How to Share files Between Windows PCs on Same Network

Sharing files between Windows PCs on the same local network is one of the most efficient ways to transfer data without needing USB drives or cloud services. Whether you’re working in a home office, a small business, or a multi-device environment, Windows provides several built-in options for network file sharing. In this comprehensive how-to article, I’ll walk you through different ways to share files securely and easily between two or more Windows computers on the same network.

Why Use Network File Sharing?

From my own experience setting up a small work-from-home system, network sharing has helped me avoid repeated emailing of files and juggling external drives. Here are a few benefits:

• Centralizes storage and access.
• Enables collaboration between multiple users.
• Faster than using cloud storage for large files on local networks.

Requirements Before You Start

To ensure a smooth sharing experience, make sure:

1. All PCs are connected to the same network (Wi-Fi or LAN).
2. File sharing and network discovery are enabled.
3. Windows Firewall or antivirus software isn’t blocking file sharing.
4. You’re using a Private Network profile on each PC (not Public).

Step 1: Set the Network Profile to Private

Setting the network to private ensures your PC is discoverable to others on the same network.

• Windows 11:
  1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi or Ethernet.
  2. Click on the connected network.
  3. Choose Private network.
• Windows 10:
  1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status.
  2. Click Change connection properties.
  3. Select Private.

Step 2: Enable File and Printer Sharing

1. Open Control Panel.
2. Go to Network and Sharing Center.
3. Click Change advanced sharing settings.
4. Under the Private profile:
   • Turn on Network discovery.
   • Turn on File and printer sharing.
5. Save changes.

This enables other PCs to discover your machine and access shared folders.

Step 3: Share a Folder

To share a specific folder with another PC:

1. Right-click the folder > Select Properties.
2. Go to the Sharing tab.
3. Click on Share.
4. In the dialog box, select Everyone from the dropdown menu and click Add.
5. Choose Read or Read/Write permission.
6. Click Share and then Done.

This allows any PC on the same network to access that folder, depending on the permissions you’ve set.

Step 4: Access the Shared Folder from Another PC

Method 1: Via Network Explorer

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Click on Network in the left-hand pane.
3. You should see the name of the other PC listed.
4. Double-click it and open the shared folder.
5. Enter the username and password of the other PC if prompted.

Tip: If you’re not seeing the shared computer, make sure that Network Discovery is enabled on both systems.

Method 2: Directly Use the Path

1. Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type:

CopyEdit

\\ComputerName\SharedFolderName

Replace ComputerName with the name of the computer that is sharing the file, and SharedFolderName with the folder name.

1. Press Enter.

Step 5: Map a Shared Folder as a Network Drive (Optional)

If you regularly use the shared folder, you can map it as a network drive.

1. Open File Explorer > Go to This PC.
2. Click on Map network drive in the toolbar.
3. Choose a Drive letter.
4. In the Folder box, type:

CopyEdit

\\ComputerName\SharedFolderName

1. Check Reconnect at sign-in if you want it to stay mapped.
2. Click Finish.

Now, the folder will appear as a local drive on your PC.

Alternative: Use Nearby Sharing

For quick, wireless file transfers between Windows 10 and 11 PCs, you can use Nearby Sharing.

How to Enable:

1. Go to Settings > System > Nearby Sharing.
2. Turn it ON.
3. Choose Everyone nearby or My devices only.

To Share a File:

1. Right-click any file.
2. Select Share.
3. Choose the nearby PC listed under Nearby Sharing.

The recipient will get a prompt to accept the file.

Advanced Option: Use HomeGroup (for older Windows versions)

HomeGroup has been removed from Windows 10 (version 1803 onwards), but if you’re on an older system, you might still be using it. This allowed easy sharing of libraries like Documents, Pictures, and Printers. It’s no longer recommended due to security and support limitations.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Folder not showing up: Make sure the folder is shared with the right permissions and that Network Discovery is ON.
• Access denied: Check if the file/folder permissions include ‘Everyone’ or specific user credentials.
• Can’t find the other PC: Ensure both PCs are on the same network and set to “Private”.
• Firewall blocking access: Temporarily disable Windows Defender Firewall to test the connection.

Security Considerations

• Avoid using “Everyone” for sensitive folders. Instead, share with a specific user account.
• Use strong Windows account passwords to prevent unauthorized access.
• Disable sharing when not needed, especially on public networks.

Conclusion

Sharing files between Windows PCs on the same network is both convenient and efficient. Whether you’re working in a small office or managing multiple devices at home, using built-in Windows sharing features like folder sharing, Nearby Sharing, and network drive mapping can simplify your workflow. With just a few steps, you can set up a secure and reliable local file-sharing environment that keeps you productive.