How to Share a Folder in Windows 11 via LAN and WiFi
Iwan Efendi2 min
Folder sharing is still one of the most practical features in Windows 11, especially when you work with teammates on the same local network.
I still use this setup in small office environments because it is simple, fast, and saves time. Instead of repeatedly moving files with a flash drive, everyone can open the same folder directly from their own PC.
In this guide, I will walk you through the full setup flow: enabling required network settings, sharing a folder with proper permissions, and opening it from another computer using the target IP address.
Before sharing any folder, make sure all devices on your network can see each other.
Inside this page, configure all three network profiles. For trusted home or office networks, you can enable all sharing options to avoid discovery issues.
Set all network profiles to enable Network Discovery and File Sharing.
Apply this setting on devices that will share folders and devices that will access them.
After network discovery is configured, share the folder you want other users to access.
Choose Everyone and set Read/Write if users need to edit files.
To open the shared folder from another computer, you need the IP address of the source PC.
Use the IPv4 Address from
Use
Step 1: Enable Network Discovery First
1
Open network settings
Open Settings in Windows 11, then go to Network & internet.
2
Go to advanced sharing options
Open Advanced network settings, then under More settings click Advanced sharing settings.
3
Enable discovery and file sharing
Turn on Network Discovery and File Sharing for all network profiles you use.
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Important Security Note
In the All Networks section, turn off Password protected sharing only when you are on a trusted private network. This makes access easier because coworkers will not need a local username and password.
Step 2: Share a Specific Folder
1
Open folder properties
Right-click your target folder, then select Properties.
2
Open sharing menu
Go to the Sharing tab and click Share....
3
Add Everyone user
In the user list, select Everyone from the dropdown, then click Add.
4
Set permission level
- Read: users can view files only.
- Read/Write: users can view and edit files.
5
Complete sharing
Click Share to finish.
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Permission Tip
For mixed environments, start with Read first. Upgrade to Read/Write only for folders that require active collaboration.
Step 3: Access the Shared Folder from Another PC
Find the Source PC IP Address
1
Open Command Prompt
Open Command Prompt from Start.
2
Run IP command
Type
ipconfig, then press Enter.3
Note the IPv4 address
Find IPv4 Address (for example
192.168.1.5 or 10.27.30.150).Zoom
ipconfig as the target address.
Open Shared Folder via Run Command
1
Open Run dialog
Press Win + R.
2
Enter target address
Type
\\ followed by the source PC IP. Example: \\10.27.30.150.3
Open shared resources
Press Enter.
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\\{ip_address} in Run to list shared folders from that PC.
If everything is configured correctly, File Explorer will show shared folders (and sometimes shared printers) from the target machine.
At this point, your local file transfer workflow becomes much easier: faster collaboration, fewer duplicate copies, and no more dependency on flash drives for every update.Topics
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