Sharing files between macOS Tahoe and Windows requires setting up network file sharing, but it's more straightforward than many users expect. Apple's ecosystem makes file transfers seamless between iPhone and Mac, but cross-platform sharing demands manual configuration of both operating systems to communicate properly.

Apple deprecated AFP (Apple Filing Protocol) in macOS Sequoia 15.5, signaling the end of support for AirPort Time Machine backups and potentially forcing NAS providers like Synology to abandon AFP in favor of SMB (Server Message Block). This shift makes understanding SMB file sharing between macOS and Windows increasingly important for users who need to access files across different platforms.

Setting up Windows file sharing involves enabling Network Discovery and File and Printer Sharing in Settings, then configuring shared folders through File Explorer's Properties menu. For Mac-to-Windows sharing, users must enable File Sharing in System Settings, configure SMB sharing options, and set the correct workgroup name to match the Windows network. The process works in both directions, though sharing from Windows to Mac is slightly more common due to easier storage expansion on PCs.