- Proper local network configuration and permissions are essential for file sharing on Windows 11 without access problems.
- Using consistent usernames and passwords across all devices ensures greater security and seamless access to shared folders.
- Controlling firewalls and advanced settings prevents most connection issues on your home or office network.
Nowadays, share files and folders between multiple computers on a local network with Windows 11 It has become a very common need, whether to streamline office work, collaborate at home, or avoid the tedious task of constantly sending data by email or transferring it with USB flash drives. With the connectivity improvements and options offered by Windows, setting up a practical and secure local network is easier than it seems, although there are details and Tricks which is important to know so that everything works the first time.
In this article we show you Step by step how to prepare your Windows 11 computer to share folders and files on a local network., the prerequisites, the different permission levels, how to access it from another PC (Whether Windows or other systems like Ubuntu), and important tips for avoiding common connection errors, as well as some extras that can make your life even easier. We'll explain everything in detail, so you can conveniently share documents, photos, or any type of file on your home or office network.
Why is it worth sharing folders on a local network?
Before getting into the subject, it is important to know that Using shared folders on the local network brings enormous advantages: allows different computers to access the same files simultaneously, reduces duplication and errors by working on old versions, facilitates collaboration even with programs such as Become or Excel, and increases security and organization to power limit what each user can see or modifyAll of this without relying on external services or the cloud if you don't want to.
First steps to prepare your local network
To make Windows 11 seamless file sharing on your local network, there are a few essential initial settings:
- Connect all devices to the same local network (either by cable or via Wi-Fi).
- Make sure the network profile is set to "Private" on each PC, never "Public," as public networks block this feature. You can change this from Settings > Network & Internet > Network Properties.
- Turn on network discovery and file and printer sharingThis is done in Settings > Network & Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change advanced sharing settings. Check “Turn on network discovery” and “Turn on file and printer sharing.”
- Disable password protection for the network in the "All Networks" section if you want others to access your folders without having to enter a password on each computer. Be aware of the potential risks of this option. If you're looking for maximum security, maintain password protection and create identical users on both computers (explained later).
- Configure the firewall or antivirus so that they don't block traffic between computers on the local network. Some antivirus programs create obstacles that can prevent automatic detection of computers.
Choose the folder to share carefully
You can share almost any folder on your drive, but The ideal is to create a specific folder in the root of one of your internal drives (for example, C:\Shared). Avoid sharing system folders (such as Documents or Desktop) or paths that are too deep, so as not to complicate your life with permissions, antivirus software, or long paths.
How to share a folder in Windows 11 step by step
- Open the File Browser and locate the folder you want to share.
- Take the right click on the folder, choose “Properties” and access the “Sharing” tab.
- Push the button “Advanced Sharing”If it doesn't appear, look for a similar option or check the advanced settings.
- Check the box “Share this folder”. Enter the name you want it to be visible on the network. You can choose a name different from the actual folder, and if you end it with a $ symbol (for example, "Resources$"), the folder will be hidden and only accessible if you know its exact path.
- Press on Permissions to decide which users on your network will be able to access it and at what level: read-only, modify, or full control.
- You can add users or groups using the “Add…” button. By default, the “Everyone” group will have access, but it’s recommended to customize permissions for added security.
- Apply the changes, accept, and close all open windows. Your folder will now be available to other computers on the network.
Tip: If you see an old share name and can't change it, uncheck the "Share this folder" option, accept the changes, and start the process again.
User management and access permissions
Windows 11 gives you the option to manage who accesses shared resources. There are several strategies:
- Identical usernames and passwordsIf you want to avoid being asked for credentials when connecting from another PC, you must create the same username and password on both computers. This way, Windows will automatically authorize access.
- Custom permissions: You can grant different permissions to each user or group, or even assign "Everyone" read, modify, or deny access rights. If only you will be using the folder, you can give "Full Control" to the "Everyone" group and adjust it later as needed.
- Passwordless access: You can disable password protection in the advanced sharing settings, but keep in mind that this reduces network security.
Trick: To share with multiple people using different accounts, you can create local groups in Windows and assign permissions based on the group.
Accessing the shared folder from another Windows computer
On the computer you want to access the folder on, open the File Browser and click "Network" in the left column. You'll see a list of detected computers. Double-click the server computer and navigate to the shared folder. If it doesn't appear, you can also connect directly by typing: in the address bar.
- \\computername\foldername
- Or using the IP address: \\192.168.1.15\foldername
You can also create a shortcut on desktop so you don't have to repeat the process every time. Just right-click on the desktop, choose "New" > "Shortcut," and type the network path.
If you see a prompt asking for a username and password when you try to open the folder, make sure the username exists on both computers and the password matches. Select the option to remember credentials if you don't want to be asked for credentials every time.
Map a shared folder as a network drive
For easier access, you can make the shared folder appear as another drive on your computer. It's as simple as:
- Right-click on “This PC” and choose “Map Network Drive.”
- Select a free letter for the new drive.
- Enter the network path (\\computername\folder) and select “Reconnect at logon” to ensure permanent access.
- Apply and finish. The folder will now be accessible like any other drive.
What to do if you get errors when trying to access the shared folder
When setting up shared folders, it's quite common to encounter errors such as "The network path was not found" or "You don't have permission to access it." There can be many causes:
- Password protection is enabled and the username/password does not match on both teams.
- Firewall or antivirus blocks communication. Try temporarily disabling them.
- Network discovery service is disabled on any of the computers.
- Different workgroup configurations or name resolution issues on the network. In this case, try connecting using the IP address.
If all else fails, check that the "Function Discovery Resource Publishing" and "Function Discovery Provider Host" services are in automatic mode. You can also check the Windows Credential Manager and delete any old saved entries.
Compatibility and security recommendations
Windows 11 and Windows 10 They share practically the same system for sharing files on local networks, although the menu options may vary slightly. If you have computers with different versions of Windows (including some very old ones), keep in mind that newer systems no longer support the SMB 1.0 protocol by default, which is less secure and has been the source of serious vulnerabilities (remember the WannaCry case). Only enable it if absolutely necessary, and disable it afterward.
To avoid security problems:
- Always keep your operating system up to date.
- Don't share folders unless strictly necessary, or limit access to specific users.
- If you use passwordless access, make sure only trusted users can access your local network.
On the other hand, the “Guest” account is no longer active in newer versions of Windows, so you won’t be able to use it for anonymous access as you did in the past.
Advanced details and specific troubleshooting
- If you use complicated computer names (with spaces, ñs, accents, etc.), change them to something simple and without Symbols.
- For complicated networks (due to switches, VoIP PBXs, advanced routers, etc.), you can force name resolution by editing the file hosts from Windows by manually assigning the IP to the computer name.
- If the server IP changes every time it restarts, set a fixed IP on the network card.
How to access a shared folder from Linux (Ubuntu)
Ubuntu users (and other distributions) Linux) they can Access shared folders in Windows 11 You can easily access it using File Explorer, find the “Other Locations” option, and connect to the server using the SMB address (e.g., smb://192.168.1.15). You may be asked to enter a username and password, and you can choose whether the system remembers these details.
With administrative privileges, you can view and manage hidden shares (those ending in $), but for standard use, simply access the shared folder normally.
Other ways to share files in Windows 11
- OneDrive: You can share files or folders synced with OneDrive from File Explorer (right-click > Share a link), sending links even to people outside your local network.
- Sharing in proximity: If both devices are nearby and have Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, you can use the “Share with nearby devices” option from the “Sharing” tab.
- Email: From the Share menu, you can directly send attachments using your desktop email application.
Extra: How to create a local Wi-Fi network without a router
If you do not have router Or if you simply want to connect two or more computers at a time, you can create a hosted Wi-Fi network from one of your computers. From Settings > Mobile Hotspot, you configure the name, password, and connect the other devices just like you would with a regular Wi-Fi hotspot. This way, you can share folders and printers without relying on office infrastructure or internet access.
Useful tips and final recommendations
- To make connections easier, always use short names without special characters for computers and shared resources.
- Stay organized by creating custom desktop shortcuts for the folders you use every day.
- Make frequent backups of your shared files, especially if they are used daily on a local network.
- Centralize shared resources on a single computer if possible, for ease of maintenance and security.
Properly configuring file and folder sharing on your Windows 11 local network not only allows you to work much more efficiently, but also helps keep your data more secure and organized, avoiding common problems such as overwriting old versions, losing information, or conflicts between users. By following these steps and tips, you'll ensure your entire network runs like a well-oiled machine, ready to share information quickly and reliably, without unnecessary complications.
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