A modern home or office cannot be imagined without a local network connecting multiple devices. There's often a need to quickly transfer movies, documents, or photos from one laptop to another without using USB flash drives or cloud storage. shared network folder — is the most effective solution for instant data exchange within the perimeter of your router.
This process only seems complicated at first glance. In fact, the Windows operating system has built-in mechanisms that allow you to turn any directory into a network resource in just a few minutes. The main thing is to configure access settings correctly and ensure that all computers can see each other via the Wi-Fi router.
In this article, we'll walk you through a detailed process to help you set up file sharing. We'll also cover security issues, as opening local network ports requires careful consideration. You'll learn how to create entry points, configure user permissions, and troubleshoot common connection errors.
Preparing equipment and checking the network
Before setting up access rights, ensure physical and logical connectivity between devices. All computers that will be sharing files must be connected to the same router. It doesn't matter whether you're using a wired or Wi-Fi connection, as long as they're on the same subnet.
Check your network profile type in Windows. For shared folders to work correctly, the network must be defined as "Private." If the system considers your home network "Public," it will automatically block your device from being visible to other users for security reasons.
It's also important to know your router's IP address and the address ranges it distributes. In default settings, this is usually an address like 192.168.0.1 or 192.168.1.1. Make sure network discovery is enabled on all computers.
⚠️ Attention: If you are on a corporate network with strict segmentation or guest Wi-Fi, creating a shared folder may be blocked by router administrative rules or domain policies.
Setting up sharing options in Windows
The first step to creating a resource is enabling the appropriate services in the operating system. Open Control Panel and go to Network and Sharing Center. This is where you'll find the key control over your PC's visibility.
On the left side of the window, select "Change advanced sharing settings." A list of profiles will open. Make sure you're in the "Private (current profile)" section. This is where basic sharing permissions are enabled.
Enable "Turn on network discovery" and check "Turn on file and printer sharing." This allows other computers to see your device in the list of available devices and request access to its resources.
For home use, where all users trust each other, you can enable the "Disable password-protected sharing" option. However, if you have outsiders using your network or you want to protect your data, it's best to leave protection enabled and use user accounts.
Creating and sharing a folder
Now let's move on to creating the object that will be accessible over the network. You can use an existing file folder or create a new one specifically for sharing. (Or use the menu to select the properties of the desired directory.)
In the Properties window, go to the "Sharing" tab. Click the "Advanced" button. Here, check the "Share this folder" box. You can also specify a resource name that will be visible to other users; this may differ from the actual folder name on the disk.
A critical step is setting up access rights (Permissions). Click the corresponding button in the same window. By default, the "Everyone" group may be listed with read-only permissions. If you want colleagues to edit or delete files, you need to grant them full permissions.
Don't forget to also check the "Security" tab in the folder's properties. NTFS (file system) permissions and sharing permissions work together, and the final permissions are determined by the most restrictive of them. If "Security" is set to Deny, even setting "Full Access" in "Sharing" won't help.
☑️ Access setup checklist
Setting up user and group rights
Windows' flexibility allows you to fine-tune who can access files. In the Advanced Sharing Settings window, click "Add" to select a specific user from the list of user accounts on your computer.
If the desired user isn't listed, you can create one in advance via "Settings" -> "Accounts." You can set individual access levels for each group or user: full access, edit, read, or block.
Using groups simplifies administration. You can create a "Family" or "Office" group, add the required accounts, and assign permissions to the entire group at once. This eliminates the need to manage access rights for each individual when changing the security policy.
⚠️ Attention: Be careful when granting "Full Control" permissions to the "Everyone" group. Anyone who connects to your Wi-Fi and logs in will be able to delete your files.
Connecting to a network folder from another computer
Once the folder is created and permissions are configured, let's move on to the client side. On another computer connected to the same Wi-Fi network, open File Explorer. In the address bar, enter the server computer's IP address or network name.
The input format may look like this \\192.168.1.5 or \\NameOfPCIf the settings are correct, you will see a list of all shared folders on this computer. When you first connect, the system may ask for a username and password.
Enter the account details of the specific computer, where is the folder located, not the one you're connecting from. This is a common user error that results in access being denied.
For easy, permanent use, you can map a network folder as a separate drive. To do this, in File Explorer, click "Computer" -> "Map Network Drive." Select a drive letter (e.g., Z:) and specify the path to the resource.
What should I do if my computer is not visible by name?
If entering the computer name doesn't work, try using its IP address. Name issues are often related to the DNS service on the local network or ports blocked by antivirus software. Using the IP address (e.g., 192.168.0.105) is the most reliable connection method.
Table of access types and their description
Understanding the differences between permission levels is critical to data security. Below is a table explaining what a user is allowed to do under different settings.
| Access type | Reading files | Write/Change | Deleting files |
|---|---|---|---|
| Read only | Allowed | Forbidden | Forbidden |
| Change | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed |
| Full access | Allowed | Allowed | Allowed (including change of rights) |
| Special rights | It is customizable | It is customizable | It is customizable |
As the table shows, the "Modify" level allows you to manipulate the folder's contents, but does not grant permission to change the folder's security settings. This is the optimal choice for workgroups.
Diagnosing and resolving access problems
Even with proper configuration, errors may still occur. One of the most common is "Windows cannot access...." Often, the problem lies with the firewall. Make sure "File and Printer Sharing" is enabled for the private network in the firewall rules.
Also check the "Function Discovery Resource Publication" (FDP) service. In modern versions of Windows 10 and 11, it's often disabled by default, hiding your computer from others on the network. You should start it and set the startup type to "Automatic."
If all else fails, try temporarily disabling your antivirus software on both computers to test. Third-party security suites often have their own firewall modules that block local connections more strictly than the built-in Windows Defender.
⚠️ Attention: The Windows Settings interface may differ depending on the update version (21H2, 22H2, etc.). If you don't see the option, search for the setting name in the Start menu.
Safety and expert advice
An open network folder is a potential vulnerability if your Wi-Fi isn't secure enough. Use WPA2 or WPA3 encryption on your router. Never use WEP encryption, as it can be cracked in minutes.
If you're sharing sensitive data, consider creating a separate user with a strong password specifically for network access. Don't use the administrator account to share folders on public networks.
Regularly check the list of connected devices on your router. If you notice an unknown device, immediately change your Wi-Fi password and check the shared folder settings on your computers.
Why is my computer not visible on the network even though Wi-Fi is working?
Most often, the problem is with the network profile. If Windows considers the network "Public," it hides the PC. The DNS cache could also be burned out, or the discovery service might not be running. Try restarting the router and computers.
Is it possible to access the folder from a phone?
Yes, most file managers on Android (such as Solid Explorer or CX File Explorer) and the Files app on iOS support the SMB protocol. You'll need to enter your computer's IP address and login credentials.
Will a shared folder slow down my internet speed?
Configuring a folder doesn't reduce speed in itself. However, actively transferring large files over a local network (especially over 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi) can consume the entire bandwidth, slowing down internet speeds on other devices.
How to disable a shared folder?
Go to the folder properties, click the "Sharing" tab, click "Advanced Settings," and uncheck "Share this folder." Once the settings are applied, access will be revoked.