How to Install ZeroTier on Mac and Access Windows 10

ZeroTier is a powerful software-defined networking tool that creates secure, peer-to-peer virtual networks, allowing devices to connect as if they were on the same local network. This guide walks you through installing ZeroTier on a Mac, setting it up, and using it to access a Windows 10 machine remotely for tasks like file sharing or remote desktop.

Prerequisites

• A Mac running macOS 10.13 or later.
• A Windows 10 machine (Windows 7 or later supported, but this guide focuses on Windows 10).
• Administrative privileges on both devices.
• A ZeroTier account (sign up at zerotier.com).
• Internet connection for downloading and authorizing devices.

Step 1: Sign Up and Create a ZeroTier Network

1. Create a ZeroTier Account:
   • Visit my.zerotier.com and sign up for a free account.
   • Log in to the ZeroTier Central dashboard.
2. Create a Network:
   • Click Create a Network in the dashboard.
   • Note the 16-digit Network ID (e.g., a1b2c3d4e5f67890) generated for your network.
   • Optionally, name the network (e.g., “Mac-Win10-Network”) for easy identification.

Step 2: Install ZeroTier on Your Mac

1. Download the Installer:
   • Go to zerotier.com/download and download the macOS installer (.pkg file).
2. Install ZeroTier:
   • Open the downloaded .pkg file and follow the installation prompts.
   • Grant permissions if prompted (e.g., for system extensions or network access) in System Preferences > Security & Privacy.
3. Join the Network:
   • Launch the ZeroTier app from the Applications folder or via the menu bar icon.
   • Click the ZeroTier icon in the menu bar, select Join Network, and enter your Network ID.
   • If the Join Network option is missing, open a Terminal and run:sudo zerotier-cli join <Network ID>
   • Check for a tick next to the Network ID in the ZeroTier menu, indicating a connection attempt.

Step 3: Install ZeroTier on Your Windows 10 Machine

1. Download the Installer:
   • On the Windows 10 machine, visit zerotier.com/download and download the Windows installer (.msi file).
2. Install ZeroTier:
   • Run the .msi file and follow the prompts. Approve the installation of the network driver when prompted.
   • Launch the ZeroTier app, which appears in the system tray (bottom-right corner).
3. Join the Network:
   • Right-click the ZeroTier system tray icon and select Open Control Panel.
   • Enter your Network ID in the Join Network field and click Join.
   • If prompted, click Yes to allow the PC to be discoverable on the network.

Step 4: Authorize Devices in ZeroTier Central

1. Access the Dashboard:
   • Log in to my.zerotier.com and select your network.
2. Authorize Devices:
   • In the Members section, find the Node IDs for your Mac and Windows 10 machines (displayed in their respective ZeroTier apps).
   • Check the Auth box for each device to authorize them.
   • Optionally, assign names (e.g., “My Mac” and “My Win10 PC”) and note the assigned IP addresses (e.g., 10.147.17.8 for Mac, 10.147.17.224 for Windows).
3. Verify Connection:
   • On the Mac, open a Terminal and ping the Windows 10 machine’s ZeroTier IP:ping -c 5 <Windows ZeroTier IP>
   • On Windows, open Command Prompt and ping the Mac’s ZeroTier IP:ping -n 5 <Mac ZeroTier IP>
   • Successful pings confirm connectivity.

Step 5: Access Windows 10 from Your Mac

1. Enable Remote Desktop on Windows 10:
   • On the Windows 10 machine, go to Settings > System > Remote Desktop.
   • Enable Remote Desktop and note the PC name or use the ZeroTier IP.
   • Ensure the Windows Defender Firewall allows Remote Desktop (port 3389) or temporarily disable it for testing (see Microsoft’s guide).
2. Connect from Mac:
   • Download Microsoft Remote Desktop from the Mac App Store.
   • Open the app, click Add PC, and enter the Windows 10 ZeroTier IP or PC name.
   • Input your Windows credentials (username and password) and connect.
   • Alternatively, use file sharing by enabling File and Printer Sharing on Windows and accessing it via smb://<Windows ZeroTier IP> in Finder on the Mac.
3. Test the Connection:
   • Verify you can control the Windows desktop or access shared files from the Mac.
   • If connection fails, ensure both devices are authorized and online in ZeroTier Central.

Troubleshooting Tips

• No Connection: Verify both devices are authorized in ZeroTier Central and the ZeroTier service is running. Check firewall settings on both machines (ZeroTier uses UDP port 9993).
• macOS Permissions: Revisit System Preferences > Security & Privacy to grant ZeroTier all required permissions (e.g., network access).
• Windows Firewall: Ensure the Windows Defender Firewall allows ZeroTier and Remote Desktop traffic, or temporarily disable it for testing (see Microsoft’s firewall guide).
• M1 Mac Issues: If using an M1 Mac, ensure you’re using the latest ZeroTier version with native M1 support.
• For further help, consult the ZeroTier Documentation or community forums.

Best Practices

• Secure Your Network: Keep your ZeroTier network private and regularly review authorized devices in ZeroTier Central.
• Use Strong Credentials: For Windows Remote Desktop, use strong passwords and consider enabling Network Level Authentication (NLA).
• Minimize Firewall Disabling: Instead of turning off the Windows firewall, create specific rules for ZeroTier and Remote Desktop.
• Monitor Performance: If remote desktop performance is slow, adjust settings in Microsoft Remote Desktop or ensure a stable internet connection.

Conclusion

By installing ZeroTier on your Mac and Windows 10 machine, you can create a secure virtual network to access the Windows PC remotely for desktop control or file sharing. This setup is ideal for remote work, IT support, or personal use. For advanced configurations, such as bridging to local networks or optimizing latency, explore the ZeroTier Documentation or Splashtop’s premium features for enhanced remote access.