How to share a network folder from Windows 11?
In this article we are going to explain how to share a network folder from Windows 11, which is very useful for collaborative work and resource management in a given environment. In its most recent version, the Microsoft operating system has made this process simpler and more direct.
Now, users have new and better options to share files and folders. With more security and greater efficiency. It should be noted that this allows us to access, edit and collaborate on all types of files remotely, using devices connected to the same network.
This utility is interesting in many areas. For example, so that students and teachers can collaborate on projects, or so that coworkers can access and share documents and other resources. Even within the home it can be interesting to share a network folder from Windows 11 to share photos, music or documents between different devices.
Apart from this, sharing folders is also a fairly simple way to transfer files without having to resort to external devices.
Before you start…
There are a few prerequisites that we need to observe before sharing a network folder in Windows 11. They are the following:
Have a connection to a local network, either WiFi or Ethernet, to which all devices connect.
Configure Windows 11 to allow the discovery of other devices on the network.
Assign the appropriate access permissions to be able to access the folder.
Share a network folder from Windows 11, step by step
These are the steps to follow to share a network folder using Windows 11:
Step 1: Configure network discovery
The first thing we have to do is configure the function that will allow our device to be visible to others within the same network. We can enable it in the following way:
First we click on the Start menu and go to Settings.
Then we access the “Network and Internet” section.
Then we select “Advanced network settings”.
Then, in the “Sharing options” section, we select “Private”.
There we activate the following options:
«Activate network discovery».
«Activate automatic configuration of devices connected to the network».
«Activate file and printer sharing».
To finish, we save the changes.
Step 2: Select the folder we want to share
The next step is to choose the folder to be shared, which can be one created specifically for this purpose or one that already exists. The way to do it is very simple:
First we open the file explorer and locate the folder (or create a new one by right-clicking and selecting «New»).
Then we right-click on the folder and select «Properties».
To finish, we go to the «Share» tab and in it we click on the «Advanced sharing» button.
Step 3: Configure Advanced Sharing
The «Advanced sharing» function is used to configure a series of specific options in the folder we have just selected. These are the steps to follow:
In the folder, we first check the “Share this folder” box (and optionally, assign it a new name).
Then we click on “Permissions” to establish who can access the folder and what actions are allowed:
Full control: Allows the user to read, edit and delete files.
Change: To edit and delete files (note, not to change permissions).
Read: To be able to view and open files, but without the possibility of modifying them.
Once all the permissions have been set, we press the “Apply” button.
Finally, we click on “OK” for the changes to be applied.
Sharing wizard
Another way that Windows 11 offers us to share folders is to use its simplified wizard. How do we access it?
In the folder, we right-click on the folder and select the “Grant access to” option.
Then we choose “Specific people”.
A dialog box then opens where we can select the people or groups to whom we want to grant access.
Next, we need to set the permission level:
Read: Users can view files but not edit them.
Read & Write: Allows users to view, edit, and delete files.
To conclude, we click on “Share.”
Accessing shared folders in Windows 11
When we share a folder, other devices on the network can access it. Here’s how they can do it:
First, open File Explorer on the remote device.
Then, in the address bar, type the network address of the shared folder.
If necessary, enter the username and password of the host device.