If another computer can’t open a shared folder in Windows 11, check the local network, the host PC’s network profile, sharing settings, folder permissions, and firewall rules—in that order. Internet access alone doesn’t mean two PCs can reach each other over the local network. This guide covers sharing between computers on the same trusted home or workplace network, not sharing files over the Internet.
1. Confirm both computers are on the same local network
Make sure the computer hosting the folder and the computer trying to open it are connected to the same router or local network. The host must also be powered on and connected. A working Internet connection doesn’t establish that the PCs can communicate with each other on the local network. Microsoft’s Windows file-sharing guide focuses on local network sharing; for sharing files over the Internet, Microsoft points to OneDrive.
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2. Set the host’s network profile appropriately
Windows 11 treats a newly connected network as Public by default. A Public profile hides the PC from other devices, while a Private profile allows discovery and file and printer sharing. Use Private only on a trusted home or workplace network; keep Public on a public hotspot or other network where you don’t trust the other users.
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- On the host PC, open Settings > Network & internet.
- Select Wi-Fi and the connected network, or select Ethernet.
- Under Network profile type, choose Private network if the network is trusted.
Windows labels can vary with updates. Microsoft’s network-profile guidance explains the Public and Private options.
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3. Turn on network discovery and file sharing
On the host, open Settings and search for Manage advanced sharing settings. Under Private networks, turn on Network discovery and File and printer sharing. Check the corresponding settings on the computers involved as appropriate. Discovery helps PCs find one another; file and printer sharing enables sharing traffic. One setting does not replace the other.
4. Check that the folder is shared with the connecting account
A PC appearing on the network does not mean every user can open every folder. The folder must be shared, and the account connecting from the other PC must have permission. On the host, use File Explorer to right-click the folder and choose Show more options > Give access to > Specific people. Select the intended user or group and verify that the connecting account is authorized.
Sharing with Everyone is broader than sharing with a named user, so don’t use it casually—especially on a network that isn’t trusted. Microsoft describes the Windows folder-sharing route and access checks in its file-sharing instructions.
5. Connect from the other computer
In File Explorer on the client PC, enter the host and share’s network path, or map the folder as a drive. To map it, open This PC > More > Map network drive and enter the folder or computer path. If Windows asks you to sign in and rejects the account, check that the account you supplied is the one authorized on the host. The right username format depends on the account and setup; there is no single format established for local, Microsoft, and organization-managed accounts.
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6. Check discovery services and firewall rules
If the host doesn’t appear in network browsing
Microsoft’s troubleshooting guidance says to check that these services are running and set to start automatically:
- Function Discovery Provider Host
- Function Discovery Resource Publication
- SSDP Discovery
- UPnP Device Host
These services relate to device discovery; they don’t grant permission to open a folder. If the host is discoverable but access is denied, return to the share and account permissions instead. Microsoft’s troubleshooting steps include these service checks.
If the connection is blocked
Keep Microsoft Defender Firewall enabled. Check that the relevant file-sharing traffic is allowed for the trusted Private profile rather than disabling the firewall as a general fix. Microsoft notes that Public profiles are more restrictive and warns that turning off the firewall can make a device more vulnerable. Its SMB guidance says inbound SMB is blocked by default unless a share is created or defaults are changed; managed computers may also have organization policies that affect access.
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7. Use network reset only as a last resort
If the checks above don’t help, Windows network reset removes installed network adapters and reinstalls them with default settings. It can also mean extra setup afterward: Microsoft warns that VPN clients or Hyper-V virtual switches may need to be configured again. A known connection may return as Public, so review the network profile after the reset and choose Private only if the network is trusted.
To find the control, open Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Network reset. Review Microsoft’s network connection troubleshooting guidance before using it.
When this isn’t a local folder-sharing problem
The steps above are for computers on the same local network, such as a home or workplace LAN. If the computers are in different locations and need to share files over the Internet, local Windows folder sharing is not the same as an Internet file-sharing service; Microsoft points users to OneDrive for that use case.
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