How to set up shared resources in Windows 11 step by step

Share files or printers within a local network in Windows 11 It can be a huge advantage for homes or small offices. Whether you're accessing it from another PC, streaming movies to a TV, or printing from any device, properly configuring shared resources is essential.

In this comprehensive guide we explain how to set up sharing in Windows 11 Using all the settings available in the system, from basic options to advanced settings that allow you to control users, permissions, encryption, and more, all in clear, detailed language so you don't get lost at any step.

Prerequisites and initial considerations

Before you start setting up folders or devices for sharing, there are a few essential preparations you should take into account:

• All devices must be connected to the same local network, either by WiFi or cable
• The ideal file system for sharing is NTFS, as it allows for detailed configuration of permissions. FAT32 does not offer these options
• Check that the necessary TCP ports are open: 445, 139, 138 and 137
• You will need administrator privileges on the computer from which you will share resources

Switch to the private network profile in Windows 11

For sharing to work properly, Your connection must be configured as a private networkThis enables discovery of other devices and makes yours visible on the network.

To switch to the Private profile:

1. Click the network icon on the taskbar and select Properties of the network
2. In section Network profile, Select Private

Turn on advanced sharing settings

After making sure you are on a private network, the next step is activate basic sharing features:

1. Open the Control panel (you can search for it in the Start menu)
2. Go to Network and Internet and select Center network and sharing
3. Click on Change advanced sharing settings on the left side
4. Within the Private profile, activate:
   • Network discovery
   • File and printer sharing
5. In category All networks, you can configure:
   • Sharing public folders
   • Multimedia streaming (optional if you want to share music, videos…)
   • Encrypted connections (128 bits), although you can downgrade it to 40/56 bits if other devices don't support it
   • Password-protected sharing, you can disable it if you don't want to ask for credentials

Create users and groups to share folders securely

If you don't want all network users to access your files, You can create specific accounts or groups with custom permissions:

1. Right click on This team and select Manage
2. Within Local users and groups Accede to Users and select New User
3. Enter a name, password and configure whether or not to change it.
4. Optionally, you can go to the section Groups and create a new one, adding the users you want to include

How to share a folder step by step

Recommended option: Advanced Sharing

This method gives you the greatest control over who accesses what and how:

1. Right click on the folder you want to share
2. Choose Properties and go to the tab Share
3. Click on Advanced sharing
4. Brand Share this folder and assign a name
5. Press on Permissions and deletes the entry All
6. Add the users or groups created above and assign permissions (read, change, full control)

Configure NTFS permissions from the Security tab

In addition to SMB sharing permissions, you must also adjust the file system permissions (NTFS):

1. In the same properties window, go to the tab Security
2. Click on Edit and later Add
3. Enter the user or group, verify with Check names and applies access levels
4. Full Control, modification or read-only, as you need

Access a shared folder from another Windows PC

From another computer connected to the same network:

• Open the File Browser and click Red from the side panel
• You should see the name of the team that shared the folder
• Access and locate the shared folder
• If you set up password protection, you will be asked for your username and password.

Direct access with UNC route

You can also connect via the UNC route from the Explorer address bar:

\\ComputerName\SharedFolderName

Example: \\PC-desktop\Documents

Map network drive

If you access it frequently, you can assign it as a permanent drive:

1. Right click on the shared folder
2. Choose Connect as a network drive
3. Choose a letter and mark Reconnect on login

Access from Ubuntu or another Linux system

In Ubuntu, the process is different but also very simple:

1. 1. Open the File Browser and go to other locations
   2. En Connect to server, enter the IP or name of the Windows computer using this syntax:

smb://192.168.1.100

1. Enter the username and password you configured

Sharing without a password: advantages and risks

Disabling password-protected sharing allows anyone on your network to access the resource, which can be useful in highly controlled environments (such as at home), but also poses a security risk.

You should:

• Ir a Advanced sharing settings and mark Disable password-protected sharing
• Allow access to All in the shared folder permissions

This option is ideal for public folders, but Not recommended for sensitive resources or if there is a risk of unauthorized access.

Nearby sharing via Bluetooth or WiFi

Another option is to use the proximity sharing, very useful for quickly sending files between nearby devices:

1. Go to Settings > System > Nearby Sharing
2. Activate the option on both devices
3. Select files, right click > Share > choose the other device

SMB: Versions, Compatibility, and Activation

Windows 11 uses the protocol SMB3.1 by default. However, if you want to share with older devices (such as Windows XP), you may need enable SMB 1.0, although it is not recommended due to its insecurity.

To check or enable SMB 1.0

1. Open the Control Panel > Programs > Turn Windows features on or off
2. Brand Support for SMB 1.0/CIFS file sharing
3. Press OK and reboot if prompted

Avoid using SMB 1.0 unless you have no other option., as it has been used by ransomware such as WannaCry or NotPetya.

Common errors and how to fix them

Error: Windows cannot access \ComputerName\Resource

Probably:

• You don't have permissions. Check your SMB and NTFS permissions.
• The user is not registered correctly
• Authentication failed: try deleting credentials from Control Panel > User Accounts > Credential Manager

0x80070035: Network path not found

Review:

• That the SMB server is active
• Related Windows Services: Resource Publishing, Feature Discovery, etc.
• Make sure your firewall is not blocking access.

0x80004005: Access denied

This error usually appears when there are permission issues or SMB incompatibility between the two machines.

Access with the same user on both computers

If you use the same username and password on both computers, you will be able to access without entering credentials each time, maintaining access security.

This is a recommended way to avoid passwords without having to disable protection completely.

Shared Devices and Microsoft Intune

In corporate or educational environments, you can use solutions like Microsoft Intune to configure shared devices with multiple users, limiting features, cleaning up inactive accounts, and controlling power policies, autologin, and more—ideal for schools and offices with shared PCs.

As you see, The resource sharing options in Windows 11 are extensive and versatile.From a simple shared folder to advanced security policies and professional use, the system offers all the tools you need to adapt to your needs. Setting it up correctly from the start will not only improve your productivity, but will also protect your information and save you headaches in the future.

Related article:

Shared resources in Windows: what they are and how to use them correctly on a network

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.