Windows 11 folder/hard drive file sharing guide (how-to share files with other PCs)

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In Windows 11 folder sharing is possible (folder/hard drive) over the network, either utilizing the default credentials associated with the Windows account or by employing alternative credentials. To enable this feature, one must activate network discovery (can find and be found by other devices on the network) along with file and print sharing (others on the network can access shared files and printers). Additionally, assign a drive letter to this network folder/drive share for easier access (mapping a network drive) as opposed to using a UNC (Universal Naming Convention) path.

To initiate this, right-click on the selected folder/drive (clicking "Properties" which opens the Folder Properties/Drive Properties) and navigate to the "Sharing" tab. This tab will display the folder/drive name and indicate whether it is shared or not (the folder's/drives status will be shown) along with the path to the network folder/drive share. If the folder/drive is not already shared, click the "Share" button located beneath.


Selecting individuals on the network to share with is straightforward; simply type a name and click "Add", or use the "down arrow" to search for someone. The account name and permission level (under the permission level users can modify permissions for Read, Read/Write - Remove) will be displayed. Once the desired user is chosen, click the "Share" button at the bottom of the window (for example, one may opt to use the "Everyone" account).

Within the same "Sharing" tab, advanced sharing options are available, including the ability to enable password protection (this can also be activated from the "All networks" section in "Advanced sharing settings") so that only users with a username and password can access shared files, printers, and public folders.




Customizing permissions, creating multiple shares, and other advanced sharing options can be achieved by clicking the "Advanced Sharing" button. The Advanced Sharing window permits users to enable the share, add or remove the share name, limit the number of simultaneous connections, and provide comments. Below these settings, there is a "Permission" button for the folder.



To modify permissions or add more users to the share, click the "Permission" button, which will bring up a Permissions window for the network folder/drive share. One will see groups or usernames along with their permissions for Full Control, Change, or Read - only access. The "Everyone" account allows access to the share for all users; to add specific users, click the "Add" button, which opens the Select Users or Groups dialog box (select the "Advanced' button and then click on "Find Now" to display accounts on the computer).





Conversely, it is imperative that NTFS file system permissions are configured for the user, in addition to the network share permissions. This can be done from the "Security" tab (initiate Folder Properties again, right-clicking on the selected folder clicking "Properties" and proceed to the "Security" tab). Groups or usernames will be displayed for the NTFS permissions.
The groups or usernames from the share permissions for the network folder/drive share must align with the list of groups or usernames that have NTFS permissions (including the "Everyone" account or specific users). To add users so that both lists correspond, click the "Advanced" button, then under the "Permissions" tab, click "Add", and to the right of "Principal", click "Select a principal" (choose the "Everyone" account or specific users). Furthermore, to assign NTFS permissions so that both permission levels correspond for the share permissions and NTFS user, click the "Edit" button (for example, Full Control, Modify, Read and Execute, List folder contents, Read - Write).
For ease of use, a drive letter may be allocated to the network folder/drive share, making it resemble local storage with a dedicated drive letter (as opposed to typing a UNC path "\\computername\sharename\optional_path" into File Explorer). When a network share is mapped, the shared folder/drive will be visible in File Explorer under "This PC" in the "Network Locations" section, as well as in the "Network" sidebar of File Explorer.


To map a network drive, initiate File Explorer by pressing the (Windows+E) shortcut on the keyboard. Within File Explorer, click on the "ellipses" button (with three dots) which provides options to Add a network location, Map a network drive, and Disconnect a network drive.


During the mapping of a network drive, users can select which drive letter to assign using a drop-down menu, and they have the option to either type the path to the network folder/drive share or browse to locate it. To ensure the network drive reconnects at each sign-in, select the "Reconnect at sign-in" option. Users can also opt to use different credentials by selecting "Connect using different credentials".



In the event that the default credentials do not work, or if "Connect using different credentials" was selected, users will receive a prompt from a security window to enter the correct username and password.



While not as fast as using an external hard drive enclosure, USB to SATA cable, or USB thumb drive, users can access shared folders/drives on the network, utilizing multiple accounts to manage access to confidential information, or choose to share the folder/drive without requiring a password.