How to Use Windows Live Mesh for File Sharing

Windows Live Mesh is a file synchronization and remote desktop solution provided by Microsoft. It allows users to easily access files and applications from different devices, share files with others, and remotely connect to a computer. In this tutorial, we will guide you on how to set up and use Windows Live Mesh for file sharing.

Prerequisites

Before we begin, please ensure that you meet the following requirements:

1. A computer running Windows 7, 8, or 10.
2. A Microsoft account (a free account you can create at https://account.microsoft.com).
3. An active internet connection.
4. Windows Live Mesh software installed on your computer.

Step 1: Install Windows Live Mesh

1. Download and install the Windows Live Mesh software from the Microsoft website or by searching for "Windows Live Mesh" in your preferred search engine.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.
3. Launch Windows Live Mesh after the installation is complete.

Step 2: Sign in with your Microsoft Account

1. Launch Windows Live Mesh if it is not already running.
2. Sign in with your Microsoft account credentials (the same credentials used for your Windows login).
3. If prompted, grant any necessary permissions for Windows Live Mesh to access your files and folders.

Step 3: Add Folders to Sync

1. Click on the "Add folders" button in the Windows Live Mesh interface.
2. Browse your computer to select the folders you want to sync across devices.
3. Click on the "Sync" button to start the synchronization process. Windows Live Mesh will now upload the selected folders to your Microsoft account online.

Step 4: Access Files on Other Devices

1. On another device, such as a different computer or a mobile device, sign in to Windows Live Mesh using the same Microsoft account.
2. After signing in, you will see the synchronized folders listed in the Windows Live Mesh interface.
3. Click on a synchronized folder to access its contents. You can view, download, and modify files as needed. Any changes made will be synced across all devices.

Step 5: Share Files with Others

1. In the Windows Live Mesh interface, select the folder you want to share.
2. Click on the "Share" button.
3. Enter the email addresses of the people you want to share the folder with.
4. Customize the sharing permissions if needed (e.g., read-only vs. read/write access).
5. Click on the "Send" button to send the sharing invitation. The recipients will receive an email with a link to access the shared folder.

Step 6: Access Remote Desktop

1. In the Windows Live Mesh interface, click on the "Remote" tab.
2. Click on the "Add a computer" button.
3. Enter the Windows Live ID (email address) and password for the computer you want to remotely connect to.
4. Click on the "Connect" button.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the remote desktop connection setup.
6. Once connected, you can control the remote computer and access its files and applications as if you were sitting in front of it.

Congratulations! You have learned how to use Windows Live Mesh for file sharing. You can now easily sync files across devices, share files with others, and remotely connect to a computer using this powerful Microsoft tool. Experiment with its features and explore more functionalities to enhance your productivity.