Setting Up Folder Sharing on Windows 11

Initial Steps

• Right-click on the Start button.
• Select System.
• In the System about area, click on Advanced System settings.
• Click on Computer Name to view your full computer name.
  • Consider changing your computer name if it's not friendly.
  • Avoid changing if sharing printers or other network setups exist.
• Click Change and give a proper name (e.g. Win11A).
• Workgroup settings:
  • Default is "Workgroup".
  • Ensure same workgroup name for all networked computers.
• Restart computer to apply changes.

Network Profile Configuration

• Right-click Start button, select Settings.
• Navigate to Network & Internet.
• Choose your connection (Ethernet or Wi-Fi).
  • Change Network Profile Type from Public to Private.

Advanced Sharing Settings

• Open Control Panel (type 'control' in Start menu).
• Select Network and Sharing Center.
  • Confirm Private Network.
  • Click on Change Advanced Sharing Settings.
  • Network discovery: Turn on.
  • Enable File and Printer Sharing.
  • Under "All Networks":
    • Public Folder Sharing: Turn on if needed.
    • File Sharing Connections: Default is 128-bit encryption.
    • Turn off Password Protected Sharing for simplicity.

Additional Settings for Older Systems

• Go to Programs and Features in Control Panel.
• Click Turn Windows features on or off.
  • Enable SMB 1.0/CIFS for older systems.
• Restart computer after changes.

Power Settings

• In Control Panel, go to Power Options.
• Choose Change plan settings for active plan.
  • Set Put the computer to sleep to Never.

Sharing a Folder

• Right-click Start button, open File Explorer.
• Right-click the folder to share (e.g. Documents).
  • Click Show more options -> Properties.
• Under Sharing tab:
  • Click Advanced Sharing.
  • Check Share this folder.
  • Set Permissions to Full Control for everyone.
  • Under Security tab:
    • Add "Everyone" and grant Full Control.

Accessing from Another Computer

• Ensure same Private Network profile settings on the second computer.
• Open File Explorer on second machine.
  • Enter \\ComputerName in address bar to access shared folder.
• If errors occur, ensure SMB features are enabled and restart.

Mapping Network Drive

• In File Explorer, go to This PC.
  • Select Map Network Drive.
  • Assign drive letter and input network path.
  • Select Reconnect at sign-in.

Notes

• Ensure the main system serving files stays on.
• Local network sharing only; for remote access consider VPN or cloud solutions like OneDrive.