Setting up a local network for file sharing between computers is a challenge faced by many home or small office users. Instead of constantly transferring data via flash drives or cloud storage, it's much more efficient to set up shared folder access Directly. This allows you to work with documents, photos, and video files in real time, using only the capabilities of the operating system and wireless router.
The setup process in Windows 10 has undergone changes compared to previous versions, particularly in terms of security and exchange protocols. The system now requires more careful attention to network profiles and passwords. However, if you follow a clear algorithm, you can create stable storage accessible to all devices within range of your Wi-Fi network.
In this article, we'll cover all the details: from checking network profile settings to resolving common computer visibility issues. You'll learn how to manage access rights to ensure confidential files remain protected and shared resources are accessible to all authorized users.
Preparing the network infrastructure and testing profiles
Before sharing specific directories, you need to ensure that the operating system itself is ready to communicate with other devices. The key here is the network profile type. If your network is marked as "Public," Windows disables most discovery features for security reasons.
To change your profile, go to the Start menu and select the gear icon to sign in. Parameters. Then follow the path Network and Internet → StatusIn the "Properties" section of your Wi-Fi network, set the radio to "Private." This tells the system you're in a trusted environment.
⚠️ Important: If you have multiple network adapters connected (for example, Ethernet and Wi-Fi at the same time), make sure that the "Private" profile is set for the connection through which data is exchanged.
After changing the profile, the system will automatically apply more lenient firewall rules. This is critical, as without this step, other computers simply won't see your PC in the list of available devices, even if a physical connection is established.
The next step is to enable discovery services. Open Control Panel and navigate to Network and Sharing Center. On the left, select Change advanced sharing settings. Here, you need to enable network discovery and file sharing for the current profile.
Setting up sharing options in the system
The same "Advanced Sharing Settings" window hides many important switches that determine how your local network will operate. The default settings often require manual adjustments to ensure stable operation without unnecessary password prompts, or, conversely, to force them to be enabled.
Pay attention to the "All Networks" section. Here you'll find the "Password-protected sharing" option. If you're setting up a network in a trusted home environment and want easier access, you can disable this feature. However, for an office environment or multi-family home, it's strongly recommended to leave password protection enabled.
It's also worth checking the status of the SMB 1.0 service. Although this protocol is considered deprecated, some older printers or media players may require it. You can find it in Control Panel → Programs and Features → Turn Windows features on or off.
- 📁 Open Control Panel by searching in the Start menu.
- 🔌 Go to the "Programs and Features" section.
- 🔍 Find the "Turn Windows features on or off" link on the left.
- ✅ Find "SMB 1.0 file sharing support" in the list and check the boxes.
After making changes to Windows components, you will need to restart your computer. This is mandatory, as network drivers and protocols are only initialized during system startup.
⚠️ Warning: The SMBv1 protocol has known security vulnerabilities. Enable it only if you have devices that don't support newer versions (SMBv2/v3), and be sure to install antivirus protection.
It's important to understand that sharing settings apply globally. This means the rules you set now will apply to all folders you subsequently share, unless you override them individually.
Creating and sharing a shared folder
Now that the network infrastructure is ready, you can move on to creating the resource itself. You can share any existing folder or create a new one specifically for file sharing. It's recommended to create a separate directory to avoid confusion about system file permissions.
Create a folder, for example, on drive D, and name it with a descriptive name, for example, Shared_FilesRight-click on it and select "Properties." You're looking for the "Access" tab. This is where the visibility magic happens.
Click the "Advanced Settings" button. In the window that opens, check the "Share this folder" box. Here you can also limit the number of simultaneous users, although for a home network, the 20-connection limit is usually not an issue.
A critical step is setting permissions. Click the "Permissions" button. By default, the "Everyone" group is set to read-only. If you want users to be able to modify files, delete them, or add new ones, select the "Everyone" group (or a specific user) and check the "Full Control" box in the "Allow" column.
☑️ Checking folder settings
Keep in mind that access rights are cumulative. If a user has write access in one tab but deny access in another, the deny access usually takes precedence. Therefore, be careful when combining security and sharing settings.
For the correct operation of the network on Windows 10 and older devices (Windows 7, XP), in some cases it is necessary to enable SMB 1.0 support, but this reduces the overall security of the system.Access rights management and security
Local network security is often ignored, which can lead to data leaks or unauthorized access. The Security tab in folder properties manages permissions at the NTFS file system level, which provides a more secure level of protection than just sharing.
Here you will see a list of users and groups. If the user you need is not listed, click "Add." In the object name field, enter the account name (e.g. User1) or group AllIf everyone needs access, click "Check Names" to confirm the entries are correct.
Once you've selected a user, you can fine-tune their permissions at the bottom of the window. This allows you to create a flexible system: one user can only read documents, another can edit them, and a third can change the folder structure. This approach is called the principle of least privilege.
| Permission type | Description of action | Recommended use |
|---|---|---|
| Full access | Full control over files and folders | Administrators, trusted users |
| Change | Reading, writing, deleting files | Regular users, editors |
| Reading and execution | Only viewing and running files | Guests, auditors |
| Contents list | View file names without opening them | Limited access to archives |
Sometimes, there may be conflicting permissions in the "Access" tab and the "Security" tab. Remember the golden rule: the most restrictive rule always takes precedence. If "Access" allows everything but "Security" denies everything, the user will be unable to log in.
Regularly review the list of users with access to critical data. Deleting old accounts or temporary employee accounts is a good security practice.
Connecting to a shared folder from other devices
Once the folder is shared, you need to connect to it. On the client computer, open File Explorer and enter the network path in the address bar. The path format is \\Computer_Name or IP addressUsing an IP address is often more reliable if DNS or NetBIOS is not configured on the network.
If the system prompts you for credentials, enter the username and password for the account on the computer where the folder is located (the server), not the one you're connecting from. This is a common mistake users make.
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 (e.g., Z:) and enter the path to the folder.
- 💻 Open "This PC" in File Explorer.
- 🔗 Click "Map network drive" on the top bar.
- 🔤 Select a free drive letter from the list.
- 📂 Enter the folder path in the format
\\192.168.1.5\Shared.
Checking the "Restore at logon" box will automatically connect the drive after each computer reboot. This will eliminate the need to re-enter the path each time.
⚠️ Note: If you receive the error "Windows cannot access..." when connecting, try using the IP address instead of the computer name. Name issues can often be resolved through the hosts file or the router's DNS settings.
From mobile devices (Android, iOS), access is via file managers that support the SMB protocol (e.g., File Manager+, Documents by Readdle). The principle is the same: enter the computer's IP address and login credentials.
Diagnosis and solution of typical problems
Even with proper configuration, issues can still occur. One of the most common problems is computers not being able to see each other. This is often related to the "Function Discovery Resource Publication" service. Make sure it's running and in automatic mode.
To check, run the command prompt as administrator. Enter the command services.msc, find the desired service in the list, double-click it, and select the startup type as "Automatic." Then click "Start."
net stop fdrespub
net start fdrespub
Another common cause is blocked ports by antivirus software or a firewall. Ensure that incoming connections for "File and Printer Sharing (SMB-In)" are allowed in your Windows Firewall rules.
If file transfer speeds are extremely slow, check if you're using an older Wi-Fi standard (e.g., 802.11g). For smooth operation with large files, a 5 GHz band and 802.11ac or ax are recommended.
How to reset network settings in Windows 10?
If all else fails, you can try a hard reset. Go to Settings → Network & Internet → Status → Network reset. This will reinstall your network adapters and restore factory settings, but you'll need to re-enter your Wi-Fi password.
Don't ignore Windows updates. Microsoft regularly releases patches that fix SMB protocol vulnerabilities and improve the stability of the network stack.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to access a shared folder over the internet?
By default, no—the shared folder is only accessible within the local network. Accessing it from the internet requires port forwarding on the router (not recommended due to security risks) or using a VPN connection (such as Tailscale or Windows' built-in VPN), which emulates a local network.
Why am I asked for a password when trying to access the site, even though I didn't set one?
In Windows 10, password protection is enabled by default. To remove the prompt, disable "Password-protected sharing" in the Network and Sharing Center. Alternatively, create identical user accounts with identical passwords on both computers.
How do I find out my computer's IP address to connect?
Open command prompt (cmd) and enter the command ipconfigFind the "IPv4 Address" line in the section for your wireless adapter. It usually looks like 192.168.xx.
Can a virus penetrate through a shared folder?
Yes, if a user has write access, ransomware can access files in a shared folder. Therefore, it's important to restrict access rights and maintain up-to-date backups of your data.