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To share files between Windows 11 PCs on the same local network, share a file or folder with a specific network user, then open its network path from the other PC. For repeated access, map the shared folder as a network drive. Use Nearby sharing instead when you only need to send an individual file to a nearby PC.
Before you share: check the network and discovery settings
- Connect both PCs to the same home or workplace network and make sure they are powered on. Microsoft’s network-sharing instructions describe sharing between computers on the same LAN.
- On each Wi-Fi-connected PC that needs to be discoverable, set the network profile to Private if it is a network you trust. Windows 11 sets a newly connected network to Public by default. A Private profile allows the PC to be discoverable and used for file and printer sharing; do not use it on an untrusted network. See Microsoft’s network profile guidance.
- Open Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Advanced sharing settings. Turn on Network discovery and File and printer sharing for the relevant network profile. If File Explorer’s Network view shows a “Network discovery is turned off” banner, you can use its prompt to enable discovery and file sharing.
Share a file or folder with a specific network user
- On the PC that contains the content, open File Explorer and right-click the file or folder.
- Select Show more options > Give access to > Specific people.
- Choose the network user who should have access and complete the sharing prompt. Sharing a folder also shares the files inside it.
Select Everyone only when you intend to grant access to all users on the network. Microsoft’s full file-sharing instructions cover granting and removing access.
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Open the share from the other PC
On the receiving PC, open File Explorer and navigate to the shared folder’s network path. If you do not know the path, check the sharing details on the PC hosting the folder or browse to the host through File Explorer’s Network view.
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Map the folder for repeat access
- In File Explorer, select This PC > More > Map network drive.
- Choose a drive letter and enter or browse to the shared folder’s network path.
- Select Reconnect at sign-in if you want Windows to reconnect to it when you sign in, then finish the mapping.
A mapped drive still depends on the host PC being available and your account having permission to access the folder.
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Remove a share or check what is shared
- To revoke access, on the host PC right-click the shared folder and select Show more options > Give access to > Remove access.
- To see network shares available from the current PC, enter
\localhostin File Explorer. Seeing your own user profile there does not mean every file in it is shared with other people.
If the other PC cannot find or open the share
- Confirm both PCs are on the same network and powered on.
- On Wi-Fi, confirm the network profile is Private on a trusted network, then check that Network discovery and File and printer sharing are enabled.
- If File Explorer’s Network view reports that discovery is off, use its banner prompt or turn discovery on under Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Advanced sharing settings.
- Check that the selected network user has permission to the shared file or folder. A mapped drive can fail if the account lacks permission or the host PC is off.
- If discovery still does not work, Microsoft’s troubleshooting guidance says to check that Function Discovery Provider Host, Function Discovery Resource Publication, SSDP Discovery and UPnP Device Host are running and set to Automatic.
For a one-time transfer, use Nearby sharing
Nearby sharing is a separate built-in Windows feature for sending a file to a nearby PC; it does not create the same reusable folder share as the LAN method above.
- On both PCs, open Settings > System > Nearby sharing and enable the feature. Choose the device visibility appropriate for your situation.
- On the sending PC, select the file’s Share command and choose the destination PC.
- Accept the incoming notification on the receiving PC.
Microsoft says a sending PC running the latest Windows 11 can use Wi-Fi when the receiving Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC is on the same private Wi-Fi network; otherwise, Nearby sharing can use Bluetooth. Choosing Everyone nearby exposes the PC name and Bluetooth MAC address to nearby devices. See Microsoft’s Nearby sharing setup instructions.
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If Nearby sharing is missing or slow, check that both devices support it, Bluetooth and Wi-Fi are on, and—when transferring over Wi-Fi—both devices are on the same network. Also check that the network profile is Private and that device visibility and Network discovery are configured as needed. Microsoft lists these checks in its Nearby sharing troubleshooting guide.
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Choose the right sharing method
| What you need | Method | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Keep a folder available to another PC and return to it | LAN folder sharing; map it as a drive if useful | It grants network access to a file or folder and supports a persistent drive mapping. Microsoft Support |
| Send an individual file to a nearby PC | Nearby sharing | It sends through Bluetooth or eligible Wi-Fi. Microsoft Support |
| Share with someone over the internet | OneDrive sharing | LAN sharing is for devices on the same local network; Microsoft points to OneDrive for internet sharing. Microsoft Support |
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