If you're looking for a convenient way to move documents, photos or videos between your mobile and PC, CX Explorer and the SMB protocol They're a fast and efficient combination that works seamlessly on your local network. Plus, when that option isn't viable, there are alternative methods like MTP or ADB that can save you the trouble, especially if you're copying thousands of files.
In this guide we tell you step by step how to prepare Windows to share folders, how to connect from Android with CX Explorer and other apps compatible with SMB, and what security measures and solutions Apply if something resists. You'll also see additional options like ADB (very fast), NAS, or Google Drive, so you can choose the path that best suits your needs.
SMB and Samba: The Foundation for Connecting Android and Windows
Local network file sharing between Windows computers and other devices is supported by the SMB/CIFS protocol. In mixed environments, Samba acts as the “interpreter” which enables cross-system compatibility, ensuring that SMB-based devices can talk to Windows machines seamlessly.
Beyond folder sharing, Samba can also offer network printing servicesThat is, printers connected to the server become accessible from different operating systems, simplifying centralized management and improving productivity when multiple users and platforms coexist.
La user management and authentication Samba is another pillar: access policies, permissions, and security rules are defined with Samba. It can be integrated with systems like LDAP to centrally manage credentials and profiles, which is key if you're going to open resources to multiple users or computers.
In terms of interoperability, a Samba server mediates between different systems to ensure compatibility with Windows environmentsThat seamless communication via SMB/CIFS is just what we need for an Android file explorer to access shared folders on your PC.
Setting up Windows: sharing folders without headaches
Before touching the mobile phone it is advisable prepare the PCIn Windows, open the Network and Sharing Center (from Network & Internet settings) and verify that “file and printer sharing” is enabled in the appropriate profile (usually Private Network).
In “All networks” you can deactivate the password-protected sharing If you want to simplify access from Android. It will also work with credentials, but you'll have to enter your username and password in the app when you log in.
To share a specific folder, go to its Properties, under the "Sharing" tab, and add "Everyone" with the permissions you prefer (read-only or read and write). From that moment on, the files stored there will be shared. will be visible via SMB from your Android with a compatible browser.
Once everything is set up, you'll see the shared folders from your phone without having to install anything fancy on your PC. If you use a username/password, have your credentials ready to be entered at the time of connection.
Access from Android: CX Explorer and other compatible apps
On Android, there are several file managers capable of connecting to SMB. With them, you can open, copy, move, rename or delete remote content as if it were local. Here's a rundown of the highlights.
Fx file explorer
FX File Explorer is a very complete and free manager on Google Play. Supports SMBv2 and other protocols such as FTP, SSH, or WebDAV. After installing it, go to "Network," add a computer, and use the "Windows Host (SMB)" option to scan your network. Once your computer is detected, add it, tap its name, and that's it: you'll see the shared folders and be able to manage them.
File manager
Another very simple alternative is “File Manager” (also on the Play Store). On the main screen, go to “Remote” and tap on Add location. Choose the access type: Local Network/SMB/FTP/SFTP/WebDAV. To connect to your PC, use Local Network or SMB, select the device, and access the shared folders. It's a popular app, with more than 100 million downloads and very high rating.
CX File Explorer
This is the star if you want a smooth SMB experience. When you open CX Explorer, you'll see sections like Local, Library and Network. Go to "Network," click "New Location," and let it scan your network to find your PC. Once you select it, the list of shared resources will appear; if you removed password protection in Windows, you'll be able to log in without further steps.
RS File Manager
RS File Manager works in a similar way: from the “Network” section you can choose LAN, FTP, or remote connections, and locate your computer to open its folders. You can also access it from the side menu, if you find it more convenient to open it from the top.
andSMB
AndSMB is a very capable SMB/CIFS client, independent of other browsers. It allows browse, upload and download files Without root, either via Wi-Fi on your local network or over the internet if you connect via VPN to your home network. It's a robust option if you only want to focus on SMB.
Most browsers already support SMB
Nowadays, many file managers for Android include access to Samba servers, plus FTP/FTPES and SFTP; if you are looking for a advanced file manager, you may already have it installed. If your phone comes with a powerful browser built in, you may already be able to connect to your shared folders without installing anything extra. And remember: to access from outside your home, it's ideal to use a VPN for secure access to your local network.
Transfer between Android and Windows with CX Explorer, step by step
With your PC ready and your shared folders ready, open CX Explorer on your phone. In the "Network" section, tap "New Location," wait for the scan, and choose your PC. If everything is on the same local network (a key requirement): Windows PC and Android on the same WiFi) you will see the shared resources immediately.
Once inside, you can copy from PC to mobile or from mobile to PC, in addition to move, rename or delete depending on the permissions you've given in Windows. If you set up passwordless sharing, the connection will be direct; if you protected it with credentials, enter the username and password when prompted.
You can manage large batches of files from the app itself. If you need to organize photos, music, or documents, the library view helps you. quickly filter content, and the network view keeps you just a tap away from your PC. If you prefer visual confirmation, enable the progress options to see how each copy is progressing.
In some tutorials it is summarized in three conditions: Windows PC, Android mobile and both connected to the same local networkOnce those requirements are met, CX Explorer takes care of the rest with a clear interface and no awkward steps.
When SMB isn't enough: MTP, ADB by commands and ADB Explorer
Sometimes you might prefer not to rely on SMB. Classic mode is connect via MTP: You connect your phone via USB and Windows displays it as an external device. It's easy and universal, but does not stand out for speed when you copy tens of thousands of files.
For large volumes, ADB (Android Debug Bridge) shines. transfer large files. Although it was born for debugging, it also allows transfer files by “pull” and “push”. Simply download ADB (e.g., in C:\ADB), enable developer options and USB debugging on your phone, and run “adb devices” from PowerShell or CMD to launch the ADB server.
From there you can automate bulk backups. A common example is listing a path on your phone (such as /sdcard/DCIM/Camera) and pull “adb pull” to a folder on your PC. Options like “-a” keep the original date/time, and “-p” displays the progress. This approach has proven to be dramatically faster than MTP, even with huge libraries (we're talking about more than 20.000 photos and videos).
If you don't fancy the console, there's ADB Explorer, a GUI that detects your phone when you plug in the cable with USB debugging enabled. It lets you browse folders, select files, and copy them to the PC (pull) or to the mobile (push) Without fussing with commands, it displays a blue progress bar during the transfer. It doesn't allow you to drag directly into Windows Explorer, but the flow is very simple.
A practical advantage of ADB is being able to place images directly into /sdcard/DCIM/Camera so the system and apps like Google Photos recognize them as camera roll photos. If they don't appear immediately, closing the app, clearing cache and data (if applicable), and reopening it usually forces reindexing.
In benchmark tests with a representative batch (several thousand photos), command line transfer with ADB can be approximately four times faster than MTPThe ADB Explorer interface adds a small overhead, but it still cuts MTP time in half or less with a more user-friendly experience.
