# How to Send Large Files From Mac to Windows

Macs and Windows PCs can share files, but disk formats, hidden files and video codecs can trip you up.

_Source: https://sharelargefilesfree.com/mac-to-windows-file-transfer · Updated 2026-10-13_

**Quick answer:** To send a large file from a Mac to a Windows PC, upload it at Share Large Files Free (up to 20 GB per transfer) and open the download link on the PC. For many files, zip them first so they arrive as one download. The PC receives the exact same bytes you uploaded.

## Built-in options, and their limits

**File Sharing** in macOS System Settings can share a folder over SMB, which Windows can open on the same network. It takes some setup and only works locally.

A **USB drive** works if it is formatted as **exFAT**, which both systems can read and write. APFS and Mac OS Extended drives are not readable on Windows without extra software, and FAT32 cannot hold files over 4 GB.

**AirDrop** does not work with Windows.

## Send any size from Mac to Windows with a link

1. Open Share Large Files Free in any browser on your Mac.
2. Drag your files or a whole folder onto the page. For many small files, right-click and choose Compress first to make one ZIP.
3. Wait for the upload to finish, then copy the link.
4. Open the link on the Windows PC and click Download.
5. The file lands in the Downloads folder. Windows opens ZIP files in File Explorer without extra software.

## Things that trip people up

- ZIP files made with Finder's Compress can include a __MACOSX folder and ._ files. Windows users can ignore or delete them.
- Windows does not allow some characters in file names that macOS accepts, such as colons, asterisks and question marks. Rename files that use them before sending.
- ProRes and HEVC videos may not play on Windows without extra codecs. Send an H.264 MP4 copy for easy viewing, and the original for editing.
- Apple-specific files such as Pages, Numbers or Keynote documents do not open on Windows. Export them as PDF, Word or Excel first.

## Frequently asked questions

### What USB format works on both Mac and Windows?

exFAT. Both systems can read and write it, and unlike FAT32 it can hold files larger than 4 GB.

### Why won't my Mac video play on Windows?

It may use a codec such as ProRes or HEVC that Windows does not play by default. Converting a copy to MP4 with H.264 plays almost everywhere.

### Can I send a whole folder?

Yes. You can drag a folder onto the page, or zip it first so the recipient gets one file with the structure intact.