How to Create Shared Folders in Windows 11
Shared folders in Windows 11 let you send files between different computers on your home or office network without a USB stick or an internet connection. A shared folder acts like a regular digital folder on your PC that other people can open, copy files from, and add new files to over your Wi-Fi or Ethernet connection.
This built-in Windows 11 feature works on both Home and Pro editions to help you share photos with family members or send large work documents to another PC in the same room.
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 need a new folder for this, open File Explorer , navigate to your preferred location, click New, and select Folder.
Give the folder a descriptive name.
Create a share in 🪟 Windows 11
Setting up shared folders Windows 11 lets other people on your home network access specific files and folders from their own computers. You can do this quickly by using the built-in Computer Management tool to pick a folder on your hard drive, name the share, and choose who has permission to view or change your files.
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
To stop sharing, open Computer Management, go to Shared Folders, and click Shares. Right-click the folder you want to stop sharing and select Stop Sharing. This immediately removes network access for all users.
Troubleshooting Connectivity Errors
Trouble accessing shared folders in Windows 11 usually comes down to three things. Check that both computers are on the same network, confirm SMB (Server Message Block, the protocol Windows uses for file sharing) is turned on, and verify your saved login details.
Summary
Sharing folders in Windows 11 makes collaboration and file exchange efficient, 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?
A shared folder not showing up on network Windows 11 usually happens when Network Discovery is turned off or your connection is set to public instead of private. You can fix this by turning on network sharing settings, making sure both computers are on the same Wi-Fi network, and checking that your firewall is not blocking file 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.
Thanks for help
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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 […]