Can Chromebooks Access Network File Shares?
Published on by Jim Mendenhall
Short Answer:
The only ‘network shares’ that are available by default are shared folders on Google Drive. However, there are several extensions available that allow access to other network share types and onlines services like Dropbox (see Dropbox Integration for Chromebooks for more details).
Long Answer:
Chrome OS’s new File System Provider API allows virtually any network file system to be integrated directly into the Chrome OS file manager. This should allow traditional Windows Shares (aka Samba or SMB) to be accessed on Chromebooks as well as WebDAV, SFTP, FTP or any other traditional file sharing technology. It will also allow 3rd party online storage providers such as Dropbox, Box, Microsoft OneDrive, and Amazon S3 to provide extensions that will let Chromebooks seamlessly interact with their storage services. As services roll out Chrome OS integration, Chromebooks and Chromeboxes should become a lot more useful for businesses and power users.
Recommended Chromebooks for Network File Sharing
If you’re planning to use network file shares regularly, especially for business or professional work, consider a Chromebook Plus model with strong performance and connectivity options:
ASUS ExpertBook CX54 Chromebook Plus
The ASUS ExpertBook CX54 is purpose-built for business users, offering excellent connectivity with Thunderbolt 4 ports, WiFi 6E, and a premium build. It’s ideal for users who need to access corporate file servers and handle multiple network connections simultaneously.
For a more budget-friendly option with great versatility, the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 2-in-1 14 provides solid performance and convertible functionality, making it suitable for both network file access and productivity tasks.
