To share a folder with one person on your home or workplace network, use File Explorer’s Give access to > Specific people option and select that user. This shares the folder over your local network—not over the internet. For internet sharing, Microsoft directs users to OneDrive.
Share the folder with a selected network user
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On the Windows 11 PC that contains the folder, open File Explorer and find it.
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Right-click the folder, then choose Show more options.
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Choose Give access to > Specific people.
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Select the intended network user and follow the prompts to share. Do not choose Everyone unless you intend to make the folder available to all network users.
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On the other PC, open the shared folder using its network path. You can also map it as a drive for easier access later.
Microsoft’s instructions describe sharing a folder and its files, but do not establish a universal read, edit, or delete permission outcome for every account or configuration. Existing share permissions, file permissions, and organization policies can affect access.
Open or map the shared folder on the other PC
The recipient can open the folder by entering its network path in File Explorer. For a drive-letter shortcut, use these steps on the recipient’s PC:
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In File Explorer, select This PC.
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Select More > Map network drive.
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Enter or browse to the shared folder’s network path.
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Optionally select Reconnect at sign-in, then choose Finish.
Mapping a drive is a convenience for revisiting a share; it does not grant access by itself. The recipient still needs permission to connect to the folder.
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Make the PC visible on the network
If the other computer cannot find the host in File Explorer’s Network view and reports that network discovery is off, search Windows Settings for Manage advanced sharing settings. Under Private networks, turn on Network discovery and File and printer sharing. These settings can help the PC appear in the network view, but do not replace folder permissions.
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Troubleshoot a share that cannot be found or opened
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Check that the host PC is on and reachable. Microsoft notes that a computer being turned off can prevent a connection.
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Check the recipient’s permissions. The connecting user must have the necessary access to the shared folder. Managed workplace devices may also be subject to administrator or organization policy.
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Use password-protected sharing cautiously. Microsoft’s troubleshooting material describes turning off Password protected sharing under All Networks, but this is a security-sensitive diagnostic option, not a default recommendation. Don’t disable it without understanding the security implications and, on a managed network, checking with the administrator.
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Inspect shares on the host. In File Explorer, type
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Ask the network administrator for help if the issue persists. Organization settings or permissions may need to be checked.
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Stop sharing the folder
On the PC hosting the folder, right-click it and choose Show more options > Give access to > Remove access.
Use OneDrive for sharing over the internet
Windows network sharing is intended for computers on the same local network, such as a home or workplace network. It does not create an internet-sharing link. To share files with someone over the internet, Microsoft points users to OneDrive, where you can create a link or send an invitation by email.
Microsoft’s general Windows 10 and Windows 11 guidance may not match every menu or policy on a managed device. For the official steps, see Microsoft’s guide to sharing files over a network in Windows and its File Explorer file-sharing overview.
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