How to share a folder on Windows network

Prerequisites & Requirements

• •Windows 10 or Windows 11 installed on your computer.
• •Administrator access to the computer to change sharing settings.
• •A network connection (Wi-Fi or Ethernet) with the appropriate network profile (Private or Domain).
• •Ensure that File and Printer Sharing is enabled in your network settings.
• •Backup important data in the folder you plan to share to prevent accidental loss.

Method 1: Using File Explorer

• •Step 1: Open File Explorer by pressing 'Windows + E' or clicking the folder icon in the taskbar.
• •Step 2: Navigate to the folder you want to share, right-click on it, and select 'Properties'.
• •Step 3: In the Properties window, click on the 'Sharing' tab.
• •Step 4: Click on the 'Share...' button. A new window will appear.
• •Step 5: In the 'File Sharing' window, select the users you want to share with from the dropdown or type 'Everyone' to share with all users on the network, then click 'Add'.
• •Step 6: Set the permission level (Read or Read/Write) for each user, then click 'Share'.
• •Step 7: A confirmation message will appear. Click 'Done' to finish.
• •Step 8: To verify, go back to the 'Sharing' tab in the Properties window and check the network path displayed.

For Windows 11

• •Step 1: Open File Explorer using 'Windows + E'.
• •Step 2: Right-click the folder, select 'Properties', and navigate to the 'Sharing' tab.
• •Step 3: Click 'Share...' and follow the same steps as outlined above.

For Windows 10

• •Step 1: Open File Explorer using 'Windows + E'.
• •Step 2: Right-click the folder, select 'Properties', and navigate to the 'Sharing' tab.
• •Step 3: Click 'Share...' and follow the same steps as outlined above.

Method 2: Using Advanced Sharing

• •Step 1: Right-click the folder you want to share and select 'Properties'.
• •Step 2: Go to the 'Sharing' tab and click on 'Advanced Sharing...'.
• •Step 3: Check the box that says 'Share this folder'.
• •Step 4: Click on 'Permissions' to set user permissions. You can add specific users or groups and set their access levels.
• •Step 5: After configuring permissions, click 'OK' and then 'Apply'.
• •Step 6: To verify, go back to the 'Sharing' tab in the Properties window and check the network path displayed.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• •Error: 'You do not have permission to access this folder' - Solution: Ensure that the user has been added with the correct permissions in the sharing settings.
• •Issue: Shared folder not visible on the network - Fix: Check if the network profile is set to 'Private' and ensure File and Printer Sharing is enabled.
• •Problem: Unable to connect to shared folder - Workaround: Temporarily disable the firewall to check if it's blocking access, then configure firewall settings accordingly.

Advanced Tips & Shortcuts

• •Keyboard shortcut: 'Windows + R' - Opens the Run dialog to quickly access shared folders by typing '\[ComputerName]oldername'.
• •Command line: 'net share' - Use this command in Command Prompt to view shared folders.
• •Hidden feature: 'Network Discovery' - Ensure this is turned on in the Network and Sharing Center for easier access to shared resources.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Expert Tips