Enable Personal File Sharing in Ubuntu Linux

You can enable personal file sharing in Ubuntu Linux to easily share files from your computer with other devices on your network.

This feature, also known as “User Shares,” uses the gnome-user-share package to let you quickly make specific files accessible without complex server configurations. You can grant access to the contents of your Public folder to other machines.

Once enabled, you control whether other users require a password to access your shared Public folder, providing a layer of security for your files. To ensure your shared files are discoverable, make sure both your Ubuntu machine and the target device are connected to the same network.

How to turn on or off personal file sharing in Ubuntu Linux

Turning on personal file sharing in Ubuntu lets you share your Public folder with other computers on your network.

First, press Ctrl+Alt+T on your keyboard to open the terminal console. Then, run the commands below to install gnome-user-share.

sudo apt install gnome-user-share

Ubuntu keeps most of its settings in one place. You can manage everything from system configurations to user creation and updates within the System Settings panel.

Alternatively, click on the System menu at the top-right corner of the top bar on your desktop.

From the System menu, select Settings (as highlighted below).

In the Settings app, click on the Sharing tile to open the panel.

Then, toggle the Sharing switch at the top of the window to On so sharing is enabled.

Sharing is disabled when the switch is set to Off.

In the System Settings -> Sharing panel, select File Sharing as highlighted below.

On the File Sharing window, toggle the File Sharing switch to On.

To disable it, switch it back to the Off position.

This means that other people on your current network can attempt to connect to your computer and access files in your Public folder.

To require other people to use a password when accessing your Public folder, switch the Require Password to On.

That should do it!

Conclusion:

• Enabling or disabling file sharing in Ubuntu Linux is a straightforward process using the gnome-user-share package.
• By accessing the System Settings panel, users can easily toggle the File Sharing switch to allow or restrict access to the Public folder.
• The option to require a password to access the Public folder adds an extra layer of security for shared files.
• This guide provides a comprehensive overview of managing File Sharing settings in Ubuntu Linux, ensuring a seamless user experience.