Setting Up the SSD as a Network Drive
On Your Mac:
- Connect the SSD via USB-C: Ensure the SSD is properly formatted (using exFAT is a good choice for compatibility between macOS and Windows).
- Sharing Setup:
- Go to System Preferences > Sharing.
- Check the File Sharing box.
- Click the + under “Shared Folders” to add your SSD (or specific folders on it) to the list of shared folders.
- In the “Users” list, set the permissions for "Everyone" to “Read & Write” to allow full access from your Windows machine.
- Click Options, and then make sure "Share files and folders using SMB" is checked. Also, select the account you want to use for sharing.
On Your Windows:
- Connect to the Shared SSD:
- Open File Explorer, right-click on 'This PC', and select 'Add a network location'.
- Follow the wizard and when prompted, enter the network address for your Mac. It will typically be something like
\\[Mac’s IP address]\[SSD name]. - If required, enter your Mac’s username and password that you configured for sharing.
Additional Tips:
- Network Configuration: Since your Mac and Windows PC can both connect via Ethernet, it’s advisable to do so. This setup will minimize latency and maximize transfer rates compared to a Wi-Fi connection.
- Security: Ensure your home network is secure, especially since you are opening your Mac to network connections. Using network credentials is a must.
- Performance: While this setup won't be as efficient as a dedicated NAS or direct connections like Thunderbolt, USB 3.0/USB-C connections combined with Gigabit Ethernet should offer decent performance for development work.
This configuration will allow your Windows computer to access the Unreal Engine project stored on the Mac’s SSD over your network, effectively using it like a NAS. This should work well for your development needs provided the network remains stable and the transfer speeds are adequate for your project sizes.