Synology NAS SMB Share

3 min read 2 hours ago
Published on Oct 10, 2025 This response is partially generated with the help of AI. It may contain inaccuracies.

Table of Contents

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will guide you through the process of setting up an SMB (Server Message Block) share on a Synology NAS (Network Attached Storage) device. This setup allows you to share files across your network easily and access them from various devices. Understanding how to configure SMB shares is essential for effective file management in both home and office environments.

Step 1: Access Your Synology NAS

  1. Open a web browser on your computer.
  2. Enter the IP address of your Synology NAS in the address bar.
  3. Log in with your administrator credentials.

Step 2: Open Control Panel

  1. Once logged in, locate the main menu (usually in the top-left corner).
  2. Click on "Control Panel" from the dropdown menu.

Step 3: Enable SMB Service

  1. In the Control Panel, find and click on "File Services."
  2. Under the SMB section:
    • Check the box to enable SMB.
    • Optionally, configure the SMB settings such as SMB version based on your network requirements.

Step 4: Create a Shared Folder

  1. In the Control Panel, click on "Shared Folder."
  2. Click the "Create" button to set up a new shared folder.
  3. Fill in the required information:
    • Name: Give your folder a meaningful name.
    • Description: Optionally add a description for clarity.
    • Location: Choose where to store the folder.
  4. Configure permissions:
    • Set permissions for users and groups to control access levels.
    • Ensure that the correct users have read/write or read-only access as needed.
  5. Click "Next" and review your settings, then click "Apply" to create the folder.

Step 5: Configure Advanced Permissions (Optional)

  1. After creating the shared folder, you can set advanced permissions if necessary.
  2. Click on the shared folder you created, then select "Edit."
  3. Go to the "Permissions" tab to adjust user access rights.
  4. You can set specific permissions for each user, allowing for customized access control.

Step 6: Connect to the SMB Share

  1. On your computer, open the file explorer.
  2. In the address bar, type \\<NAS_IP_Address>\<Shared_Folder_Name> and press Enter.
    • Replace <NAS_IP_Address> with your Synology's IP address.
    • Replace <Shared_Folder_Name> with the name of your shared folder.
  3. Enter your NAS username and password if prompted.

Practical Tips

  • Ensure your NAS is on the same network as the devices you wish to connect from.
  • Regularly update your NAS firmware for security and functionality improvements.
  • Consider setting up a static IP for your NAS to prevent connection issues.

Conclusion

Setting up an SMB share on your Synology NAS allows for seamless file sharing across your network. By following these steps, you can easily create and manage shared folders, customize user access, and connect from various devices. For further enhancements, explore additional features such as backup solutions and user management offered by the Synology interface.