Set Up a Shared Folder on Windows (and Fix Access Errors)

A shared folder lets PCs on the same home or office network swap files without USB sticks or cloud uploads. Setup takes three parts: the network profile, the sharing settings, and the folder itself. Below are the steps, plus what to check when it doesn't work and how to keep it safe.

1. Set the network to Private

On a public network, Windows hides your PC from other devices. Both PCs need to be on a private network to share.

1. In Settings > Network & internet, open the properties for your Wi-Fi network (or Ethernet).
2. Under Network profile type, choose Private network.

2. Turn on sharing settings

1. Go to Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Advanced sharing settings.
2. Under Private networks, turn on Network discovery and File and printer sharing.
3. Under All networks, we recommend leaving Password protected sharing on.

3. Share the folder

1. Right-click the folder and choose Properties.
2. On the Sharing tab, select Advanced Sharing and tick Share this folder.
3. Select Permissions and choose who can access it. Read lets people open files; Change lets them edit and delete too.
4. Select OK to close.

Don't share your whole C: drive or user folder. A dedicated "Shared" folder is safer and easier to manage.

4. Connect from another PC

1. Find the sharing PC's name in Settings > System > About (device name). For its IP address, run ipconfig in Command Prompt.
2. On the other PC, type \\PCNAME or \\192.168.0.10 into the File Explorer address bar.
3. When asked to sign in, use an account on the sharing PC. For a Microsoft account, that's the email address and the account password, not the PIN.

If you use it often, right-click the shared folder and choose Map network drive to give it a drive letter.

5. When it doesn't connect

• Make sure both PCs are on the same router. Guest Wi-Fi networks often block devices from seeing each other.
• If the PC doesn't show up under Network, typing \\IP-address directly often still works.
• "Network path was not found (0x80070035)" usually means a setting from steps 1 and 2 is off, or the name or IP is wrong.
• Third-party security software or firewalls can block file sharing.
• Recent Windows 11 versions tighten SMB security: passwordless guest access is blocked by default on most editions, and SMB signing is required on Pro and above. Use an account with a password. If an old NAS won't open, update its firmware first.

6. Stop sharing when you're done

Open the folder's Properties > Sharing > Advanced Sharing and untick Share this folder.

FAQ

Can I share without a password?

You can turn off password protected sharing, but then anyone on the network can get in, and current Windows versions often refuse guest connections anyway. Using an account password is both safer and more reliable.

Can a Mac or phone open the share?

Usually, yes. On a Mac, use Finder's Go > Connect to Server and enter smb://IP-address. Many phone file manager apps support SMB too.

Does sharing slow down my PC?

Only briefly while large files are being copied. Otherwise you won't notice it.

It worked before an update and now doesn't.

That's often the stricter SMB defaults. Connect with a password-protected account, and update any NAS or older devices.