How to Install, Configure and Connect Samba Client on Ubuntu

Nadiba Rahman
Written by Nadiba Rahman
Borhan Uddin
Reviewed by Borhan Uddin
Last updated: Jan 16, 2024

Samba, a free, open-source utility of SMB networking protocol, enables file sharing between Linux machines and other operating systems. And Server Message Block(SMB) allows Samba clients to connect and access the files and directories remotely. In this article, I have outlined step-by-step procedures of installing, configuring and connecting a Samba client on Ubuntu. Let’s go over it & grasp the basics.

Process Flow Chart to Install, Configure & Connect Samba Client

Flowchart on 'How to Install, Configure and Connect Samba Client on Ubuntu'

[Distro Used Throughout the Tutorial: Ubuntu 22.04.2 LTS]

Table of Contents Expand

Installing Samba on Ubuntu

The Samba package is available on Ubuntu’s official repositories. Here I will show you how to install Samba on Ubuntu:

  1. First, open the Ubuntu terminal & install the apt packages by executing the following command 
    sudo apt-get update
    EXPLANATION
    • sudo: Super User DO.
    • apt-get: Advanced package utility.
    • update: Updates on the local system.
    Advanced package utility update for the local system
  2. Then, install Samba packages using the following command: 
    sudo apt install samba

    Installing Samba

  3. Now, you can check if you have installed Samba successfully or not with the command below: 
    whereis samba
    EXPLANATION
    • whereis: Returns the source, binary and manual page files of given commands.
    • samba: Free packages.
    Checking if Samba installation is done successfully or not
  4. Finally, to make a Samba user directory write the following command and hit the ENTER button: 
    mkdir /home/nadiba/sambashare
    EXPLANATION
    • mkdir: Creates one or more directories.
    • /home/nadiba/sambashare: Indicates ‘sambashare’ directory inside the home directory of user “nadiba”.
    Creating a directory named 'sambashare'After this samba installation and creation of a user directory will be completed.

Read More: How to Install and Configure Samba Server in Ubuntu? [4 Steps]

Configuring Samba on Ubuntu

After the installation process, you need to configure Samba on Ubuntu by following the steps below:

  1. Type according to the following command to open the configuration file for Samba: 
    sudo nano /etc/samba/smb.conf
    EXPLANATION
    • sudo: Super User DO.
    • nano: It’s a text editor.
    • /etc/samba/smb.conf: Enters into the Samba configuration file under the “etc” directory.
    open Samba configuration file in nano text editor
  2. Now, append the following options inside the file: 
    comment = Samba on Ubuntu

path = /home/nadiba/sambashare

read only = no

browsable = yes

    Appending some options inside the Samba configuration file

    OUTPUT ANALYSIS
    • path: It’s the path to the Samba share of the user.
    • read only: Users are able to write in this share by setting it to “no”.
    • browsable: Other users will be able to browse the share by setting it to “yes”.

  3. Then, save it by pressing “CTRL+O” and “ENTER”. Then, type “CTRL+X” to exit. Once done restart the Samba services using the command below:

    sudo service smbd restart
    EXPLANATION
    • sudo: Super User DO.
    • service: The services sudo provides.
    • smbd restart: Restart Samba service.

    Restarting Samba service & Configuring ufw firewallNow, if you are using UFW for your firewall configuration, then you will need to allow the ‘samba’ profile by using the following command like the above snapshot: 
    sudo ufw allow samba
    EXPLANATION
    • sudo: Super User DO.
    • ufw: Uncomplicated Firewall.
    • allow samba: Allows ‘samba’ profile.

  4.  Add a user to Samba database by setting & re-confirming new user password for Samba like the following. Here, I have added the user “nadiba”, you can add any of your likings.

    sudo smbpasswd -a nadiba
    EXPLANATION
    • sudo: Super User DO.
    • smbpasswd: Samba encrypted password file.
    • -a nadiba: Indicates the user.

    Adding user by setting & confirming password
  5. Finally, to enable the user Samba account run the command below. Here, I have added the user “nadiba”, you can choose according to your choice. 
    sudo smbpasswd -e nadiba
    EXPLANATION
    • -e nadiba: Enables the user.
    Enabling the userOnce you put the password, you will see the line ‘Enabled user nadiba’.

Read More: How to Configure NFS Server in Linux? [5 Steps]

Connecting to Samba Share on Ubuntu

As a Linux user, you can access the Samba share using the command line & mount the Samba share. Now, to get the IP address of the Samba server type the following command and copy the IP address:

ifconfig
EXPLANATION
  • ifconfig: Configures a network interface.

Copying the IP address

Note: You might not find the ifconfig command first if it is not installed. So, you must install it to use it for next.

To install ifconfig run the below command:

sudo apt install net-tools
EXPLANATION
  • sudo: Super User DO.
  • apt: Advanced package utility.
  • install net-tools: Install ‘ifconfig’ command under net-tools.
Installing 'ifconfig' under advanced package utility to get the IP addressHere, I will use two options to connect to Samba Share by using Samba client & mounting Samba share.

A. Using Samba Client

First, you need to install the Samba client packages before accessing Samba share. So, follow the given steps:

  1. Install Samba client by running the following command: 
    sudo apt install smbclient
    EXPLANATION
    • sudo: Super User DO.
    • apt: Advanced package utility.
    • install smbclient: Install Samba client.
    Installing Samba client using smbclient
  2. After installing ‘smbclient’, you can access Samba shared folders with the following command: 
    smbclient //192.168.211.128/sambashare -U nadiba
    EXPLANATION
    • smbclient: Samba client.
    • 192.168.211.128: Samba server IP address you copied using ifconfig.
    • sambashare Shared folder on Samba server.
    • -U nadiba: valid username on Samba server.

    Accessing Samba shared folder using IP address, user and passwordOnce you prompt to enter the password, you will be connected to the command line interface of Samba share. Now, you can implement a variety of commands to interact with the Samba share. For example:
    • cd <Folder_Name>: Changes directory on Samba share.
    • mkdir <Folder_Name>: Creates a directory on Samba share.
    • ls: Lists the contents of the directory.

B. Mounting Samba Share

By following the steps below you can mount Samba Share as a local file system on your Ubuntu:

Also, you can read this guide to know more about How to Unmount Samba Share on Ubuntu.
  1. First, install cifs-utils package to mount Samba share. 
    sudo apt install cifs-utils
    EXPLANATION
    • sudo: Super User DO.
    • install cifs-utils: Install the in-kernel CIFS file system which depends on a package of user space tools.
    Installing CIFS file system, depends on user space tools' package
  2. Create a mountpoint by executing the command below: 
    sudo mkdir /mnt/smbmount
    EXPLANATION
    • sudo: Super User DO.
    • mkdir:Creates directory on Samba share.
    • /mnt/smbmount: Local directory where you will mount the Samba share.
    Creating directory to mount
  3. Mount the Samba share with the commands below: 
    sudo mount -t cifs -o username=nadiba //192.168.211.128/sambashare /mnt/smbmount
    EXPLANATION
    • sudo: Super User DO.
    • mount: Attaches a removable file system or storage device to a directory.
    • -t: Indicates file system type.
    • cifs: Common Internet File System.
    • -o: Specifies additional options.
    • username=nadiba: Username[you can choose any of your choice].
    • 192.168.211.128: IP address of Samba server.
    • sambashare: Shared directory on Samba server.
    • /mnt/smbmount: Local directory where you will mount the Samba share.
    Mounting Samba share using IP address, user, passwordLastly, enter a user password like the image above.

Read More: How to Access Samba Share from Windows [2 Methods]

How to Configure the Global Samba Options on Ubuntu

To configure global Samba options follow the steps below:

  1. Open the Samba configuration file in a text editor running: 
    sudo nano /etc/samba/smb.conf
    EXPLANATION
    • sudo: Super User DO.
    • nano: It’s a text editor.
    • /etc/samba/smb.conf: Enters into the Samba configuration file under the “etc” directory.

    Opening Samba configuration file
  2. Now, locate the [global] section. Here you can set the global options. I am mentioning some global options which you may configure. To set workgroup, security and server string, type the following options: 
    workgroup = WORKGROUP

security = user

server string = %h server (Samba, Ubuntu)
    EXPLANATION
    • workgroup: Sets workgroup name for Samba.
    • security: Sets security mode for Samba. For most cases, the default mode is ‘user’.
    • server string: Sets the string displayed in the Windows browser for Samba server.
    Appending global options: workgroup, security, server string

    Set the ‘server role’ to standalone server like the following:

    server role = standalone server
    EXPLANATION
    • server role: The default Samba package file is configured for ‘standalone server’. It means the Samba server is not a member of the Windows domain.
    Adding option: standalone server to configuration file

    To see the interface name and bind interface type:

    interfaces = 192.0.0.0/8 eth0
bind interfaces only = yes
    EXPLANATION
    • interfaces: Shows interface name or IP address.
    • bind interface: Means only bind to the interfaces given above.
    Adding options: interfaces, bind interfaces only in [global] section

    If you want to control the unsuccessful attempts, set ‘map to guest’ as bad user like below:

    map to guest = bad user
    EXPLANATION
    • map to guest: Controls how unsuccessful authentication attempts are mapped. For most cases, the default mode is set to ‘bad user’.
    Appending option: map to guest

    To set ‘log file’, type the following option:

    log file = /var/log/samba/log.%m
    EXPLANATION
    • log file: Tells Samba to use a separate log file for each machine. By default, it is set like the image below.
    Adding option: log file
  3. Once completed, save the file and restart the Samba service by using the command like the snapshot below: 
    sudo systemctl restart smbd
    EXPLANATION
    • sudo: Super User DO.
    • systemctl restart smbd: Restarts Samba service.
    System restart to apply the changesThus, after restarting, you will be able to apply your changes to the configuration file.

Read More: Install, Configure and Connect Samba on Ubuntu Using GUI

How to Unmount Samba Share on Ubuntu

If you want to unmount a Samba client on Ubuntu, follow the steps carefully:

  1. Use the command ‘mount’ to list all mounted shares: 
    mount
    EXPLANATION
    • mount: Attaches a removable file system or storage device to a directory.
    Mounting to list all mounted sharesThe output should contain the terms alike the marked one:Terms the mounted output contains
  2. Now, run the following command to unmount the mounted shares: 
    sudo umount /mnt/smbmount
    EXPLANATION
    • sudo: Super User DO.
    • umount: Detach all removable file systems or storage devices from directory.
    • /mnt/smbmount: Local directory where you will mount the Samba share.
    Unmounting the mounted shares
  3. To verify if the Samba share is unmounted or not run the below command again: 
    mount

    Verifying if unmounting is done using 'mount'

    Unmounted outputNow, you will see there is no line like the output of mounted shares.

How to Set Max and Min Protocol for Samba Client on Ubuntu

In the Samba configuration file, the client max protocol controls the highest protocol version & the client min protocol controls the lowest protocol version which the client attempts to use. So, to set the client protocol version, follow the steps below:

  1. Open the Samba configuration file. 
    sudo nano /etc/samba/smb.conf
    EXPLANATION
    • sudo: Super User DO.
    • nano: It’s a text editor.
    • /etc/samba/smb.conf: Enters into the Samba configuration file under the “etc” directory.
    Opening Samba configuration file
  2. Append the lines in the [global] section. 
    client max protocol = SMB3

client min protocol = SMB2
    EXPLANATION
    • client max protocol: This explains that Samba client will negotiate the maximum SMB protocol version usage.
    • SMB3: Samba version 3.
    • client min protocol: This explains that Samba client will negotiate the minimum SMB protocol version usage.
    • SMB2: Samba version 2.
    Setting maximum and minimum protocol version in Samba configuration file
  3. Save the file, exit and then, restart the whole Samba service to apply the changes you made. 
    sudo systemctl restart smbd
    EXPLANATION
    • sudo: Super User DO.
    • systemctl restart smbd: Restarts Samba service.
    Restarting Samba service to apply the changesBy restarting the Samba service you can apply the protocol version settings in the configuration file.

Conclusion

By now, you have the proper understanding of how to install, configure and connect a Samba client on Ubuntu. Also, you can mount and unmount Samba shares very easily. Just be conscious of making a backup always before editing any kind of configuration file.

People Also Ask

Is Samba only for Windows?

No. It is not only for Windows but also for Linux, macOS. Using SMB/CIFS(Server Message Block & Common Internet File System) protocol, Samba package provides file sharing services for computers.

How to Install Samba Server on Ubuntu?

To install Samba server on Ubuntu, open the terminal and run the command sudo apt-get install samba. Type “y” and press ENTER when prompted to confirm the installation and successfully install Samba on your Ubuntu system.

Why use Samba for Linux?

To enable the communication between Windows & Linux machines in a network.

Is Samba free?

Yes. Samba is an open source free software certified by GNU general public license.

Which is better- Samba or FTP?

For quick command or small file transfer, Samba server is better and for large file transfer, FTP is better

What is the maximum limit for Samba file size?

The maximum limit for Samba share file size is 2GB.

Does Samba have any GUI?

Yes. There are several GUI(Graphical User Interface) interfaces available in Samba.

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Nadiba Rahman

Hello, This is Nadiba Rahman, currently working as a Linux Content Developer Executive at SOFTEKO. I have completed my graduation with a bachelor’s degree in Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering from Rajshahi University of Engineering & Technology (RUET).I am quite passionate about crafting. I really adore exploring and learning new things which always helps me to think transparently. And this curiosity led me to pursue knowledge about Linux. My goal is to portray Linux-based practical problems and share them with you. Read Full Bio

2 thoughts on “How to Install, Configure and Connect Samba Client on Ubuntu”

  1. Hi , thanks for the great and step by step explanation. Much appreciated. My question is how to configure my ubuntu client so that I can automatically connect to my samba shares on start-up? Is there a way to have this visible immediately? Like in Windows on startup?
    Thank you

    Reply

    • Hello, thank you for sharing your thoughts. To automatically connect to Samba shares on start-up, you can follow the instructions:
      First, ensure that the ‘cifs-utils’ package is installed in your machine as it provides support for mounting SMB/CIFS shares. To do that, update your system and install the package using sudo apt update and sudo apt install cifs-utils.
      Then, create a mount point using sudo mkdir /your_mount_point (You can choose any local directory such as /mnt, /media, /home where your Samba share will be mounted).
      Next, you can create a credential file which is optional but recommended for security purpose. In the file, enter your actual credentials and make sure you have the correct file permission. Let’s say, you have a hidden file named ‘mycredentials’ in your ‘home’ directory. Inside the file, enter the following:
      username=your_user_name
      password=your_password
      Then, set the file permission to restrict read access using sudo chmod 0600 ~/.mycredentials
      Now, open the ‘/etc/fstab’ file using a text editor such as sudo nano /etc/fstab. Scroll down the file and add the following line at the end of the file:
      //server_address/samba_share_name /your_mount_point cifs x-systemd.automount,rw,credentials=/path/to/.mycredentials
      Save the file and exit the text editor. Run sudo mount -a to check if there are any errors during the mounting process. Then, reboot your machine. After rebooting, your Samba share should automatically be mounted at start-up.

      Reply

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