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How to Share a Folder on a Private Network and Access it From Another PC
The PCs must be connected to the same private network to access the shared folders
4 min. read
Published onAugust 14, 2024
published onAugust 14, 2024
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Sharing folders on your private network can make file management and collaboration much easier. Whether you’re working from home or managing a small office network, these steps will guide you through the process of sharing folders seamlessly.
How do I share folders on a private network?
1. Enable File and printer sharing
This solution ensures that your computer is discoverable on the network and can share files and printers. Enabling network discovery and file sharing is crucial for communication between devices on the same network.
2. Share a folder
Sharing a folder this way makes it accessible to other devices on the network, allowing them to read or modify files based on the permissions you set. We also have a helpful guide onhow to add a new user on Windows 11so you can share the folder locally.
4. Check network classification
Ensuring that the network is classified correctly (as Private network) allows Windows to treat it securely but also permissibly, providing necessary access to shared resources.
5. Mapping a network drive
Mapping a network drive creates a persistent link to the shared folder, making it convenient to access it as if it were a local drive.
6. Access a shared folder from another computer
Accessing a shared folder this way allows you to browse files and folders shared from another computer within the same private network. In other words, only computers that are connected to the same private network can access the shared folders.
When someone will attempt to access the shared folder, this will require the owner PC password. If you want todisable the Password protected sharing, follow the highlighted link for detailed instructions.
By following these steps, you can efficiently share folders on your private network. To prevent future issues, regularly check your network settings and ensure your sharing preferences are up to date.
You might also be interested in reading our guide onwhat you can do in the Network and sharing center. Also, if thefirewall is blocking the network sharing, address this guide to learn how to allow it.
For any other questions, head down to the comments section below.
More about the topics:file sharing,Network drive
Claudiu Andone
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Oldtimer in the tech and science press, Claudiu is focused on whatever comes new from Microsoft.
His abrupt interest in computers started when he saw the first Home Computer as a kid. However, his passion for Windows and everything related became obvious when he became a sys admin in a computer science high school.
With 14 years of experience in writing about everything there is to know about science and technology, Claudiu also likes rock music, chilling in the garden, and Star Wars. May the force be with you, always!
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Claudiu Andone
Windows Toubleshooting Expert
Oldtimer in the tech and science press, with 14 years of experience in writing on everything there is to know about science, technology, and Microsoft
