Want to share files with others on your network using Windows 11? It’s kind of weird, but it’s part of why it feels so frustrating sometimes. You think it’s just plug-and-play, but then you run into stuff like ‘Can’t see other devices’ or ‘Access Denied’ errors. The good news? When you get it right, sharing files is a real lifesaver—especially for quick team projects or family photos. This guide is supposed to help walk you through the process step-by-step, including some common hiccups and their fixes. If you follow these, hopefully sharing becomes less of a headache, and you get to actual work done instead of messing around with settings.
How to Access Shared Folders on a Network in Windows 11
Ensure all devices are on the same network (and discoverable)
This is the first big thing. All your devices need to be on the same Wi-Fi network, which sounds obvious but can trip people up when they have multiple networks or guest Wi-Fi. To check, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi. Make sure it’s the same connection on every device you want to share files with. Also, because of Windows’ weird security settings, you want to double-check that network discovery is enabled:
- Open Settings
- Navigate to Network & Internet
- Click on Advanced network settings
- Look for Network and Sharing Center (under the Related Settings tab)
- In the new window, click on your network, then choose Properties
- Ensure Network discovery and File and printer sharing are turned on
This sometimes helps fix the ‘device not showing up’ issue. On some setups, it just doesn’t work unless you do this. On another machine, it might say it’s already enabled but still not show devices. YMMV.
Open File Explorer and access the network
Start File Explorer from the taskbar or Start menu. Once it’s open, click on Network in the left sidebar. Sometimes it feels like Windows just hides things for no reason, so if Network isn’t showing up, try restarting File Explorer (Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, find *Windows Explorer*, right-click and choose *Restart*).Also, double-check if network discovery is enabled via the old-school way: Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Change advanced sharing settings.
Locate and access shared folders
Here’s where the fun begins. Look for the name of the computer hosting shared folders. Sometimes you might not see it listed unless you’ve enabled sharing properly on that machine. Double-click the device, and if it prompts for credentials, you’ll probably need to enter a username and password. This is usually the account on that machine or credentials you’ve set for sharing purposes.
Pro tip: Make sure the folder you want to share is actually shared. On the hosting PC, right-click the folder, select Properties, go to the Sharing tab, and click Advanced Sharing. Check Share this folder. You might want to click on Permissions to set what users can do (read-only or full control).Sometimes, just enabling sharing isn’t enough, and Windows needs explicit permissions laid out.
Access shared files and troubleshoot common issues
Double-click the shared folder, and voilà, the files are yours. But not always—because Windows is extra sensitive about credentials, permissions, and network profiles. If you get an error, double-check that you’re logged in with the right account, and that the network profile isn’t set to Public, which tends to block sharing. Better to set it to Private via Settings > Network & Internet > Wi-Fi, then click on your current network name and choose Private.
Also, if it’s still acting up, open a Command Prompt or PowerShell window and type: ipconfig /flushdns or netsh int ip reset. Sometimes, Windows just needs a little nudge. And if all else fails, a quick reboot of both PCs and the router can clear stubborn glitches. Weird, but it works more than you’d think.
Tips for Making Sharing Less Painful in Windows 11
- Keep your network profile set to Private if you’re sharing stuff — otherwise, Windows acts like it’s on a public Wi-Fi.
- Set up shared folders explicitly: right-click, Properties, Sharing tab, then Share.
- Use strong passwords for your shared folders, especially if you’re sharing sensitive stuff. Better safe than sorry.
- If the network is flaky, restart your router. That usually helps clear connectivity gremlins.
- Make sure your Windows 11 is up to date — sometimes, these issues are bugs fixed in patches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I see other devices on my network?
More often than not, it’s because network discovery is off or your PC isn’t set to Private network mode. Double-check that first, and make sure the devices are on the same Wi-Fi.
Do I need a special username or password?
Yep. You’ll generally need to authenticate with the username/password of the user account on the host PC, unless you’ve set up guest sharing. That’s where people get stuck — make sure the credentials are right.
How do I share a folder?
Right-click the folder, pick Properties, then go to Sharing. Hit Advanced Sharing, check Share this folder, and set permissions. Easy enough, but it’s the step most folks forget or get wrong.
Can I access shared folders from a Mac?
Yes, but you need to enable SMB sharing on the Mac and use the Finder > Go > Connect to Server option, then type in smb://
What if I forget my network password?
Check your router’s admin page or the saved network credentials in Windows Credential Manager. Sometimes, resetting the password or re-sharing the folder helps if credentials have been lost.
Summary
- Make sure everything’s on the same Wi-Fi network and discovery is enabled.
- Open File Explorer and check the Network section.
- Find the other PC, enter credentials if needed.
- Share folders explicitly via Properties > Sharing.
- Access shared files and troubleshoot if needed.
Wrap-up
Getting sharing set up on Windows 11 isn’t always straightforward, but once it clicks, it’s pretty handy. Just remember: all devices need the same network, sharing must be enabled explicitly, and permissions matter. Of course, Windows has to make everything more complicated than necessary, but a few tweaks usually fix the biggest issues. Hopefully, this saves someone a few hours fumbling with settings. Good luck and happy sharing!