In a networked environment of a Windows domain or workgroup, each machine is able to access content from one another via Windows Explorer when filesharing is enabled. Windows makes this easy. Filesharing is the most efficient way to distribute and manage content between separate systems. When filesharing is enabled on all your Windows computers that share the same network, each will be able to see its neighbor’s content like video, music and pictures easily.
But what if you have a mixed environment with Windows and Ubuntu machines? Will it still be possible to share between Windows and Ubuntu computers?
The answer is yes, and this brief guide is going to show you how to easily make that happen. When you add or join Windows and Ubuntu machines into the same domain or workgroup and enable sharing, each machine will be able to access content from each other as if they were both Windows machines.
To make this work, it’s recommended to join both machines into the same workgroup. Find a unique workgroup name and make both members of it. If the Windows already has a workgroup name, change your Ubuntu machine workgroup name to match the Windows workgroup name.
To find out your Windows group name, run the commands below from the command prompt.
net config workstation
The value for Workstation domain is the workgroup name. By default it’s called WORKGROUP.
Next, logon to the Ubuntu machine and install Samba.
sudo apt-get install system-config-samba
After installing Samba open Unity Dash and search for Samba, then click it to open it. When it opens, click Preferences –> Server Settings and set the workgroup name to match the Windows workgroup.
When you’re done, save it and restart both machines. If filesharing is enabled in Windows, you should be able to see the two machines from either system.
Both machines are able to see each other but you need tare content to access. Without a shared content, you won’t be able to access or see files and folders.
Next time we’ll look at enabling shared content on both systems.
If filesharing isn’t enabled in Windows and you can’t see the Windows computer, run the commands below to enable filesharing in Windows.
netsh advfirewall firewall set rule group="File and Printer Sharing" new enable=Yes
Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I enable filesharing between Windows and Ubuntu computers?
To enable filesharing between Windows and Ubuntu computers, you need to ensure both machines are in the same workgroup. Install Samba on the Ubuntu machine and set the workgroup name to match that of the Windows workgroup.
What is the most efficient way to distribute and manage content between separate Windows systems?
Filesharing is the most efficient way to distribute and manage content between separate Windows systems. It allows each machine to access content from one another via Windows Explorer when enabled.
Can Ubuntu and Windows machines share files in a mixed environment?
Yes, Ubuntu and Windows machines can share files in a mixed environment by joining them into the same domain or workgroup and enabling sharing. Make sure to set the workgroup name on both machines to match.
How can I find the workgroup name on a Windows machine?
To find the workgroup name on a Windows machine, run the command 'net config workstation' from the command prompt. The value for 'Workstation domain' is the workgroup name, usually 'WORKGROUP' by default.
What is Samba and how is it used in filesharing between Windows and Ubuntu?
Samba is a software suite used to enable file and print sharing between Windows and Unix-like systems such as Ubuntu. Install Samba on the Ubuntu machine to facilitate filesharing with Windows computers.
Why is it recommended to join both Windows and Ubuntu machines into the same workgroup?
Joining both Windows and Ubuntu machines into the same workgroup allows for seamless filesharing between the two systems. It ensures that they can access each other's content as if they were both Windows machines.
What are the steps to setup filesharing between Windows and Ubuntu computers?
To set up filesharing between Windows and Ubuntu computers, ensure they are in the same workgroup, install Samba on Ubuntu, set the workgroup name to match Windows, save the settings, and restart both machines.
What should I do if my Ubuntu machine workgroup name does not match the Windows workgroup name?
If the workgroup name on your Ubuntu machine does not match the Windows workgroup name, change the Ubuntu workgroup name to match that of Windows. This ensures seamless filesharing between the systems.
