mode for secure file transfers.

Notably, it has demonstrated superiority, being 100 times faster than alternative HTTP/FTP methods. Additionally, there are no restrictions on the quantity or size of files, allowing you to transfer as much data as needed. Users can use the built-in file transfer feature within Avica and manage the files accordingly to transfer them between Mac and PC.

Key Points of Avica Remote Desktop Tool

• Manage multiple connections simultaneously, and that too in 4K resolution and 4:4:4 color mode.
• Avica allows users to customize the screen quality when controlling the device remotely.
• While managing files, you can use the chat feature to communicate efficiently.
• When playing games, set the frame rate up to 144FPS to get a better and smoother gaming experience.

Step-by-Step Guide to Transfer Files Between Mac and PC Using Avica

After we have learned about Avica in full detail, let’s head to the steps and see how to transfer files between Mac and PC.

You can easily download Avica software by clicking the button provided below. For more detailed information regarding Avica App downloads, please visit the official Avica download page. It is important to note that Avica ensures the safety and virus-free nature of all products available on its official website or app store. Feel confident in downloading Avica from these trusted sources.

Free Download

Step 1. Download and Install Avica on Both Mac and PC

Get Avica and install it on both your PC and Mac. Then, launch the tool on both devices and log in using "Email" and Password." You can also use the same account on both devices and make a connection.

Step 2. Connect Both Mac and PC Via Device ID

Now, on your PC, turn on the "Allow remote access to this device via your credentials" option and get the "Avica ID" along with "Password" for connection. Next, head to your Mac, access Avica, enter "Avica ID" under the "Remote Session" section, and press the "Connect" button.

Step 3. Use the File Transfer Feature to Share and Transfer Files

After the remote connection is established, you will be able to remotely control the desktop of the remote device. You can also share files between the devices through the File Transfer feature on the toolbar at the top of the interface.

Another way is that access the "Recent Sessions" of Avica's main interface. From the right side of the tool, hit "Three Dots" next to your PC name and choose the "File Transfer" feature. As you access the file transfer manager, manage locations to save and access files from. After selecting the required files, hit the "Send" button to start file transfer between Mac and PC.

Free Download

1.2 Using Built-in File Sharing Tool

Mac comes equipped with a built-in file-sharing feature, which simplifies the process of transferring files to a designated PC and saves you time and effort. This way, you share files between Mac and PC, as this involves using the tool that comes built-in.

Ensure both devices are connected to the same LAN before the process starts. Subsequently, let's head to the steps below and learn how to transfer files between Mac and PC:

Step 1. Turn on your Mac at the very start and head to the main screen. Here, hit the "Apple" icon in the upper-left corner and choose "System Settings" from the drop-down menu. Then, pick the "General" tab on the left, and on the right side, click "Sharing" to see more options. This built-in feature makes it easy to share files with a designated PC, but remember to connect both devices to the same local network first.

Step 2. Under the "Content & Media" section, click "i" next to the "File Sharing" option. Here, toggle the "File Sharing" to turn it on and head to the "Options" to manage the additional file-sharing settings.

Step 3. At the very start, turn on the "Share files and folders using SMB" option under the "SMB File Sharing" section. Afterward, select the user account, enter the password to verify the process, and hit the "Done" button.

Step 4. Now, you will need to select the folders that you want to share with the PC user. Manage them under the "Shared Folders" section or hit the "+" sign to any additional folders to share.

Step 5. Moving forward in the procedure, proceed to the "Users" section and choose to add users. Click the "+" sign, go to "Contacts" on the left side panel, pick the user you want, and press the "Select" button. A pop-up menu labeled "Choose Password" will emerge, requiring you to input a password and confirm it for authentication.

Step 6. Next, transition to your Windows PC and launch "File Explorer." In the "Search" bar at the top of the screen, input “\\” followed by your Mac's IP address and hit "Enter." You will be prompted to enter your credentials, including "Username" and "Password," after which you click "OK." Following this, users can access the shared files from their Mac on the Windows system.

1.3 Using a Cloud Service

Utilizing cloud services is an optimal choice when you aim to safeguard your files in a virtual environment. Additionally, they provide users with the flexibility to access stored files at their convenience. When exploring methods for how to share files between Mac and PC, employing cloud services emerges as a convenient option.

Notable examples of commonly used cloud services encompass OneDrive, Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox, and Amazon WorkDocs. Each of these cloud services offers free storage options, facilitating easy file management without incurring additional costs. As an illustration, we will use Dropbox to outline the steps for you:

Step 1. Open Finder on your Mac and visit the official Dropbox website. On the main interface, navigate to the "All Files" tab on the left side and opt for "Upload" to bring in the files or folders for uploading.

Step 2. Afterward, launch Google Chrome on your Windows PC and search for Dropbox. Ensure that you are logged in with the same account as on your Mac. Go to the "All Files" tab in the left-side panel and enter the "All Files" section. Select the files uploaded from your Mac and click the "Download" button to initiate the transfer of these files to your PC.

1.4 Via External Hard Drive

Opting for external hard drives proves to be the most effective solution when dealing with substantial data transfers between Mac and PC. These external hard drives establish a connection with your computer through a USB cable.

Their considerable storage capacity surpasses that of compact USB drives, allowing them to accommodate more extensive datasets. So, if you need file transfer between Mac and PC, use the steps guided below on how to use an external hard drive:

Step 1. Plug one end of the USB cable into the external hard drive and the other end into your Mac. Afterward, click twice on the icon of the external hard drive that shows up on your Mac screen. Now, move the files to the external hard drive via simple copy-paste.

Step 2. When done, hold down the "Control" key, click on the hard drive icon, and choose "Eject" to remove the drive from the Mac. Now, connect the drive to your PC and access it to transfer files from the external hard drive's window into a folder on your PC.

1.5 Via Email

Many people these days use emails to communicate in an easy way. Nevertheless, users also resort to emailing crucial files to provide convenient access to the intended recipient. Email services, such as Yahoo Mail, Outlook, AOL Mail, and Gmail, are available for sharing files between Mac and PC.

Below, we have listed detailed steps on how to share files from Mac to PC, using Outlook as an easy-to-follow example:

Step 1. Search for the Microsoft Outlook app using Finder on your Mac. On the main interface, hit the “New Email” button at the top-left side. Now, select the body text space to enable the attachment icon in the top bar. Now, select the “Attach File” option and upload the files from your MacBook.

Step 2. Now, you will need to enter your mail next to "To" and fill in any other details if needed. Afterward, hit the "Send" button to share files to your mail.

Step 3. Using a Windows PC, access the same Outlook account as on your Mac. Next, head to the "Sent Items" tab from the left side of the screen, and you will see all the files. There, open the mail and press the "Download All" option to get files saved/downloaded on your PC.

Part 2. Comparing the Best Way to Transfer Files Between Mac and PC

We have thoroughly covered all 5 methods for file transfer between Mac and PC. Now, let's compare the different features of each approach to learn about their capabilities to transfer files:

Features	Avica Remote Desktop	Built-in File Sharing Tool	Cloud Service	External Hard Drive	Email
Speed of Transfer	Patented high-speed transfer protocol (100x faster than FTP/HTTP)	Dependent on network and connection speeds	Dependent on internet speed and server capacity	Dependent on USB speed and drive type	Dependent on internet speed
File Size Limitations	An unlimited number and size of files can be transferred	Limited by network configurations and storage capacities	Limited by storage plan or account limitations	Limited by the drive's storage capacity	Limited by email attachment size limits
Ease of Use	User-friendly interface for file transfer between Mac and PC	It may require technical configuration for proper setup	User-friendly interface for file management and sharing	Simple copy-paste functionality	Simple attachment process, but limited file sizes
Installation Requirement	Requires installation of Avica software on both Mac and PC	Built into the operating systems (SMB for Windows, AFP/SMB for Mac)	Requires installation of specific cloud service apps or software	Requires plugging; no additional software required	No additional software required
Accessibility	Requires internet connectivity for remote access	Limited by local network or internet connectivity	Requires internet access for uploading and downloading files	Direct access without the internet is required	Requires internet access
Security	End to End AES-256 encryption level	Security risks related to network vulnerabilities	Potential security risks associated with cloud service breaches	Risk of physical damage or loss of the drive	Lacks security for sensitive information sent via email
Built-in File Transfer	✓	X	X	X	X
Privacy Mode	✓	X	X	X	X

The method you choose depends on the specific needs and preferences of the user. Cloud services and other methods can be used for more general purposes. If you want high-speed transfers without file size limitations, Avica Remote Desktop is recommended. Aica addresses all the security concerns related to the transfer process. Moreover, you get additional features such as privacy mode to make the file transfer secure.

Conclusion

To conclude, we can say that it has become much easier to transfer files between devices now. We hope that the five methods discussed in this guide answered how to transfer files between Mac and PC query. Moreover, you can have a look at the comparison table to have a quick overview of all the methods outlined in this guide.

However, among all the available methods, Avica stands out as being much better and faster than traditional methods. This tool not only lets users share files but even allows them to control the device remotely. It also has a patented protocol along with privacy mode to make every file secure and safe.