Windows can share a folder with other PCs on the same local network (LAN). Once configured, another computer can open the folder using a network path such as \\homePC\SharedFiles, or map it as a drive in File Explorer.
This is local network sharing, not a way to publish files directly on the Internet. Microsoft recommends using OneDrive for Internet file sharing. These instructions apply to Windows 11 and Windows 10, although Microsoft ended Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025.
Before you start
Check these points before changing sharing settings:
- Both PCs must be connected to the same trusted network, such as the same home router or workplace network.
- The PC containing the folder must be switched on and connected to the network.
- The host PC should use the Private network profile. Do not select Private on a public Wi-Fi network, hotel network, or other network whose users and devices you do not trust.
- You need permission to share the folder. A user opening the share may also need a valid account and password on the host PC.
Set the network profile to Private
A Public network profile hides your PC from other devices and prevents normal file and printer sharing. A Private profile allows discovery and sharing. Only use Private on a network whose users and devices you trust.
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Windows 11
- Open Settings and select Network & internet.
- For a wireless connection, select Wi-Fi, then select the connected network. For a wired connection, select Ethernet.
- Under Network profile type, select Private network.
Windows 10
- Open Settings > Network & internet.
- Select Wi-Fi or Ethernet, depending on the connection.
- Select the connected network and set the network profile to Private.
Turn on network discovery and file sharing
Windows 11
- Go to Start > Settings > Network & internet.
- Select Advanced network settings.
- Select Advanced sharing settings.
- Expand Private networks.
- Turn on Network discovery and File and printer sharing.
You can also open Settings and search for manage advanced sharing settings, then select Manage advanced sharing settings.
Windows 10
- Open Start > Settings > Network & internet.
- Select Sharing options.
- Under Private, select Turn on Network discovery and Turn on file and printer sharing.
Windows 10 also includes Turn off password protected sharing under All Networks. Microsoft lists this as a troubleshooting configuration, not a requirement for every share. It removes the password requirement, so use it only if appropriate for a trusted network. Leaving password-protected sharing enabled is safer when several people or devices use the network.
Share a file or folder
Sharing a folder makes the files inside that folder available through the network share. You can share a single file, a folder, or multiple selected files in Windows 10.
Windows 11
- Open File Explorer and locate the file or folder.
- Right-click it and select Show more options.
- Select Give access to > Specific people.
- Choose a particular user, or choose Everyone if every user on the local network should be able to access it.
- Complete the sharing prompt.
You can also select the item in File Explorer, open the Share tab at the top, and select Specific people in the Share with section.
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Windows 10
- Open File Explorer and right-click the file or folder.
- Select Give access to > Specific people.
- Choose a user or select Everyone.
- Confirm the sharing operation.
Alternatively, select the item, open the Share tab, and select Specific people in the Share with section. To share several files together in Windows 10, select them all before opening the Share tab or context menu.
Open the shared folder from another PC
On the second computer:
- Open File Explorer.
- Click the address bar.
- Enter the host computer name and share name in this format: \\ComputerName\ShareName.
- For example, enter \\homePC\SharedFolderName.
- Press Enter. If the host is available and your account has access, Windows opens the shared folder.
To test whether the host computer can be reached at all, enter \\ComputerName in File Explorer. If \\homePC opens but \\homePC\SharedFolderName does not, the computers can communicate but the share name or permissions need checking. If neither path works, troubleshoot network connectivity, discovery, or the host PC’s power state.
Map a shared folder as a network drive
Mapping gives the shared folder a drive letter, such as Z:. It is useful for a folder you open regularly.
Windows 11
- Open File Explorer, or press Windows logo key + E.
- Select This PC in the left pane.
- Select More on the File Explorer toolbar.
- Select Map network drive.
- Choose a drive letter in the Drive list.
- Enter the shared folder path in Folder, such as \\homePC\SharedFolderName, or select Browse.
- Select Reconnect at sign-in if Windows should restore the mapping whenever you sign in.
- Select Finish.
If Map network drive is not shown under More, right-click This PC in File Explorer’s navigation pane and select the command there.
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Windows 10
- Open File Explorer and select This PC.
- Open the Computer tab and select Map network drive.
- Choose a drive letter.
- Enter the shared folder or computer path.
- Optionally select Reconnect at sign-in.
- Select Finish.
Check which folders are shared on the local PC
Type \\localhost into File Explorer. Windows displays shares available through the local computer. If a folder inside your user profile is shared, \\localhost may show the user profile and its files. That does not mean every file in the profile is network-shared; it means the logged-in user can access those files locally.
Stop sharing a file or folder
Windows 11
- Right-click the file or folder.
- Select Show more options.
- Select Give access to > Remove access.
You can also select the item, open the Share tab, and select Remove access in the Share with section.
In some situations, Remove access appears for a folder that is not network-shared. Its presence alone does not prove that the folder is currently available to other PCs. In older Windows 10 versions, the equivalent command was called Stop sharing.
Fix common Windows network-sharing problems
| Problem | What to check |
|---|---|
| The other PC does not appear under File Explorer > Network | Confirm that the network profile is Private, Network discovery is enabled, and the discovery services are running. If File Explorer shows a Network discovery is turned off banner, select it and choose Turn on network discovery and file sharing. |
| The PCs cannot connect at all | Confirm that both computers are connected to the same network—for example, the same wireless router. A guest Wi-Fi network may isolate devices from one another. |
| The host is visible but the folder will not open | Check that the host PC is switched on and that the connecting user has permission to access the shared folder. |
| Windows asks for a username and password | Enter credentials for an account on the host PC. Using the same Microsoft or local user account on both PCs can avoid some credential problems. |
| The share works once but disappears after restarting | Map it as a network drive and select Reconnect at sign-in. Also check that the host PC is available when you sign in. |
Restart the discovery services
If the computers are on the same network but do not appear in File Explorer, check these Windows services:
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- Press Windows logo key + R.
- Type services.msc and select OK.
- For each service above, right-click it and select Properties.
- If the service is stopped, select Start.
- Set Startup type to Automatic, then apply the change.
Do not use HomeGroup instructions
HomeGroup was removed from Windows 10 version 1803. It cannot be used to create new shares in Windows 10 or Windows 11.
Some older Windows 10 installations may still show HomeGroup (view) or HomeGroup (view and edit) under Give access to, but Microsoft says those choices do nothing. Use Specific people instead.
A share created before HomeGroup was removed may still be accessible through a UNC path such as \\homePC\SharedFolderName. That does not mean HomeGroup is still available for creating new shares.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Nearby sharing is a different feature
Nearby sharing sends individual documents, photos, links, and other items to nearby PCs. It is not the same as creating a persistent folder share that another computer can browse repeatedly.
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In Windows 11, configure it under Start > Settings > System > Nearby sharing. Windows 10 requires version 1803 or later. On current Windows 11, Nearby sharing can use Wi-Fi when the recipient Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC is on the same private Wi-Fi network; otherwise it can use Bluetooth.
Security notes
- Share only the folder that needs to be available. Sharing a whole drive or user profile exposes considerably more data than necessary.
- Use Specific people instead of Everyone when access should be limited.
- Keep the network profile as Public when connected to networks you do not trust.
- Do not disable password-protected sharing simply because a troubleshooting guide recommends it. It may be acceptable on a private home network, but it removes an important access check.
- For files that need to be accessed over the Internet rather than from a nearby PC, use a cloud service such as OneDrive instead of exposing Windows file sharing directly to the Internet.
FAQ
Can I share files between Windows 10 and Windows 11?
Yes. Put both PCs on the same local network, use a Private network profile, enable Network discovery and File and printer sharing, and share the folder with Specific people or Everyone. Open it from the other PC using a UNC path such as \\ComputerName\ShareName.
Why can I see a computer but not open its shared folder?
The host PC may be switched off, the share name may be incorrect, or your account may not have permission. Try opening \\ComputerName first, then check the exact shared-folder path and provide credentials for an account on the host if Windows asks.
Do both PCs need to use the same Microsoft account?
No. A shared folder can use a valid account on the host PC. However, using the same Microsoft or local user account on both computers can resolve some credential prompts and access-denied errors.
Is Windows file sharing available over the Internet?
Windows’ normal network file sharing is intended for a local area network, such as PCs connected to the same home or workplace network. It is not intended as direct Internet file sharing; use OneDrive or another suitable cloud service for remote access.
What replaced HomeGroup in Windows 10 and Windows 11?
There is no direct HomeGroup replacement. Use File Explorer’s Give access to > Specific people for persistent LAN folder sharing. Use Nearby sharing when you only need to send individual items to a nearby PC.
The Bottom Line
For a normal Windows LAN share, set the host’s network profile to Private on a trusted network, enable Network discovery and File and printer sharing, then share the folder through Specific people. Open it with \\ComputerName\ShareName or map that path as a drive. If discovery fails, check the four discovery services and confirm that both PCs are really on the same network.
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