How to Create Shared Folders in Windows 11
Creating shared folders in Windows 11 lets you easily swap files with other computers on your home or office network.
A shared folder acts like a digital bulletin board on your PC that specific people can see and add files to. This is great for working together on projects or moving big files between your devices without using a USB stick or the internet.
For example, you can create one for your family to drop vacation pictures into, or for a small workgroup to store project files.
This handy feature is built right into Windows 11 and works with most other Windows PCs.
Ensure both computers are on the same network and have Network Discovery and File and Printer Sharing enabled. Check that the SMB feature is turned on in “Turn Windows features on or off” and that your computer is part of the same Workgroup as the other computer.
Prerequisites for Network Sharing
Create a folder to share
If you do not have a folder ready, create one now. Open File Explorer, go to where you want the folder, click New, and select Folder.
Give your new folder a descriptive name.
Create a share in 🪟 Windows 11
Shared folders in Windows 11 can be created using the Computer Management tool, a utility for managing your computer’s settings, which lets others on your network access files stored on your PC. This process involves opening the Computer Management app and navigating to the Shared Folders section to set up new shares.
Click the Windows 11 Start menu and type "Computer Management." Select the "Computer Management" application from the search results to open the tool for managing your computer's settings.
In the app, look at the left side. Expand Shared Folders, then right-click on Shares and select New Share.
A wizard will open, guiding you through the process.
Click Browse to find the folder you created earlier.
Select your folder from the list and click OK.
Give your share a name. You can use the default name or pick a new one.
Folder permissions control who can see and modify files. To allow everyone full access to a shared folder in Windows 11, choose the "Customize permissions" option within the sharing settings. This ensures that all users can view and edit files within that specific shared folder.
Select Everyone from the list, then check the Allow box for Full Control. Click OK.
Click Finish to close the wizard.
You have successfully shared your folder! To reach this folder from another computer, use the computer name and the folder name in this format:
\\COMPUTERNAME\SharedFolderName
For example, if your computer is named COMPUTERNAME and the folder is PublicDocument, you would type \\COMPUTERNAME\PublicDocument.
Managing Permissions and Security
Managing who sees and changes your shared folders in Windows 11 involves adjusting permissions through the folder’s Properties, specifically on the Sharing and Security tabs.
How to stop sharing a folder
Troubleshooting Connectivity Errors
If you’re having trouble accessing shared folders in Windows 11, check that both computers are on the same network, ensure SMB (Server Message Block), a protocol used for file sharing, is turned on, and verify the login details saved on your computer.
Summary
Sharing folders in Windows 11 makes it easy to collaborate and exchange files, but remember to be cautious about who has access and avoid storing sensitive data.
Why can’t I see my shared folder on another computer?
This often occurs when Network Discovery is turned off or when computers are connected to different network profiles. Ensure both devices are set to ‘Private’ network mode in settings. Also, verify that the folder is correctly shared in Computer Management and that your firewall is not blocking file sharing traffic.
Do I need a password to access shared folders?
Yes, Windows 11 typically requires a password to access shared folders by default, which is a security feature to protect your files from unauthorized network access.
How do I share a folder between 🪟 Windows 11 Pro and Home?
Sharing a folder between Windows 11 Pro and Home editions works the same way; just ensure both PCs are on the same network with Network Discovery enabled and use the computer name path to connect.
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About the Author
Richard
Tech Writer, IT Professional
Richard, a writer for Geek Rewind, is a tech enthusiast who loves breaking down complex IT topics into simple, easy-to-understand ideas. With years of hands-on experience in system administration and enterprise IT operations, he’s developed a knack for offering practical tips and solutions. Richard aims to make technology more accessible and actionable. He's deeply committed to the Geek Rewind community, always ready to answer questions and engage in discussions.
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[…] you begin, ensure you have enabled file sharing on both computers and that you have shared the folder for the files you are […]