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Mac

Connect a Mac to a server or NAS

After these steps the share on your server or NAS appears in the Finder under «Locations» and, if you wish, is one click away in the Dock. The guide applies to macOS 15 Sequoia, macOS 26 Tahoe and macOS 27 Golden Gate.

Platform
macOS
Applies to
macOS 27 Golden Gate (same procedure from macOS 15 Sequoia)
Time needed
approx. 5 Min.
Level
Beginner
Mac mit einem Server oder NAS verbinden Apple

What you need

  • Mac connected to the company network via Wi-Fi or cable. When working from home, the VPN connection must be active.
  • The server address you received from your IT
  • User name and password for the server. Your IT provides both.

  1. Step 1: Open the Finder

    Click the Finder icon in the Dock.

    Alternatively, press Command and Space, type «Finder» and press Return.

  2. Step 2: Open «Connect to Server»

    GoConnect to Server…

    In the menu bar, click «Go» and choose «Connect to Server…».

    The keyboard shortcut Command and K is quicker, as long as the Finder is in the foreground.

    • Network
    • Connect to Server… ⌘ K (click here)
    Simplified sketch, the actual screen may look slightly different.

  3. Step 3: Enter the server address

    Type the address you received from your IT into the «Server Address» field.

    For Windows servers and most NAS devices it starts with smb:// and follows the pattern smb://servername/share. Your IT may also give you an IP address instead of the server name.

    • Server Address smb://servername/share (click here)
    • Cancel
    • Connect
    Simplified sketch, the actual screen may look slightly different.

  4. Step 4: Start the connection

    Click «Connect».

    The Mac looks for the server and opens a sign-in window. This takes a few seconds.

  5. Step 5: Sign in as a registered user

    Under «Connect As», choose «Registered User».

    Enter the user name and password you received from your IT and click «Connect».

    • Guest
    • Registered User (click here)
    • Name firstname.lastname
    • Password ••••••••
    • Remember this password in my keychain
    • Connect
    Simplified sketch, the actual screen may look slightly different.

  6. Step 6: Save the password in the keychain

    Before clicking «Connect», tick «Remember this password in my keychain».

    The Mac then remembers your sign-in details and does not ask for them the next time you connect.

    Note: On a Mac shared by several people, it is better to leave this unticked.

  7. Step 7: Open the share

    If the Mac asks for a volume, select the share you need. If the address already contains the share name, this prompt does not appear.

    The server then appears in the Finder sidebar under «Locations». Click it to see its folders.

    • Favorites
    • Desktop
    • Locations
    • servername (click here)
    • Network
    Simplified sketch, the actual screen may look slightly different.

  8. Step 8: Drag the server to the Dock

    Drag the server from the sidebar to the right-hand part of the Dock, next to the Trash.

    From then on, clicking the icon in the Dock opens the share directly and reconnects if necessary.

Frequently asked questions

The Mac reports that the server could not be found. What now?
First check the address for typos and make sure it starts with smb://. Outside the office the VPN connection must be active. If it still fails, the server may be switched off or your Mac may be on a different network. In that case contact your IT.
Can the Mac connect to the server automatically when I log in?
Yes. First connect to the server as described. Then open «System Settings» from the Apple menu, click «General» and «Login Items & Extensions». Use the plus sign below the list to add the server.
I changed my password and the connection no longer works.
The keychain is still using the old password. Connect again via «Connect to Server», enter the new password and tick «Remember this password in my keychain» again.
How do I disconnect?
In the Finder sidebar, click the eject icon next to the server name. The data on the server remains unchanged.

Stuck on a step?

Start a remote support session and we will take a look at your screen together with you.

Remote Support (Mac) Helpdesk (Windows) info@guycolle.com

Sources

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