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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteShared folders are the simplest way to let other devices access files on your Windows 11 PC using Windows networking (SMB). Whether you’re sharing a project folder with a teammate or making a family photo directory available across devices, the workflow is similar—but permissions and network settings are where most issues happen.
This guide walks you through multiple ways to create shared folders in Windows 11, plus the exact settings to check when access fails. You’ll also learn how to map the share, verify permissions, and remove shares when you’re done.
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What Shared Folders Mean in Windows 11 (and when you need them)
A “shared folder” is a folder on one computer that other computers can access over the network. Windows 11 uses SMB (Server Message Block) for file sharing and relies on two layers of control: share permissions and NTFS security permissions.
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You typically need shared folders when you want LAN/Wi‑Fi access with low friction, or when you want other devices to open files without logging into a dedicated cloud service like iCloud or Google Drive.
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Prerequisites: get sharing working before you create shares
Before sharing, confirm your network profile is correct and that Windows networking discovery features aren’t blocked by your firewall.
1) Confirm your network profile (Private vs Public)
Sharing is easiest on a Private network. If you’re on Public, Windows may block discovery and sharing.
- Open Settings → Network & internet.
- Go to Wi‑Fi (or Ethernet).
- Click your connected network name.
- Set Network profile to Private.
2) Turn on Network discovery and File and printer sharing
- Open Control Panel (search Start for Control Panel).
- Go to Network and Internet → Network and Sharing Center.
- Select Change advanced sharing settings.
- Under your current profile (Private):
- Choose Turn on network discovery.
- Choose Turn on file and printer sharing.
- Click Save changes.
3) Verify SMB file sharing isn’t disabled
Windows usually enables SMB automatically, but if you’re in an unusual setup, check Windows features.
- Press Win + R, type
optionalfeatures, press Enter. - Expand SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support.
- Make sure SMB 1.0 is off unless a legacy device requires it.
- Confirm SMB Direct options aren’t needed (most home LANs don’t).
If you don’t know whether a legacy device requires SMB 1.0, don’t enable it—SMB 1.0 increases risk.
Method 1: Share a folder from File Explorer (quickest option)
This is the fastest way to create shared folders in Windows 11. It’s great for small home networks and straightforward sharing scenarios.
Step-by-step: Create the share using Share permissions
- Open File Explorer.
- Right-click the folder you want to share (example: Documents\Team Project).
- Select Show more options → Give access to → Specific people.
- In the “File Sharing” window, use the dropdown to select a user or group.
- Select permission level (commonly Read or Read/Write).
- Click Share.
- Note the share name and network path. Windows will show a path like
\\PC-NAME\Team Project.
Choose good defaults
If you’re unsure, start with Read for most users. Grant Read/Write only when people need to create or edit files in that folder.
Method 2: Use Advanced Sharing (fine-grained control)
Advanced Sharing is the better choice when you want a specific share name, limit connections, or manage share permissions separately from the NTFS layer.
Step-by-step: Advanced sharing in Windows 11
- Right-click your folder → select Properties.
- Open the Sharing tab.
- Click Advanced Sharing.
- Check Share this folder.
- Set a Share name (example: TeamProject).
- Click Permissions to set Share permissions (users/groups and access level).
- Click Add if the user isn’t listed.
- Click OK to close Permissions, then OK again to apply Advanced Sharing.
Important: share permissions vs NTFS permissions
Even if share permissions allow access, Windows still checks NTFS permissions on the folder. This is why “I granted Read/Write in sharing, but access is denied” happens.
Method 3: Share using Security permissions (NTFS) when access is denied
When other devices can see the share but can’t open files, your problem is usually NTFS permissions. Fix them here.
Step-by-step: Update NTFS security for the shared folder
- Right-click the shared folder → Properties.
- Open the Security tab.
- Click Edit.
- If you need to add a user or group:
- Click Add.
- Enter the username (or group like Users).
- Click Check Names → OK.
- Select the account you added.
- Choose the rights:
- Read & execute to view and open files.
- Modify (or Write and Change where applicable) to edit and create items.
- Click Apply → OK.
If you’re using “Apply to” for inherited permissions, make sure you understand whether the folder already has custom inheritance.
Common pitfall: inherited permissions don’t behave how you expect
Windows NTFS inheritance can override your intent. Use the Advanced Security Settings view when you see confusing access behavior.
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Windows supports local users, domain users, and groups. On home networks, many people share with local accounts or rely on the built-in Users group. On business networks, domain groups are usually safer.
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Practical permission mapping (what users typically need)
| Goal | Share permission | NTFS permission |
|---|---|---|
| View files only | Read | Read & execute |
| View and edit files | Read/Write | Modify |
| Create new files in the folder | Read/Write | Modify (usually required) |
| Prevent access | Deny at share or NTFS | Deny at NTFS |
If share permissions conflict with NTFS permissions, the effective result is restricted by the most limiting layer.
How to access shared folders from other Windows PCs
Accessing shares on Windows is usually straightforward. You can use File Explorer (with the correct path) or map the share as a drive.
Access by UNC path
Use the UNC format shown by Windows when sharing: \\PC-NAME\ShareName.
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- Open File Explorer on the other PC.
- In the address bar, paste the UNC path (example:
\\DESKTOP-1234\TeamProject). - Press Enter.
- If prompted, enter credentials for the account that has permission on the sharing PC.
Map the share to a drive letter
- Open File Explorer.
- Click …” (ellipsis) → Map network drive.
- Choose a Drive letter (example: Z:).
- For Folder, enter:
\\PC-NAME\ShareName. - Check Reconnect at sign-in if needed.
- Click Finish.
How to access shared folders from macOS, iOS, and other devices
Non-Windows devices typically access SMB shares. The main requirements are: network reachability, correct SMB support, and credentials that match the Windows permissions model.
macOS (Finder SMB)
- Open Finder.
- Choose Go → Connect to Server….
- Enter:
smb://PC-NAME/ShareName. - Click Connect.
- Enter a Windows username and password that has access.
If the connection fails, verify the Windows PC is on a Private network and that firewall/network discovery is enabled.
iOS/iPadOS (Files app)
- Open the Files app.
- Tap Browse.
- Under Locations, tap More (or tap Connect to Server if shown).
- Enter the SMB server address in this format:
smb://PC-NAME/ShareName. - Provide credentials when prompted.
Compatibility varies by iOS/iPadOS version and SMB features. If it refuses to connect, try accessing from macOS first to confirm the share works at all.
Linux/other SMB clients
Most SMB clients use the same server/share structure.
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mount -t cifs //PC-NAME/ShareName /mnt/share -o username=USER - Confirm you can authenticate.
- If you get errors, check whether your client requires SMB2/SMB3 and whether Windows firewall is blocking.
Common errors and troubleshooting (with fixes)
When shared folders don’t work, the issue is rarely the “share” itself—it’s usually discovery settings, credentials, or permissions.
Error: “Windows cannot access” / path not found
This usually means network discovery is off, the PC name is wrong, or the share name doesn’t exist.
- On the sharing PC, confirm Network discovery and File and printer sharing are enabled under Private profile.
- Confirm the folder is shared by checking: right-click folder → Properties → Sharing.
- Verify the UNC path exactly:
\\PC-NAME\ShareName.
Error: “You don’t have permission to access”
Two-layer permissions are the culprit. Fix both share and NTFS permissions.
- Check Share permissions: folder → Properties → Sharing → Advanced Sharing → Permissions.
- Check NTFS security: folder → Properties → Security → Edit.
- Ensure your user or group is granted at least Read (or Modify) as appropriate.
Error: Credentials prompt loops or fails
Credential mismatch is common when different accounts exist on each PC.
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- Confirm the account you use has permissions on the sharing PC.
- Try connecting with a local account (user that exists on the Windows sharing PC).
- On the client PC, clear stored credentials:
- Open Control Panel → Credential Manager.
- Go to Windows Credentials.
- Remove entries for the sharing PC (by name or IP).
- Reconnect using the UNC path again.
Firewall blocks access (common on custom security setups)
If your LAN works for some devices but not others, the Windows Defender Firewall rules may be blocking file sharing.
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- Open Windows Security.
- Go to Firewall & network protection.
- Open the active network profile and check Allow an app or Advanced settings.
- Look for rules related to File and Printer Sharing and ensure they’re enabled for Private networks.
Only some folders work
This happens when deeper subfolders have different NTFS permissions than the parent.
- Check a failing subfolder’s Security tab.
- Confirm inherited permissions weren’t disabled at some point.
- Use inheritance or adjust explicit permissions on the specific subfolders.
Security best practices (avoid accidental public exposure)
File sharing is convenient, but Windows defaults can be unsafe if you share broadly or stay on Public networks.
- Keep the network profile on Private, not Public.
- Avoid sharing with broad groups like Everyone unless you fully understand the risk.
- Grant Read by default and only use Read/Write when necessary.
- Use unique Windows user accounts per person when possible, then assign folder permissions per user/group.
- Prefer least privilege: if someone only needs to open files, don’t give Modify.
If you’re sharing sensitive documents, consider encrypting files (e.g., BitLocker for drives or EFS for files) in addition to permissions.
Manage and remove shares
Once you’ve created shares, keep them tidy. Remove shares you no longer need—especially on PCs that change locations or networks.
View existing shares and share status
- Press Win + R, type
compmgmt.msc, press Enter. - Go to System Tools → Shared Folders → Shares.
Stop sharing a folder
- Right-click the shared folder → Properties.
- Open Sharing tab.
- Click Advanced Sharing.
- Uncheck Share this folder.
- Click Apply → OK.
FAQs about shared folders in Windows 11
Do I have to enable Advanced Sharing to share a folder?
No. You can share directly from File Explorer using “Give access to” → “Specific people.” Advanced Sharing is mainly for customizing share name and managing share permissions in a more explicit way.
Why can I see the shared folder but can’t open files?
Most often, share permissions allow access, but NTFS security permissions block it. Check both: Properties → Sharing and Security.
What username/password do other devices need?
Other devices need credentials for an account that exists on the Windows sharing PC (either a local user or domain account) with sufficient NTFS and share permissions.
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It can be safe on a Private, trusted home network with strong account passwords and least-privilege permissions. Avoid sharing on Public networks and turn off sharing when you don’t need it.
Can I share folders with one PC only?
Windows file sharing doesn’t provide a simple “single device only” selector in the share UI. Instead, you restrict access via user accounts and group membership, and optionally use firewall rules to limit connections.
Bottom Line
Creating shared folders in Windows 11 is straightforward: enable Private networking and discovery, then share the folder via File Explorer or Advanced Sharing. If access fails, treat permissions as the main culprit—verify both Share permissions and NTFS security.
Once your share works, map it for convenience, and remove shares you no longer need to reduce exposure on networks that change over time.
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