How can I transfer files from Windows to Mac?
Install DeskJoin Clipboard on both computers, connect them on the same local network, copy the files in Windows Explorer, then paste them into a folder in macOS Finder.
DeskJoin Clipboard · Local file transfer
Transfer files between Windows and Mac with DeskJoin Clipboard.
Copy files or folders on one computer and paste them directly into Windows Explorer or macOS Finder on the other. No account, cloud folder, or USB drive is required.
The short answer
Use the copy and paste workflow you already know.
DeskJoin Clipboard connects a Windows PC and Mac on the same local network. Once connected, copy files in Windows Explorer or macOS Finder, move to the other computer, and paste them into the destination folder.
Transfer progress appears while the files are moving, and an active transfer can be cancelled when needed.
What you need
Two computers. One local network.
- Windows PC
- Windows 10 or later, x64.
- Mac
- macOS 11 or later, Apple Silicon or Intel.
- Connection
- The same trusted Wi-Fi or Ethernet network.
- Network support
- The current Windows version requires IPv6.
How to transfer files
From Windows to Mac in four steps
- 01
Install DeskJoin Clipboard on both computers
Download the Windows and macOS versions, then open the app on each computer.
- 02
Connect to the nearby Mac
From the Windows system tray menu, choose Connect to … and select the Mac on the same network.
- 03
Copy files in Windows Explorer
Select one or more files or folders and use the usual Copy command.
- 04
Paste into macOS Finder
Open the destination folder on the Mac and paste. DeskJoin Clipboard transfers the file contents when you paste.
Mac to Windows works the same way. Copy files or folders in Finder, then paste them into a destination folder in Windows Explorer.
Why use clipboard transfer?
Keep the file in your current workflow.
No upload step
There is no cloud folder to open and no upload to wait for before starting the transfer.
No message to yourself
Move a document, screenshot, project folder, or downloaded file without attaching it to an email or chat.
Files and folders
Paste directly into the destination folder instead of collecting every transfer in a separate downloads location.
Automatic reconnection
DeskJoin Clipboard remembers previously connected devices and can reconnect when they return to the same network.
Local network
Transfer directly between nearby computers.
File contents travel over your local network and are not uploaded to DeskJoin. Both computers should remain connected until the transfer is complete.
Use a trusted local network. The current transfer protocol does not provide end-to-end encryption or device authentication. Guest and public Wi-Fi networks may also prevent nearby devices from communicating.
Questions
Windows and Mac file transfer FAQ
Can I transfer files from Mac to Windows too?
Yes. File and folder transfer works in both directions. Copy in macOS Finder and paste into a folder in Windows Explorer, or copy in Windows and paste on the Mac.
Can DeskJoin Clipboard transfer folders?
Yes. You can copy files or folders and paste them into a destination folder on the other computer.
Do I need cloud storage or an account?
No. DeskJoin Clipboard transfers the file contents over your local network and does not require a DeskJoin account or a cloud folder.
Can I transfer files over Wi-Fi?
Yes. Keep both computers on the same trusted Wi-Fi network. Ethernet is also supported and can provide a more consistent connection for large transfers.
Does the Windows version require IPv6?
Yes. The current Windows version requires IPv6 on the local network so the two computers can discover and connect to each other.