Windows offers three distinct ways to share files: use a network share when another computer needs ongoing access on the same trusted network, Nearby sharing for a quick transfer to a nearby Windows PC, or OneDrive when recipients need access over the internet. For a local folder share in Windows 11, start in File Explorer: right-click the folder, choose Show more options if needed, then Give access to > Specific people.
Which Windows file-sharing method should you use?
| Method | Use it when | How access works | Main consideration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Network folder sharing | The recipient’s computer is on the same home or workplace network, and you want the folder to remain accessible. | You grant access to a network user, then the recipient opens the share in File Explorer or maps it as a drive. | Use a trusted network and grant only the access needed. |
| Nearby sharing | You want to send a file, photo, or link to a nearby supported Windows PC. | You enable Nearby sharing on both PCs and select the receiving device when sharing. | The visibility setting affects who can see your PC; “Everyone nearby” exposes its name and Bluetooth MAC address to nearby devices. |
| OneDrive sharing | The recipient needs access over the internet. | You share a cloud-stored file using a link or invitation. | Choose the link audience and access deliberately. This is cloud sharing, not a local network folder share. |
Microsoft describes network sharing as a local area network feature and points to OneDrive for sharing with people over the internet. See Microsoft’s network sharing guide, Nearby sharing guide, and Windows file-sharing overview.
How do I share folders over a network in Windows 11?
Use this method when both PCs can reach each other on the same trusted home or workplace network. The host is the PC that contains the folder; the other computer connects to its share.
- Connect both computers to the same trusted network and make sure the host PC is on.
- On the host, open File Explorer and right-click the folder or file. If the full menu is not visible, select Show more options.
- Select Give access to > Specific people.
- Choose the intended network user and complete the sharing prompt. Microsoft also documents an Everyone option, but use a narrower choice when it meets your needs.
- On the receiving PC, open the shared location from File Explorer’s Network view or enter its network path in File Explorer. The account connecting to the share must have permission.
Sharing a folder makes its contents available under the permissions you granted; it does not mean every other file on the host is shared.
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How do I turn on network discovery?
If the host does not appear under Network in File Explorer, Windows may need network discovery and file sharing enabled for the active network profile. In Windows 11, a Public profile is the recommended default: it hides the PC from other devices and does not support file and printer sharing. A Private profile allows discovery and sharing, but Microsoft recommends using it only on a network whose devices and users you trust.
- On the host PC, open Settings > Network & internet, select the connected Wi-Fi or Ethernet network, and confirm it is set to Private only if the network is trusted.
- In File Explorer, open Network. If Windows displays a banner offering to turn on network discovery and file sharing, choose that option.
- If the prompt is not available, open the advanced sharing settings for the active profile and enable Network discovery and File and printer sharing under Private networks.
Do not switch an unfamiliar public or shared network to Private just to make a share work. Follow workplace network policy where applicable. Microsoft explains Windows network profiles in Essential Network Settings and Tasks in Windows.
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How do I map a network drive?
Mapping a drive gives a shared folder a drive letter for easier repeat access; it does not create a different kind of share.
- In File Explorer, select This PC.
- Select Map network drive.
- Choose an available drive letter, then enter or browse to the shared folder’s network path.
- Optionally select Reconnect at sign-in if you want Windows to try to reconnect when you sign in.
- Select Finish. If prompted, use an account that has permission to the share.
How do I stop sharing folders?
On the host PC, right-click the shared item in File Explorer and choose Give access to > Remove access. This revokes the share access for that item.
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To inspect shares on the current computer, enter \localhost in File Explorer. A folder under your user profile may appear alongside other profile content; its appearance there does not mean every file in the profile is shared. Also, File Explorer may display Remove access for a folder that is not currently shared, so the menu option alone is not proof that a share is active.
How do I send a file to a nearby Windows PC?
Nearby sharing is for a transfer to a nearby supported PC, rather than an ongoing shared folder.
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- On both computers, open Settings > System > Nearby sharing.
- Choose whether the PC can receive from Everyone nearby or only from your own devices. Use the more limited option that suits the transfer.
- On the sending PC, select the file in File Explorer, choose Share, and select the target device.
- On the receiving PC, accept with Save or Save & open.
Nearby sharing can send documents, photos, and links using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. If the sender runs the latest Windows 11 and the receiving Windows 10 or 11 PC is on the same private Wi-Fi network, Wi-Fi transfer is available; otherwise, the PCs can use Bluetooth. Windows 10 devices need version 1803 or later for the feature. Microsoft warns that choosing Everyone nearby makes the PC name and Bluetooth MAC address available to nearby devices, which could help link the PC to its user. Details are in Microsoft’s Nearby sharing instructions.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.How can I share a file with someone over the internet?
Use OneDrive rather than trying to make a home or workplace network share reachable from the public internet. In File Explorer, share a OneDrive-stored file by creating or sending a sharing link, or invite selected recipients. Review the link’s audience and permissions before sending it; a link-based cloud share is different from granting a user access to a LAN folder. Microsoft describes these options in Share files in Windows.
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SMB is a network file-sharing protocol used by Windows and other platforms. Microsoft says SMB traffic to or from the internet is unlikely to be legitimate, apart from possible cloud-service cases such as Azure Files, and recommends protecting SMB traffic at the network perimeter. Do not open SMB ports to the public internet as a workaround for remote access. See Microsoft’s SMB security guidance.
What should I check if another computer cannot open the share?
Work through these checks in order. Avoid disabling the firewall or exposing SMB to the internet as a troubleshooting shortcut.
- Confirm both PCs are connected to the same network and the host is powered on.
- On a trusted network, confirm the host’s profile is Private, and that Network discovery and File and printer sharing are enabled for that profile.
- Confirm the intended folder is actually shared and the account connecting has permission.
- Update Windows and relevant network drivers on the computers involved.
- If using Nearby sharing, enable it on both devices and check Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. For Wi-Fi transfer, the sender/receiver versions and same-private-Wi-Fi conditions described above must be met.
- If using a mapped drive, verify the network path and confirm that the connecting account can access the share.
Microsoft’s network sharing troubleshooting guidance also lists turning off password-protected sharing and setting several discovery services to start automatically. Those changes can broaden access, so they are not universal first steps: use the least-permissive share that works and follow your organization’s policy. Do not turn off password protection without understanding the resulting access change.
Windows 10 note
Windows 10 sharing directions should now be treated as legacy guidance. Microsoft ended Windows 10 support on October 14, 2025; after that date, it no longer provides free Windows Update software updates, technical assistance, or security fixes for Windows 10. Check Microsoft’s Windows file-sharing page for support-status information and applicable instructions.
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