Info2soft use cookies to help you have a superior and more admissible browsing experience on our website. Privacy Policy
By:
Network file sharing lets computers on the same local network access files stored on another device. Instead of using USB drives or cloud storage, users can open shared folders directly in File Explorer using the SMB file sharing protocol built into Windows.
What You Need Before Setting Up File Sharing
Before starting, confirm the following:
Before sharing any folder, your computer needs three things configured: a Private network profile, Network Discovery, and File and Printer Sharing.
The steps below apply to both Windows 11 and Windows 10, with minor UI differences noted where relevant.
Windows restricts device visibility on Public networks by design. Switch your profile to Private so other trusted devices on the same network can find your computer.
On Windows 11:
On Windows 10:
Network Discovery lets your computer find other devices on the local network. File and Printer Sharing enables other computers to actually access your shared folders. Both settings are managed in the same place.
On Windows 11 (via Settings):
On Windows 10 (and as an alternative path on Windows 11):
After enabling network discovery and file sharing, you can choose which folders other computers can access. Windows provides both a basic sharing option and advanced permission settings.
Alternative: If the Share… option is unavailable, select Advanced Sharing, check Share this folder, and configure user permissions through Permissions.
Advanced Sharing gives you more control over who can connect and what they can do. You can also set a custom share name and limit the number of simultaneous connections.
Windows applies two permission layers to shared folders. Share permissions control network access, while NTFS permissions control access at the file system level via the Security tab. When both are set, the more restrictive permission takes effect. For example, a Read-only NTFS permission overrides Full Control granted through share permissions.
Password-protected sharing requires users to sign in with an account on the host computer before accessing shared folders. This prevents unauthorized users on the same network from connecting.
When another computer connects to the shared folder, Windows prompts for the username and password of an account on the host. Make sure the account used has permission to access that folder.
Once a folder is shared, other computers on the same network can connect to it through File Explorer.
Windows supports three access methods: browsing the network, entering a path directly, and mapping the folder as a drive.
If the host computer does not appear under Network, use its IP address instead.
This method connects directly to the host without relying on network browsing. First, find the host computer’s IP address:
cmd, and press Enter.ipconfig and note the IPv4 Address of the active network adapter.Then, on the other computer:
\\192.168.1.100\SharedFolder\\ComputerName\SharedFolder), or set a DHCP reservation on your router to keep the IP fixed.Mapping a shared folder assigns it a drive letter so it appears alongside local drives in File Explorer, useful for folders you access regularly.
On Windows 11:
\\PC-A\SharedFolder.On Windows 10:
Follow the same steps, but access Map network drive from the Computer tab in the File Explorer ribbon.
After mapping, the shared folder appears under This PC with the assigned drive letter.
Network file sharing can fail even when both computers are on the same network.
The most common causes are incorrect network profiles, disabled sharing services, permission conflicts, firewall rules, and SMB file sharing compatibility issues.
Network Discovery is disabled or the required discovery services are not running.
services.msc, and press Enter.If the computers are still missing, try accessing the shared folder directly by typing its UNC path in the File Explorer address bar.
The network path is incorrect, the host computer is offline, or connectivity has been interrupted.
ping 192.168.1.100, replacing the address with the host’s IP.\\192.168.1.100\SharedFolder.The connecting user lacks permission, or saved credentials on the connecting computer are outdated.
ComputerName\Username.Windows Firewall is blocking incoming connections, or a required sharing service has stopped.
Also open services.msc and confirm these are running: Server, Workstation, Function Discovery Provider Host, Function Discovery Resource Publication. Right-click any stopped service and select Start.
The two computers are using incompatible SMB versions or authentication settings.
Incorrect sharing configurations can expose sensitive data to anyone on the same network. These practices help keep shared folders accessible to the right people while reducing unnecessary risk.
Assign access to specific users or groups rather than granting access to Everyone. Use Read permissions for users who only need to view files, and assign Change or Full Control only when necessary.
Review both share permissions and NTFS permissions periodically to prevent unauthorized users from modifying or deleting shared files.
Password-protected sharing requires valid credentials before anyone can access a shared folder. This prevents other devices on the network from connecting without authorization.
On shared office networks, avoid using a single set of credentials across multiple users. Individual accounts with strong passwords give you better control over who can access what.
SMB 1.0 is an outdated protocol with well-documented security vulnerabilities. Its role in the 2017 WannaCry ransomware outbreak demonstrated the risks of keeping legacy protocols active.
Windows 11 does not enable SMB 1.0 by default. If an older NAS or file server in your environment still depends on it, check whether a firmware update is available rather than re-enabling SMB 1.0 on Windows.
Unused shared folders are unnecessary exposure points. Review your shared resources periodically and remove access when a folder is no longer in use.
To stop sharing a folder:
To review all active shared folders on a computer, open Computer Management > System Tools > Shared Folders > Shares.
Q1: How do I share files between two computers on the same network?
Enable Network Discovery and File and Printer Sharing on both computers, share a folder on one, then access it from the other via Network in File Explorer or by its UNC path. See our guide on how to share files between computers on the same network.
Q2: Do both computers need to be on the same Wi-Fi network?
Yes, both computers should be on the same local network. Sharing across different networks requires a VPN or additional router configuration.
Q3: Can I share files between Windows 10 and Windows 11?
Yes. Both versions use SMB 2.0 and 3.0 by default, so they are fully compatible with each other.
Q4: How do I find the network path of a shared folder?
Right-click the folder, select Properties, and open the Sharing tab. The path is listed in \\ComputerName\ShareName format.
Q5: Can I share files between computers without a password?
Yes. Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change advanced sharing settings, expand All networks, and select Turn off password protected sharing. Only do this on small, trusted private networks.
Windows network file sharing works well for small networks once the right settings are in place. Set the network profile to Private, enable Network Discovery and File and Printer Sharing, share the folder with the right permissions, and keep password-protected sharing on.
For teams that need more than Windows built-in sharing offers, i2Share provides centralized file management, cross-device sync, granular permission controls, and ransomware recovery, all from a single platform. Learn more at Info2soft.
· Enterprise & Mid-market Customers Worldwide.
· Support team available to assist you throughout your trial.
· Start a 60-day free trial or view demo to see how Info2soft protects enterprise data.
