My Mac does not appear
Confirm TapSend is open on the Mac, both computers use the same account, and both have internet access.
WindowsMac
Transfer Files from Windows to Mac—Wirelessly
Send photos, videos, documents, and text from your Windows PC to a Mac without copying them to a USB drive. Install TapSend on both computers, sign in, and keep both devices connected to the internet.
- Windows + Mac
- No USB drive
- Files and text
- HTTPS/TLS in transit
Windows PC
Internet connection required
Mac
Quick answer
Install TapSend on Windows and Mac, sign in with the same account, and name both computers. On Windows, open Send, choose your files or enter text, then select the Mac as the recipient. Start the transfer and open or save it from TapSend on your Mac. Both computers need internet access.
Before you start
What you need
A short setup checklist keeps the first transfer predictable.
- A Windows PC with TapSend installed
- A Mac with TapSend installed
- A TapSend account
- The same account on both computers
- Internet access on both computers
- A transfer within your current plan limit
Step-by-step
How to Transfer Files from Windows to Mac with TapSend
TapSend’s current sending order is content first, recipient second.
Step 1
Install TapSend on Windows and Mac
Download the Windows installer on your PC, then download and install TapSend on your Mac.
Step 2
Sign in with the same account
Open TapSend on Windows and Mac, then sign in to the same TapSend account on both computers.
Step 3
Name both computers
Give each device a clear name so you can recognize the Mac when choosing a recipient.
Step 4
Open Send on Windows
Start a new transfer from the Send area in the Windows app.
Step 5
Choose files or enter text
Select the photos, videos, documents, or other files you want to move—or type or paste text.
Step 6
Select your Mac
After choosing the content, select your named Mac as the recipient.
Step 7
Send and follow the transfer
Start the transfer and keep both computers connected to the internet while TapSend delivers it.
Step 8
Open the transfer on Mac
Use TapSend on your Mac to open the incoming transfer and choose where to keep the received files.
Install TapSend on both devices
Use the same account on Windows and Mac before starting the Send flow.
Supported content
What You Can Send
Use one transfer flow for common file types and text.
Photos and images
Videos
Documents
Multiple files
Plain text and links
File size, storage, history, and monthly transfer limits depend on your TapSend plan. The current Free plan allows files up to 50 MB per transfer.
Why TapSend
Why Use TapSend for Windows and Mac?
A straightforward option when your files and devices live across platforms.
No USB drive required
Start from the Windows app without copying files to removable storage first.
One account for both computers
Recognize and choose your connected devices by name.
Files and text in one flow
Move common files, pasted text, and links from the same Send experience.
Built for mixed platforms
TapSend also supports Android, Linux, iPhone, and iPad workflows.
Cloud-backed delivery
Both computers use an internet connection; TapSend is not an offline peer-to-peer tool.
HTTPS/TLS in transit
Data is protected in transit using HTTPS/TLS. We do not claim end-to-end encryption.
Choose the right method
Compare Windows-to-Mac Transfer Methods
There is no universal winner. The right option depends on whether you need offline, nearby, wired, or account-based delivery.
| Method | Cable | Internet | Nearby / network | Account | Platform coverage | Cloud storage | Limits | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TapSend | No | Yes | Not a nearby-only workflow | Yes | Windows, macOS, Android, Linux, iPhone/iPad | Yes | Plan-based | One account across a mixed-device setup |
| SMB network sharing | No | No external internet | Same configured network | Computer credentials | Windows and macOS | No | Network, permissions, and disk space | Shared folders on a trusted local network |
| Cloud storage | No | Yes | No proximity requirement | Yes | Depends on provider | Yes | Storage provider plan | Files already synchronized through a cloud drive |
| External drive | Uses removable storage | No | Physical access | No | Windows and Mac with a compatible format | No | Drive capacity and file-system format | Large offline copies and archives |
| LocalSend | No | No external internet | Same local network | No | Multiple desktop and mobile platforms | No | Local device and network constraints | Local-network transfers |
Comparison is qualitative and can change as third-party products evolve. Check each product’s current documentation before choosing a workflow.
The core flow
Choose content, choose Mac, then send
This visual explains the order without pretending to be a screenshot of the TapSend interface.
1
Choose content
Select files or enter text on Windows.
2
Choose the Mac
Select your named Mac as recipient.
3
Receive on Mac
Open the incoming transfer and save your files.
Fix common issues
Windows-to-Mac Transfer Troubleshooting
Start with the account, connectivity, and plan checks that apply to TapSend.
I used different accounts
Sign out on one computer, then sign back in with the account used on the other computer.
My file is too large
Check the per-transfer limit for your plan. The current Free plan supports files up to 50 MB.
I reached the monthly limit
Review your plan usage and wait for the allowance to reset or choose a plan with a higher limit.
The receiving Mac is offline
Reconnect the Mac to the internet, reopen TapSend, and retry the transfer.
No Mac notification appeared
Open TapSend on the Mac and check the transfer history instead of relying only on system notifications.
The transfer failed or expired
Check connectivity and plan limits, then start a new transfer from Windows.
I cannot find the received file
Open the transfer details in TapSend on the Mac and confirm the location selected when saving.
Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers about requirements, limits, and the Windows-to-Mac workflow.
How do I transfer files from Windows to Mac wirelessly?+
Install TapSend on your Windows PC and Mac, sign in with the same account, choose the files on Windows, select your Mac, and send. Both computers need internet access.
Do I need a USB drive or cable?+
No. TapSend transfers the selected files through its cloud-backed service, so you do not need removable storage or a direct cable between the computers.
Do both computers need the same Wi-Fi network?+
TapSend requires internet access on both computers and the same TapSend account. It does not rely on a shared folder or direct local-network connection.
Does TapSend require an account?+
Yes. Sign in with the same TapSend account on Windows and Mac so both computers can appear in the same device list.
Does TapSend require internet access?+
Yes. TapSend is cloud-backed, so both the sending Windows PC and receiving Mac need an internet connection.
Which files can I send from Windows to Mac?+
You can use TapSend to send examples such as photos, videos, documents, multiple files, plain text, and links. Your operating system and current TapSend plan may affect what can be selected and sent.
What is the maximum transfer size?+
The current Free plan supports files up to 50 MB per transfer. File-size, storage, history, and monthly-transfer limits vary by plan and may change, so check the pricing section before a large transfer.
Where are received files saved on Mac?+
Open the incoming transfer in TapSend on the Mac and use the available open or save action. The exact destination can depend on the app version and your macOS settings, so confirm the shown location before saving.
Can I transfer files from Mac back to Windows?+
Yes. TapSend can send files and text between connected devices, so you can start the Send flow on your Mac and choose your Windows PC as the recipient.
Related TapSend resources
Mac to Windows
Follow the same workflow in the other direction.
Windows to Android
Send files from a Windows PC to Android.
Windows to iPhone
Send files from a Windows PC to iPhone.
Download TapSend
Get the app for your devices.
Transfer troubleshooting
Work through eight fixes when a Windows-to-Mac transfer fails.
Ready to send from Windows to Mac?
Install TapSend on both computers, sign in with the same account, and send your first file—without using a USB drive.
Internet access and a TapSend account are required.