If you use file sharing within your own network, it may no longer function due to a bug or other problem in macOS. Sometimes it is difficult to find out what the cause is. In some cases you can easily solve this via a Terminal command.
If this doesn’t work, there are some solutions you can try to use file sharing within your own network. Due to Apple’s strict security and privacy settings, this can sometimes be a difficult task.
What is file sharing?
File sharing on a Mac is a feature that allows users to easily share files and folders with other users on the same network. The feature is available by default in macOS and can easily be enabled via the System Settings for Sharing.
File sharing allows multiple users to access the same documents, which is ideal for collaboration, but can also create a shared photo or music library. Users can share specific folders and control access by granting permissions, such as read-only or full read and write permissions.
Files are shared via Finder by selecting the shared folder and making it available to other Macs or devices. For greater security, passwords can be set and access can be restricted to certain users. Additionally, macOS supports file sharing with both other Mac computers and Windows PCs via SMB (Server Message Block). This makes it easier to share files within the same network.
Solution when File Sharing stops working
- Open Terminal via Applications â–¸ Utilities
- Copy the command below (command⌘ + c)
- Paste the command into an empty window (command⌘ + V)
- Press enter to execute the command
$sudo /usr/libexec/configureLocalKDC
Now enter your user password (of the account that is logged in), it is normal that no characters appear. Press enter to execute the command. From now on, file sharing will work again and you can use it as usual. If the terminal command does not work, you can try the solutions below.
Restore file sharing
- Open  ▸ System Settings
- Go to ‘General‘ and click ‘To share‘
- Switch ‘File sharing‘ out
Repeat this process on the other Macs that you want to grant file sharing access. Then restart all Macs and enable the ‘File Sharing’ option again and check if the function works again.
Optimize
You can also further optimize File Sharing by clicking on the i button next to File Sharing at  ▸ System Settings ▸ General ▸ Sharing. Select the desired folders that you want to share and enable full disk access if necessary.