Organizing file sharing between computers within a single apartment or small office is a task that can be solved by creating a local area network. In situations where using Ethernet cables is impractical or impossible, wireless connections become the preferred solution. Wi-FiModern operating systems such as Windows 10, provide built-in tools for turning any laptop or PC connected to a router into a file storage device accessible to other devices without the need to install third-party software.
Creation network folder It allows you to not only transfer documents but also play multimedia on your TV, work with databases, or simply free up disk space on your main computer. However, users often encounter the problem that after enabling sharing, the folder still doesn't appear in the list of network devices. This is due to operating system security features that must be configured correctly.
In this guide, we'll walk you through the entire setup process, from checking your router settings to assigning specific access rights to users. You'll learn how to avoid common errors when computers don't "see" each other and ensure reliable protection of your data from unauthorized access. The key point is that all devices participating in the data exchange have the same workgroup name.
Preparing equipment and checking connections
Before you begin configuring the software, you need to ensure that data exchange is physically possible. All computers that will participate in the network must be connected to the same network. Wi-Fi routerIt doesn't matter whether they're connected over the air or by cable, the important thing is that they're on the same network segment. If one device is on a guest network and the other on the main network, they won't be able to "see" each other without complex routing.
Check the connection status on each computer. The Wi-Fi icon in the Windows system tray should indicate an active connection with a signal strength sufficient for stable data transfer. For file sharing, it's recommended that the connection speed not drop below 20 Mbps; otherwise, working with large documents will be difficult.
It's also important to ensure that the network type in Windows is correctly detected. The system often assigns new connections the "Public" profile by default, which blocks the device's visibility. You need to change this setting to "Private" to allow discovery.
Configuring sharing settings in Windows 10
The first step in software configuration is to enable discovery features. Open the Start menu and go to "Settings," then select "Network & Internet." In the left column, find "Status" and click "Sharing Options." This is where you'll find the switches that control your PC's visibility.
In the window that opens, expand the "Private (current profile)" tab. Here, you need to enable the "Turn on network discovery" option and check the "Turn on automatic configuration of devices connected over the network" box. Without this step, the operating system will ignore requests from other computers on the local network.
Next, enable file and printer sharing. This is a basic setting that allows other users to access shared resources. If you plan to transfer files without entering a password (which is only possible on a fully trusted home network), find the "All Networks" section and select "Turn off password-protected sharing."
After making changes, be sure to click "Save Changes." The system may request administrator privileges to apply the new settings. A computer restart is not required after this, but it is recommended to ensure network services are updated.
☑️ Check network settings
Creating and sharing a folder
Now that network services are enabled, you can create the resource you want to share. Create a new folder in a convenient location, such as on the D drive or the root of the C drive, and give it a descriptive name so it's easily identified in the network list.
Right-click the created folder and select "Properties." Go to the "Sharing" tab and click the "Sharing..." button. In the window that opens, select the user from the drop-down list. Everyone (Everyone) and click "Add." This action formally grants access to the folder to everyone on the network.
After adding a user, you need to configure their permission level. For the "Permission Level" column, select "Read and Write" if you want to be able to not only open files from other computers but also save new ones or delete old ones. If the folder is intended only for file sharing, leave the permission level set to "Read."
Click Share and then Done. The system will tell you the network path to the folder, which looks like this: \\ComputerName\FolderNameThis path will be needed if automatic detection does not work.
Why might a folder be unavailable?
If the folder doesn't open after configuration, check your antivirus. Third-party firewalls often block incoming SMB connections, considering them a potential threat. Add an exception rule for the local network.
Advanced security and access rights settings
Basic settings via the "Sharing" button are convenient, but sometimes insufficient. For more granular control, go to the advanced settings. In the folder properties, on the "Sharing" tab, click the "Advanced" button and check the "Share this folder" box.
Click the "Permissions" button here. Make sure the "Everyone" group has the required permissions (Full Control, Modify, or Read). If you want to restrict access to specific users, remove the "Everyone" group and add specific Windows user accounts that have access.
It's also important to check the "Security" tab in the folder's properties. NTFS (file system) permissions take precedence over sharing permissions. If the user doesn't have read permissions in the "Security" tab, they won't be able to open the file even if they have full access permissions in the network settings.
⚠️ Attention: Don't grant Full Control permissions to the Everyone group on system drives or personal document folders if you have guest devices on your network or you're unsure of the security of your Wi-Fi password.
To add a user, in the Security tab, click Edit, then Add, enter the username (or Everyone) and click "Check Names." After confirming, assign the desired permissions in the list below.
| Access type | Reading | Recording | Removal | Changing rights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reading | Yes | No | No | No |
| Change | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Full access | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Special rights | Selectively | Selectively | Selectively | Selectively |
How to connect to a network folder from another computer
After setting up the storage, go to the client computer. Open File Explorer and select "Network" in the left panel. If the settings are correct, you should see the name of the primary computer. Double-clicking it will open a list of shared folders.
If your computer doesn't show up automatically, use the direct route. Press the key combination Win + R, in the Run window that appears, enter the IP address of the main computer or its network name in the format \\192.168.1.5 or \\ComputerNamePressing Enter will open the access window.
When you first connect, the system may ask for credentials. Enter the login and password for your user account. main computer (where the folder is located), not the one you're connecting from. If the primary account doesn't have a password, you may need to create one, as the SMB protocol often blocks blank passwords.
For easy, permanent use, you can map the network folder as a separate drive. To do this, right-click "This PC" in File Explorer and select "Map network drive." Select the drive letter and specify the path to the folder. Check "Restore at logon" to make the drive accessible after a reboot.
Troubleshooting connection issues and errors
One of the most common problems is the error "Windows cannot access...". This is often related to the discovery service. Click Win + R, enter services.msc and find the "Discovery Resource Publishing" service. Make sure it is running and the startup type is set to "Automatic."
Another common cause is blocked ports by an antivirus or firewall. The SMB protocol uses ports 139 and 445. Make sure incoming connections for "File and Printer Sharing (SMB-In)" are allowed in your Windows Firewall settings.
It's also worth checking the SMB 1.0 protocol. In Windows 10, it's disabled by default for security reasons, but sometimes older devices (printers, NAS, TVs) require it. You can enable it via Control Panel → Programs and Features → Turn Windows features on or off.
⚠️ Attention: SMB version 1.0 is vulnerable to ransomware. Enable it only if absolutely necessary for older equipment, and disable it immediately after use.
If all else fails, try resetting your network settings. Open Command Prompt as administrator and run the command netsh winsock reset, and then restart your computer. This will clear the network socket cache and may resolve software conflicts.
The problem with names
If computers on the network have the same name, a conflict will occur. Make sure each computer's name is unique. You can change the name in the system settings (Win+Pause).
Optimizing Wi-Fi connection speed and stability
Wi-Fi data transfer speeds are highly dependent on signal quality and airwave congestion. When working with a network folder, it's recommended that the main computer (server) be connected to the router via a cable, if possible. This will reduce the load on the wireless channel and ensure stable recording speeds.
Use the standard 802.11ac (Wi-Fi 5) or 802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), if your equipment supports these technologies. They operate in the 5 GHz band, which is less polluted by neighboring routers and provides real-world speeds of up to 400-800 Mbps, comparable to fast Ethernet.
Position the router so there are minimal obstructions between it and client devices. Metal structures, mirrors, and aquariums significantly weaken the signal. If the signal is weak, file transfer speeds over the network will drop to single megabits, making work impossible.
Consider setting a static IP address for the primary computer in your router settings. This will prevent the computer from receiving a new IP address after a router reboot, and mapped network drives will stop working until manually reconfigured.
Why does the network folder disappear after rebooting the router?
Most likely, your main computer is assigned a dynamic IP address (DHCP), which changes every time you reconnect. Go to your router settings, find the LAN/DHCP section, and assign the IP address to your PC's MAC address. Now the address will be permanent.
Is it possible to access the folder from a phone?
Yes, you can connect to a Windows shared folder from Android or iOS. Use file managers that support SMB (for example, Documents on iOS or CX File Explorer on Android). Enter the computer's IP address and Windows user credentials.
Is it safe to leave sharing enabled?
On a home network with a strong Wi-Fi password, the risks are minimal. However, if you have guests over and share your Wi-Fi password, it's best to enable password protection on the folder itself or temporarily disable network discovery in the "Guest Network" profile.