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How to Create a Shared Folder on a Windows Network
Sharing a folder over a network allows other users on your network to access the folder and its contents. Here’s how to create and configure shared folders:
1. Create the Folder:
First, create the folder you want to share:
- Right-click anywhere on your desktop or inside a directory.
- Select New > Folder and give it a meaningful name, e.g., “SharedDocs” or “ProjectFiles.”
2. Enable Sharing:
Once you’ve created the folder, follow these steps to share it with other computers on the network:
- Right-click on the folder and select Properties.
- Navigate to the Sharing tab.
- Click Advanced Sharing and check the box next to Share this folder.
- Click Permissions to manage which users can access the folder and what permissions they have (read, write, full control).
- For example, select Everyone if you want the folder accessible to everyone on the network.
3. Access the Shared Folder from Another Device:
On another device connected to the same network, you can access the shared folder using File Explorer.
- Open File Explorer and type
\\YourComputerName\SharedFolderName
in the address bar (replace YourComputerName and SharedFolderName with your actual PC name and folder name). - You should now see the shared folder. If prompted, enter the credentials of a user with access.
4. Map Network Drive (Optional):
To make the shared folder easier to access, you can map it as a network drive.
- Right-click This PC in File Explorer and choose Map network drive.
- Choose a drive letter and enter the folder’s path (e.g.,
\\YourComputerName\SharedFolderName
). - Check the box Reconnect at sign-in if you want the drive to reconnect automatically when the computer starts.