one user, home network, two computers with different OS

Question

I recently bought a Mac and am trying to connect it to my PC, where all my files are. I can see the PC from the Mac, but to connect to it, the Mac is saying "Enter your name and password for the server [name of PC.]" The "name" field is prefilled with the name of the Mac. Is that the name I should be using? Do I create a password for it somewhere in the PC' settings? Should I be using my name that's on my PC's home screen, which is my actual full name (first and last)?

I've looked at all settings (network, devices, security, accounts...) on both computers but can't figure out how to do this.

Answer 1

Hi!

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A forum.

What your MAC is asking for is not your MAC name, it wants the login credentials of a user account on your Windows PC.

First, the username of your WindowsPC like: john, adminuser or you sometimes your email. (that display user upon login)

Next, the password you use going to the desktop (if none you need to set one and make sure file sharing is enabled)

Try it first then let me know once you tested it so I can assist you further.

Answer 2

Use a Windows account name and password that exist on the PC, not the Mac’s name.

When macOS prompts for “name and password for the server [PC‑name]”, it is asking for credentials of a user account on the Windows PC you are connecting to.

1. Find the Windows PC name (to confirm you’re connecting to the right machine):
   • On Windows 11/10: open Control Panel → System and Security → System and look under Computer name, domain, and workgroup settings for Full computer name.
2. Identify which Windows account to use:
   • Use the Windows sign‑in account that has access to the files you want (the account you normally log into on the PC).
   • The “name” is the Windows username, which may be different from the full display name shown on the home screen. If you sign in with a Microsoft account, the username is often the part before @ in the email, or a local account name if you created one.
3. Password:
   • Use the password for that Windows account.
   • If the account currently has no password, create one on the PC (Windows file sharing generally requires a password):
     • Open Settings → Accounts → Sign‑in options and set a password for the account you use.
4. On the Mac connect dialog:
   • In the Name field, replace the prefilled Mac name with the Windows account username.
   • In the Password field, enter that Windows account’s password.
   • Then connect.

If file sharing is enabled on the PC and the folders are shared, the Mac should then authenticate and show the shared folders.

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References:

• Do you need help locating your computer name?
• Set up your small business network
• How to print to a Windows printer from a MAC