How to share files between devices on a local network in Windows 11

Sharing files between multiple devices on a local network is one of those key features that turns any home or office into a truly convenient digital environment. En Windows 11, the process for sharing documents, folders, and even printers has evolved compared to previous versions, and today we have multiple methods to do so easily and securely. Whether you want to copy photos to another computer or are considering setting up a small file server, Windows 11 gives you all the facilities to connect computers, tablets or portable on the same WiFi or cable network.

For many users, the challenge is not knowing that content can be shared between multiple PCs, but rather How to configure it correctly to avoid permission, connection, or password issues. Therefore, below we show you a detailed, updated and natural guide, which includes All the options and steps for sharing files on a local network with Windows 11. We include different methods, Tricks to resolve common errors and, as a bonus, safety and compatibility tips so that nothing goes wrong in the process.

Initial preparations: network settings and private profile

Before we jump into sharing folders or documents, it is essential to make sure that all devices are connected to the same local networkWhether using WiFi or Ethernet cable, it is essential that they are within the same IP address range (for example, 192.168.1.x).

The second key step is to correctly configure the network profile. To facilitate recognition and communication between devices, the network must be in Private mode.If it's accidentally set to Public, Windows puts many more limits on it for security, and the shared resources may not be able to see each other.

• Open “Settings” > “Network & Internet” > choose your active connection > go to “Properties” and select “Private” as your network profile.
• This allows your computers to discover and see each other within File Explorer, and also simplifies the discovery of shared resources.

Advanced sharing and firewall settings

The next step is to access the "Network and Sharing Center" section of the Control Panel. From there, We access the "Advanced sharing settings", where you must activate several fundamental options:

• Enable network discovery: Allows your PC to see and be seen on the local network.
• Enable file and printer sharing: Essential for exchanging files and using common printers.
• In the "All Networks" section, disable password protection only if you want maximum convenience (for example, in closed home environments). However, It is safer to share with a password and specific user accounts.

It is also advisable to review the firewall of Windows Defender to make sure it's not blocking the SMB protocol (used by Windows for file sharing), and keep TCP ports 445, 139, 138, and 137 open, which are the ones the system uses for these types of connections.

Rename your teams and verify workgroups

To avoid confusion, change your PC's name to something recognizable by going to "Settings" > "System" > "About" > "Rename." This makes it much easier to find among all the computers connected to the network.

Also, make sure all devices are in the same "workgroup" (e.g., WORKGROUP). This isn't as important as it was a few years ago, but it can save you some trouble with older devices.

Methods for sharing files and folders in Windows 11

1. Share from File Explorer

The fastest and most direct way is using Windows 11 Explorer itself:

• Right click in the file or folder you want to share.
• Select option "Grant access to" o "Share" and choose “Specific Users.”
• You can add network users or select “Everyone” to give global access to devices on the local network.
• Confirm permissions: read-only (others can only view or copy) or full control (they can edit and delete).

Repeat this process with as many folders as you like. Remember that when you share a folder, all content inside is also shared automatically.

2. Nearby sharing

A very convenient modern feature is “nearby sharing,” which allows Instantly send files to other Windows computers (10 or 11) within Bluetooth or WiFi range without having to manually configure shared resources.

• Turn on the feature: Go to “Settings” > “System” > “Nearby Sharing.”
• Choose whether you want to share with “All nearby devices” or only those in your accounts.
• When you're ready to share, select the file, tap "Share," and choose the recipient device. A notification will appear on the recipient device to accept and save.
• You can change the folder of downloads for these received files, if you want.

Ideal for quickly transferring documents or photos between computers in the same environment without technical complications.

3. Share via the cloud with OneDrive

If your files are stored in OneDrive, you can easily share them using links, as explained in how to share on OneDrive.

• Right-click on the OneDrive file or folder and select “Share.”
• You can generate a link for any user or send a direct email from the sharing dialog itself.
• Choose whether the link gives access only to specific people, to any user with the link, or only to users in your organization.
• You can adjust read-only or edit permissions according to your needs.

Creating users and groups for access control

In less familiar environments or with a certain need for control, the ideal is create special user accounts for sharing folders.

• Go to "Computer Management" > "Local Users and Groups" > "Users." Here you can create new users with passwords.
• For shared permissions between multiple users, create a group, add the users, and share the folder only with that group.
• In the permissions menu, you can choose which permissions each user or group has: read-only, write-only, modify-only, etc.

This configuration is especially relevant in small professional environments, academies or large families.

Advanced permissions and security settings for shared folders

In Windows 11 you can fine-tune permissions even further. Use the "Share" tab (in the folder properties) for basic sharing and "Security" for NTFSThis way, you can grant access only to certain users or teams, and you can limit exactly what they can do with shared files.

• Under "Advanced Sharing," select "Share this folder," enter a share name (you can use the default or a custom one), and adjust permissions using the "Permissions" button (read, change, full control).
• On the "Security" tab, click "Edit" to add users or groups and assign them file system-level (NTFS) permissions. This is the most robust system if you want to prevent unauthorized access or limit specific actions on files.

Connecting to shared resources from other Windows devices

Users on other Windows PCs can access shared folders as follows:

• Open File Explorer and click on the Network section (in the side panel).
• You'll see the available devices; select the one you want and access the shared folders.
• If you don't see the team, you can enter manually by typing the UNC address in the navigation bar, for example: \\computername\sharedfolder or using your IP, for example: \\192.168.1.10\sharedfolder.
• If required, Windows will ask for a username and password (if you have set specific permissions), or allow direct access if the resource is shared to “Everyone” without a password.

A practical trick is map the shared folder as a network drive for quick and permanent access from the Explorer.

How to share files between Windows and other operating systems

Interoperability with equipment Linux (e.g., Ubuntu) is possible thanks to the SMB protocol. From Ubuntu, go to File Explorer > Other Locations > Connect to Server and enter the network path in the format: smb://Windows-PC-IPFor more details, check out our guide on How to share files between Android and Windows phones with Nearby Share.

Enter your username and password (if required) and you'll have access to shared resources just like you would between Windows PCs. If you're having permission issues, check your workgroup settings and make sure the accounts match or the appropriate permissions have been enabled for "Everyone."

Troubleshooting common problems when sharing files on a local network

File sharing usually works well, but sometimes errors may appear such as:

• "Windows cannot access \hostname\share": Check folder permissions, that the user is added to the share, and that the network is in Private mode.
• Error 0x80070035 (Network path not found): This is usually caused by differences in the SMB protocol version or disabled services.
• Continuous password requestsMake sure your usernames and passwords match on both devices. If you use the "no password" option, review the associated risks and only enable it if you are fully aware of the security implications.
• Anonymous access (invited/guest)From Windows 10 build 10159 onward, there is no such thing as a Guest account. If you need access without credentials, you can do so by allowing access to "Everyone" and removing password protection, although this is not recommended outside of highly controlled environments.

Don't forget: Keep network services up to date, enable SMB protocols (preferably v3.1.1 or higher), and check the status of services such as "Role Discovery Resource Publishing" and "Role Discovery Provider Host."

Advanced Tips: SMB Security, Limits, and Versions

In professional networks or when there are many users, Windows 11 has a limit of 20 simultaneous connections to shared resources.If you need more, you should consider using Windows Server.

The protocol that manages the exchange is called SMB. For security reasons, Windows 11 disables SMB 1.0 by default., as it was the target of attacks like WannaCry. Keep SMB 3.x enabled, and only enable SMB 1.0 if you're connecting to very old equipment, and at your own risk.

Check and enable/disable SMB from "Windows Features" or with commands PowerShell , the Get-SmbServerConfiguration y Enable-WindowsOptionalFeature -Online -FeatureName SMB1Protocol (only if essential).

Finally, always check your firewall and security policies. Don't forget to back up important shared data and consider using advanced permissions for individual accounts to prevent unwanted access.

Setting up and using file sharing in Windows 11 isn't as complicated as it seems if you follow the right steps and keep security and permissions in mind. With the available options, you can share everything from simple documents to entire folders, both with Windows and other computers. OS, choosing the method that best suits your needs and technical knowledge. Whether using Explorer, the OneDrive cloud, Nearby Sharing, or advanced settings, you'll have complete control over how, when, and with whom you share your files on your local network.

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How to share files and folders on a local network in Windows 11

Isaac

Passionate writer about the world of bytes and technology in general. I love sharing my knowledge through writing, and that's what I'll do on this blog, show you all the most interesting things about gadgets, software, hardware, tech trends, and more. My goal is to help you navigate the digital world in a simple and entertaining way.