Using Windows 8.1 and trying a number of settings for file sharing, I found that the performance is not great but acceptable, however in many occurrences batch (more than one) file transfers or editing (for example tagging and rating images in photo gallery) will fail with at time the need to completely restart the windows machine and/or reboot the file server

However, I was in a dire need to remove my myself from having to attach my external drive to my devices all the time

The only downside is the proprietary need for WD or Hitatchi brand hard drives