If what you want is to link your Android with your computer and move documents without any hassle, CX Explorer (also known as Cx File Explorer) It's one of those apps that lets you work as if you were in Windows Explorer or Finder. It connects to local networks, clouds, and external storage to Transfer and manage files quickly and without overloading your phone.
In this article you will see how to leave Windows ready to share via SMB, what steps to follow from Android with CX Explorer, other compatible apps like AirDroid, what to check if something goes wrong, and what security measures should be implemented. We also review alternatives such as NAS or Google Drive, and the role of Samba in the network, which in addition to files allows network printing and fine-grained user control.
What is CX Explorer and why it's ideal for sharing with your PC
CX Explorer is a manager with a clean interface based on Material Design that works on mobile, tablet, and Android TV, and whose great advantage is combining clarity with power. browse, copy, move, compress, rename, extract and delete both on internal storage and on cards or USB drives without requiring root or strange settings.
In connectivity it offers access to network storage (NAS or PCs) through SMB, FTP, FTPS, SFTP, WebDAV and LAN, and it also includes an integrated FTP server to access the phone from your PC. In practice, you can open Windows folders from Android as if they were local and transfer photos, videos or documents wirelessly.
The app also helps to clean and organize: it incorporates visual storage analysis to detect what's taking up the most space, recycle bin to recover or delete with more control, and a cleaner to locate junk files, duplicates, and forgotten apps. All with a very direct interface and no bloatware feeling.
If you usually work in front of a computer, some people suggest running CX on a PC or Mac with BlueStacks or other emulators, or even control your Android from the desktop for big-picture management. It's not essential for sharing with your PC, but it can be a convenient way to centralize management if you spend many hours on the computer (and if you use a Mac, in our guide to Mac and Android we explain exchange options).
Basic requirements and typical scenarios
For the exchange to work without surprises, the PC and phone must be in the same same local network. You need a Windows computer, your Android with CX Explorer (or other apps you'll see below) and Windows folders shared by SMB.
A common case that appears in forums: people who see how the LAN transfer suddenly stops working and the system flags Storage access: denied without having touched anything. If this happens to you (for example, reported on an Acer Spin 513), check the app's storage permissions in System Settings and check in Windows that sharing is still active and that the folder remains published on the network with the expected permissions.
Configure Windows to share folders via SMB
Before you touch your phone, you need to prepare Windows so other devices can access your folders. The goal is to activate the file and printer sharing and publish the directories you are interested in with correct permissions.
Open the Network and Sharing Center from the network icon in the taskbar (right-click → Open Network & Internet settings) and from there access the advanced center. In the network profile you use (usually Private) make sure it is enabled. enabled file and printer sharing.
Under “All networks” you will see the option to share with password protection. Disabling it makes it easier to access from Android (it won't ask for credentials every time). If you prefer extra security, leave it enabled: it will work the same, but you'll have to enter the Windows username and password in the app.
To share a folder, go to its Properties → Sharing tab. Click “Share…”, add the “Everyone” group, and set permissions (read-only or read and write). From there, the folder will be visible on the network, and you can access it from your mobile device with a SMB client supported like CX Explorer.
Connect from Android: Recommended Apps
Fx file explorer
FX File Explorer stands out for its balance between power and simplicity, with compatibility with SMBv2 in addition to FTP, SSH or WebDAV. After installing it, go to “Network,” click “Add,” and choose “Windows Host (SMB)” to scan. Select the computer on your network (make sure both are on the same network). same Wi‑Fi) and you will instantly see the shared folders.
File manager
The generic file manager that many mobile phones come with or that you can download for free works wonderfully and is very popular (accumulates almost 5 stars and more than 100 million downloads). On the main screen, tap “Remote”, press “Add a remote location”, let it search and choose “Local Network” to display the devices. Select the PC and access its shared folders.
CX Explorer (Cx File Explorer)
In CX, you'll see three sections: Local, Library, and Network. Go to "Network" and click "New Location" to find available computers. Choose your PC and open its shared folders. If Windows is configured without a password, you will enter directly; if not, enter your username and password. Remember that CX also allows your PC to connect to your mobile phone via FTP, something useful if you prefer to shoot from the computer.
RS File Manager
RS Administrator offers a “Network” panel with options such as Cloud Drive, LAN, FTP or Remote. Choose the one you need (usually LAN for SMB) and navigate without complications. If you're a menu-driven user, open the top left corner and go to "Network" for the same access options.
andSMB
AndSMB is very comprehensive and focuses on SMB/CIFS to get into any shared folder from the network. It works both over Wi‑Fi and mobile data via a VPN, so you can safely access your home network from outside. It doesn't rely on external browsers or require root permissions.
Samba on the network: much more than files
Samba is the free implementation of the SMB/CIFS protocol typical of Windows environments. A Samba server on your network acts as a bridge between systems so that Linux, macOS, or Android can interoperate with Windows seamlessly.
In addition to folder sharing, Samba enables network printingThis allows printers to be shared and managed from different systems, facilitating centralized queue management and increasing productivity in mixed environments.
Another key front is the user management and authentication. Samba allows you to define access policies, granular permissions and resource protection, and integrates with LDAP to centralize credentials when there are many users.
In terms of compatibility, Samba mediates between different platforms, ensuring that services are compatible with Windows environments and optimizing connections and administration.
Safety measures that should not be neglected
- Strong passwords: Use long passwords with letters, numbers, and symbols; it's better to use a password manager than reusing simple combinations.
- Data encryptionUse solutions that protect information in transit and at rest; with VPNs or secure protocols, you can avoid prying eyes.
- Minimum permits: Share only what's necessary; if you're not going to upload anything, limit yourself to reading and restrict users to reduce the attack surface.
- Updates: Keep Android, apps, and Windows up to date; many incidents are avoided with patches. known vulnerabilities.
- secure networks- Avoid public Wi-Fi sharing; if you have to use them, connect one VPN to add encryption and authenticity.
- Backups: Schedule periodic backups and keep at least one copy outside the device (cloud or external disk), better if they are distributed in several sites.
Other methods to share between PC and mobile
SMB is straightforward and very practical, but you may be better suited to a NAS or the cloud depending on the case. Each option has its pros and cons. If you prefer integrated solutions for modern mobile devices, you can also use Samsung Quick Share for fast transfers between compatible devices.
NAS
A NAS offers flexibility and growth, but at a higher cost and complexity than sharing folders in Windows. You'll need a unit with bays, buy disks designed for continuous use and place them on the network. In return you have plenty of scalable space, granular users and permissions, and remote access if you set it up.
Beyond the home NAS there are personal servers to centralize multiple services, although in a home they are usually excessive and expensive in hardware and time. For sharing with Android, a basic NAS or simply SMB on Windows is usually sufficient.
Google Drive
If you don't need to move large volumes, Google Drive is very convenient: it usually comes pre-installed on Android, offers 15 GB free per account and works on mobile, web, desktop, and more devices. Ideal for sharing and collaborating without having to turn on your PC. If you want to learn more about how to manage it and what's new, check out how the app works. Google Drive update on Android.
Of course, if you're looking for a lot of space you'll have to pay, and you won't be able to take advantage of your physical storage like you would with a NAS or SMB. In the Apple ecosystem there's iCloud with 5 GB free. In favor of the cloud, you don't have to leave your equipment on and you can access it from anywhere.
Common problems and how to solve them
It does not detect the computer or folders: Check that your PC and phone are on the same local network; if one is on 5 GHz and the other on 2,4 GHz, detection may fail. Put them on the same band and try restarting your router and devices.
Firewall blocks: On Windows or your router, certain rules may prevent SMB. Check your firewall to allow it. file sharing and confirm that the network profile is Private at home.
Credentials failure: If you use protected folders, enter the correct password. Windows username and password in the Android app and make sure that account has permissions. If you don't need to upload, set it to read-only.
Unsecured network: Avoid sharing from public Wi-Fi; if you need to access from outside, create a VPN to your home and access locally and encrypted to PC or NAS.
Storage access denied on Android- If the app loses permissions, go to Settings → Apps → CX Explorer and check the Storage permission. In specific cases (such as the one reported in a Acer Spin 513), reinstalling, re-granting permissions, and checking the sharing status in Windows usually fixes it.
More browsers supporting SMB and remote access
Most modern browsers on Android have built-in clients for SMB, FTP, FTPES and SFTPIf your phone already has a powerful one, take a look at its “Network” or “Remote” menus: you may not need to install anything extra to access your shared folders.
For connections when you are away from home, remember to use VPN so that traffic travels encrypted and authenticated. This way, you'll avoid exposing SMB directly to the Internet and maintain access similar to your local network.
Useful notes and practical recommendations
If you like to switch apps, a balanced selection would be Fx file explorer (for its SMBv2 support and network view), the popular File manager (easy and free) and CX Explorer If you want a modern UI with cleanliness and visual space analysis, RS Manager and AndSMB round out the repertoire with LAN- and CIFS/SMB-approved approaches.
As a temporary note, there are guides that were updated on dates such as July 20, 2021. Although the basis of SMB has not changed radically, it is advisable to apply the latest versions of Windows and apps to avoid bugs and vulnerabilities, and download only from official sources.
With Windows sharing settings, several Android apps to connect via SMB, clear security measures, alternatives like NAS or Google Drive and a list of typical problems with their solutions, you have everything you need to exchange files between mobile and PC safely. comfortable and secure on your home network.
