Connecting Nextcloud to a PC or Mac (Desktop Client)
Learn how to install the Nextcloud app on your computer so you can manage your files directly from Windows or macOS.
Although managing files from the browser is easy, the real convenience of Nextcloud lies in the desktop client. Once you install it, a local folder is created on your PC or Mac. Every file you save there is automatically uploaded to the cloud, and any changes made by your collaborators appear immediately on your screen.
Downloading and Installing the App
Download the official and secure app for your operating system:
- Visit the official Nextcloud download page (nextcloud.com/install) and select the section Desktop Clients.
- Download the version for your operating system (Windows, macOS, or Linux).
- Open the file you downloaded and follow the standard installation steps (by clicking Next / Next) without changing the default settings. Finally, select the option to launch the app.
[ Screenshot: The Nextcloud Installer's home screen on Windows or Mac ]
Connect to Your Corporate Cloud
When you open the app for the first time, it will ask you to sign in:
- Click the button Log In.
- In the field Server Address, enter the URL of your Nextcloud (e.g.,.
https://cloud.yoursite.gr) and press Next. - A window will automatically open in your browser. If you are not already logged in, enter your username and password. Then, click the button Log In / Grant Access.
- Once you see the success message, you can close your browser. The app is now connected!
[ Screenshot: The Server Address input window and the "Grant Access" confirmation page in the browser ]
Synchronization & Virtual Files Settings
This is the most critical technical step before you start using it:
- On the last settings tab of the app, be sure to select the Use virtual files instead of “Synchronize All.”.
- Select the local folder on your computer where the shortcut will be created (we recommend keeping the default path).
- Click Connect. The circular Nextcloud icon will appear in your computer's menu (in the lower-right corner of Windows, next to the time, or in the upper-right corner on a Mac), and it will turn green once the check is complete.
When you enable virtual files, you can view all of your company's documents as usual, but they take up zero space on your disk! Next to them is an icon cloud. When you double-click to open a file (e.g., an Excel file), the application downloads it instantly, opens it, and the icon changes to green checkmark. If you're done and don't need it locally, right-click on it and select Nextcloud -> Free up space so it can become virtual again!
Because synchronization is two-way and immediate, if you delete a file or an entire folder from your PC, it It will be automatically deleted for all users and from the Cloud! If you just want to stop viewing a shared folder without deleting it, open the Nextcloud app settings, uncheck that specific folder from the sync list, and tap Apply.
[ Screenshot: The icons (cloud, green checkmark, circular arrows) displayed next to files in Windows Explorer ]
Would you like to centrally configure permissions and group folders for your team?;
Connecting the computers is the first step. However, for a business to operate properly, it needs a structured architecture: separate folders for each department (e.g., Administration, Sales, Accounting) with strict access permissions. At Skynetix, we offer **Advanced Cloud Administration** services. We’ll design your user structure, create secure groups (Groups), and to lock down sensitive data, ensuring that each employee sees on their computer only what is relevant to their role!
