NFS mount on Windows 8 non-enterprise

nfswindows 8windows-8.1

I've read the answers to a similar question, but I'd like to ask it here with a very narrow scope. Assuming Windows 8, not enterprise (which means no services for unix applications providing native NFS capabilities), how can I mount an NFS share?

edit: Third party software is acceptable, and the only answer, I think.

Best Answer

Well, officially you can't. Here's why (may be you know it already) for reference: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/2769923

Services for Network File System (NFS) feature is available only in the Windows 8 Enterprise edition. This feature is not available in Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro editions. Users when upgrading from Windows 7 Ultimate or Windows 7 Enterprise edition to Windows 8 Pro edition can no longer use Services for NFS feature.

So what are the alternatives? Microsoft says clear and concise:

In order to continue to use Services for NFS feature in Windows 8 client, Windows 7 users will have to upgrade to Windows 8 Enterprise edition.

So, the remaining options I can think of,

  • Doing some kind of hack.
  • Installing some third party software.

The other option that comes to my mind, is to use samba file sharing, if the requirements are fulfilled.

P.S. I'm not going to recommend a particular product here as it goes against Serverfault's policy. You can search for it in internet and find one that best suits your need.