Network File Sharing

ZeroTier creates a secure virtual network between devices, allowing seamless file sharing whether you're on Windows, macOS, or Linux. Here’s how to share files step-by-step.

Prerequisites

• A working ZeroTier network with 2 or more devices, per the ZeroTier Quickstart Guide

Step 1: Enable File Sharing

Choose your platform and follow the OS-specific file sharing setup instructions:

Windows

Windows

1. Open Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center.
2. Click Change advanced sharing settings.
3. Enable: Network discovery and File and printer sharing
4. Right-click the folder to share -> Properties -> Sharing tab -> Share… or Advanced Sharing….

MacOS

macOS

1. Open System Settings -> General -> Sharing.
2. Enable File Sharing.
3. Add folders and configure user permissions.

Use Apple’s File Sharing Guide for more information.

Linux

Linux

Option 1: Samba (SMB)
Install and configure Samba:

sudo apt install samba
sudo nano /etc/samba/smb.conf

Add a share:

[shared]
   path = /home/username/shared
   read only = no
   browsable = yes

Set a Samba password:

sudo smbpasswd -a username

Restart Samba:

sudo systemctl restart smbd

Step 2: Transfer Files

Once sharing is enabled:

• Windows to Mac/Linux: Open \\<ZeroTier IP>\SharedFolder in File Explorer.
• Mac to Windows/Linux: Use Finder → Connect to Server with smb://<ZeroTier IP>.
• Linux to Others: Use file browser (as Mac) or CLI with smbclient, scp, or mount the share.

Optional: Use SFTP Instead (All Platforms)

If you prefer SSH-based transfer:

1. Install an SSH server on the host device.
2. Connect using an SFTP client like FileZilla or scp.

Example:

scp file.txt [email protected]:/path/to/destination