Mac OS X Join a Windows workgroup

Contributed by macster

Tagged: Mac networking

Open the Directory Access utility (under Applications -> Utilities).

If the window is locked (padlock closed on the lower left), click on the padlock to unlock it.

Select SMB and click Configure…

Type in the name of the desired Windows workgroup in the Workgroup field, enter a WINS server (if appropriate) and click OK, then Apply.

9 Comments -

Rob said on November 16, 2008

This doesn’t seem to apply to Leopard. Any other ideas?
Miro said on December 23, 2008

Hi Rob Try this..

I seem to be able to see my flatmates XP laptop by going into
system preferences/Network choose wireless or Ethernet or both/ choose advanced then select the ‘WINS’ option – then add the workgroup to the workgroup field.

the only Prob I have is that I cant seem to see my MAC on the XP Laptop?? I’m still quite new to OS X so I’m still learning the Basics…
reply
Hunter said on March 29, 2009

So discriptive! Worked like a charm! Thank you so much! Now my business can run more smoothly.
Jontap said on July 15, 2009

hi Miro, I saw this comment and had to reply! Go to system settings then to “sharing” and enable file sharing….That’s it your done :)
Jontap said on July 15, 2009

oh ya and then click the “options” button and enable “afp” and “smb”
Anonymous said on March 19, 2010

thanks
Rht said on August 13, 2010

I need help too please.. i dont have the “options” button there. I have os x 10.4.11 and im pretty sure i have changed correct settings, they just dont see eachother
Rht said on August 13, 2010

OS X Tiger i have
Chelsea said on August 26, 2011

I would just love to say that this was super helpful for me. Thank you!