Creating a local storage for sharing files between two computers is one of the most popular tasks on a home network. You no longer need to use USB drives or cloud services to transfer a movie or a set of documents. Simply set up shared folder, which will be available to both devices connected to the same router.
The setup process in the operating system Windows 10 This requires a series of steps involving changing network settings and file access permissions. If you miss even one step, the second computer won't see the resource or will return an authorization error. Below, we'll cover each step in detail to ensure you get a working connection.
Before you begin, make sure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network. This is critical: if one laptop is connected to the guest Wi-Fi and the other to the main Wi-Fi, they won't be able to "see" each other without complex routing. Also, make sure the network type is set to "Private" and not "Public."
Preparing the network environment and checking the connection
The first step is to verify that the operating system is correctly classifying your network connection. Windows 10, by default, applies strict security rules to "Public" networks, hiding your computer from other devices. We need to switch the profile to "Private."
To do this, go to the Start menu, select Settings (the gear icon), and open the Network & Internet section. Select Wi-Fi from the list on the left, then click the name of your current wireless network. In the window that opens, under Network Profile, the option should be selected. PrivateIf it says "Public," toggle the radio button.
After changing the profile, it is recommended to run the DNS cache flush command to eliminate possible naming errors. Open the command prompt (press Win + R, enter cmd and press Enter). In the black window, enter the command:
ipconfig /flushdnsNow you need to find out the IP address of your router (gateway) and the IP address of the computer on which the folder will be created. In the same command line window, enter ipconfigFind the line "IPv4 Address" (usually starts with 192.168...) and "Default Gateway." Write this information down; you'll need it when connecting.
Testing the connection is the final step in preparation. From the first computer, try pinging the second one. Open the command prompt and enter ping 192.168.1.X (where X is the second PC's address). If you see the response "Reply from...," then the physical connection and basic settings are correct.
Setting up sharing options in Control Panel
Windows 10 system settings are scattered across various menus, and the classic Control Panel remains the key tool for managing network discovery. This is where the protocols that allow computers to "announce" their presence on the network are activated.
Open Control Panel (search for it in the Start menu) and go to Network and Sharing Center. In the left menu, select Change advanced sharing settings. You'll see three profiles: Private, Guest/Public, and All Networks.
In the "Private" section, you need to activate the following options:
- 📡 Turn on network discovery.
- 📁 Enable file and printer sharing.
- 🔗 Allow Windows to manage HomeGroup connections.
Next, scroll down to the "All Networks" section. Here you'll find the crucial "Password-protected sharing" toggle. If you want the folder to be accessible only to users with an account on the primary PC, leave it enabled. If you want open access without a password (less secure, but more convenient for a home network), select "Turn off password-protected sharing."
Don't forget to save your changes by clicking the "Save Changes" button at the bottom of the page. Without this step, any changes to access rights for specific folders will be ineffective, as a global denial will override local permissions.
Creating and sharing a folder on the host computer
Now let's move on to creating the resource itself. You can use an existing folder or create a new one, for example, on drive D, and name it Share or ExchangeThe main thing is not to place shared files in system directories, such as C:\Windows or C:\Program Files, to avoid problems with access rights.
Right-click the folder and select "Properties." Go to the "Sharing" tab and click "Advanced." Check the "Share this folder" box. In the "Share name" field, you can leave the default name or enter a short name in Latin characters.
Click the "Permissions" button. By default, the "Everyone" group is set to read-only permissions. If you plan to not only retrieve files from the second computer, but also write them to this folder (or delete old ones), select the "Everyone" group and check "Full Control" in the "Allow" column.
Why won't the folder open after setting permissions?
Often, the problem lies in a double layer of protection. You've granted permissions in "Advanced Settings," but forgot to check the "Security" tab in the folder's properties. There should also be an "Everyone" group there with read and modify permissions.
After setting the permissions, click "OK" in all windows. The system is now ready to accept incoming connections, but the final step is to check the "Security" tab in the folder properties. Make sure "Everyone" (or your username) is listed in the groups and users list and has "Modify" and "Read" permissions.
Troubleshooting SMB Visibility and Access Issues
In modern versions of Windows 10 (starting with 1709), the SMBv1 protocol is disabled by default for security reasons, but some older devices or specific settings may require it to be enabled. Furthermore, sometimes the discovery service simply goes dormant.
Check the status of services. Click Win + R, enter services.mscFind services:
- 🖥️ Function Discovery Resource Publication.
- 🔍 SSDP Discovery.
- 🌐 UPnP Device Host.
For each of them, double-click, set the “Startup type” to Automatically and click the "Start" button if the service is stopped. This ensures that the computer will actively advertise itself on the network.
☑️ Visibility Diagnostics
It's also worth checking your Windows firewall. Sometimes antivirus software or the built-in firewall blocks incoming connections. Go to "Control Panel" → "Windows Defender Firewall" → "Allow an app..." Make sure the "Private" and "Public" boxes are checked for "File and Printer Sharing."
Connecting to a network folder from a second computer
Once the server is configured, let's move on to the client. Open "This PC" (File Explorer). In the address bar at the top, enter a double slash followed by the IP address of the host computer, for example: \\192.168.1.55. Press Enter.
If the settings are correct, you'll see an open folder. Windows may prompt you for credentials. Enter your username and password for the account. main computer (where the folder is located), not the one you're currently using. Check the "Remember my credentials" box to avoid having to enter them each time.
For ease of use, the folder can be mapped as a network drive. In File Explorer, right-click "This PC" → "Map network drive." Select the drive letter (e.g., Z:) and enter the path in the "Folder" field. \\192.168.1.55\Share and click "Done." The folder will now appear as a separate drive in "My Computer."
If you receive an "Unable to access" error when connecting, try adding an exception to the second computer's firewall or temporarily disabling your antivirus to test the blocking hypothesis.
Table of typical errors and ways to eliminate them
Even if all instructions are followed, situations may arise where the connection is not established. Below is a table of the most common symptoms and their solutions.
| Error / Symptom | Probable cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| 0x80070035 (The network path was not found) | SMB 1.0 service is disabled or ports are blocked | Enable SMB 1.0 in Windows Features or check your firewall |
| Password request that is not accepted | Mismatched credentials or disabled password for the user | Create the same user with a password on both PCs or disable password protection |
| The computer is visible, but the folder is missing. | Access rights error (Security tab) | Add the Everyone group with read permissions to the folder properties |
| There is a network, but the computers can't see each other. | Different Network Profiles (Public vs. Private) | Switch the network profile to "Private" on both devices |
⚠️ Attention: The Windows 10 Settings interface may vary slightly depending on the build version (21H2, 22H2, etc.). If you can't find the item, use the search within the Settings menu.
Optimizing WiFi data transfer speed
File copy speeds over Wi-Fi will always be slower than over a cable due to protocol overhead and interference. However, you can improve the situation. Make sure both computers are connected to the same range. 5 GHz, not 2.4 GHz. The 5 GHz band provides much higher throughput, which is critical for transferring large files.
The Wi-Fi standard of your router also matters. If you have an older router standard 802.11n, the speed is unlikely to exceed 3-4 MB/s. Routers of the standard AC (Wi-Fi 5) or AX (Wi-Fi 6) allow you to achieve speeds of 20-50 MB/s and higher, which is comparable to fast flash drives.
The influence of distance on speed
The 5 GHz signal has poorer penetration through walls. If speeds drop, try moving your router or computers closer together when transferring large amounts of data.
Another important point is power saving for your network card. Go to Device Manager, find your Wi-Fi adapter, open its properties, and under the Power Management tab, uncheck "Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power." This will prevent micro-disconnections.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to create a shared folder if the computers are running different versions of Windows (for example, 10 and 11)?
Yes, the SMB protocols used in Windows 10 and 11 are fully compatible. The setup procedure is identical for both systems.
Is it safe to disable password protection on my home network?
If your Wi-Fi is only accessible to trusted people (like family), the risk is minimal. However, if guests are allowed to connect to the network, it's best to leave the password protection enabled or create a guest network profile with limited access.
Why did I lose access to a network folder after a Windows update?
Major updates (Feature Updates) sometimes reset network settings to "Public" or change security policies. Just check your network profile and access rights again.
How do I delete a network folder if I no longer need it?
In File Explorer, right-click the mapped network drive and select "Disconnect." To permanently remove access, go to the folder's properties on the host computer and uncheck "Share."