How to share a folder on a network from Windows 11?

In this article we will explain How to share a folder on a network from Windows 11, which is very useful for collaborative work and resource management in a given environment. In its most recent version, Microsoft's operating system has managed to make this process simpler and more direct.

Now, users have new and better options to share files and folders. With greater security and greater efficiency. It should be noted that this allows us Access, edit and collaborate on all types of files remotely, using devices connected to the same network.

This utility is interesting in many areas. For example, so that students and teachers can collaborate on projects, or so that coworkers can access and share documents and other resources. Even inside the home It may be interesting to share a network folder from Windows 11 to share photos, music or documents between different devices.

Apart from this, sharing folders is also a fairly simple way to transfer files without having to resort to external devices.

Before starting…

There are a few prerequisites that we need to observe before sharing a network folder in Windows 11. They are as follows:

• Have a connection to a local network, whether WiFi or Ethernet, to which all devices connect.
• Configure Windows 11 to allow discovery of other devices on the network.
• Assign access permissions suitable for accessing the folder.

Share a network folder from Windows 11, step by step

Here are the steps to follow to share a folder on a network using Windows 11:

Step 1: Configure Network Discovery

The first thing we need to do is configure the function that will allow our device to be visible to others within the same network. We can enable it as follows:

1. First we click on the Start menu and go to Configuration.
2. Then we access the section "Network and Internet".
3. Then we select «Advanced network settings».
4. Then in the section «Sharing options», Select "Private".
5. Alli We activate the following options:
   • «Enable network discovery».
   • «Enable automatic configuration of network-connected devices.»
   • «Turn on file and printer sharing.»
6. In conclusion, we save the changes.

Step 2: Select the folder we want to share

The next step is to choose the folder to be shared, which can be one created specifically for this purpose or one that already exists. The way to do this is very simple:

1. First we open the file explorer and We locate the folder (or we create a new one by right-clicking and selecting “New”).
2. Then we right click on the folder and select "Properties".
3. Finally, let's go to the tab "Share" and in it we click on the button "Advanced sharing."

Step 3: Set up Advanced Sharing

The “Advanced Sharing” feature is used to configure a number of specific options for the folder we have just selected. Here are the steps to follow:

1. In the folder, we first check the box «Share this folder» (and optionally give it a new name).
2. Then we click on "Permissions" To set who can access the folder and what actions are allowed:
   • Full Control: Allows the user to read, edit and delete files.
   • Change: To edit and delete files (not to change permissions).
   • Read: To be able to view and open files, but without the ability to modify them.
3. Once all permissions have been set, press the button "Apply".
4. Finally, we click on "To accept" for the changes to take effect.

Sharing Assistant

Another way Windows 11 offers us to share folders is by using its simplified assistant. How do you access it?

1. In the folder, we right click on the folder and select the option "Grant access to."
2. Then we choose "Specific people."
3. A dialog box will then open where we can select the people or groups to whom we want to grant access.
4. Then we need to configure the permission level:
   • Reading: Users can view files but not edit them.
   • Reading and writing: Allows users to view, edit and delete files.
5. To conclude, we click on "Share".

Accessing shared folders in Windows 11

When we share a folder, other devices on the network can access it. Here's how you can do it:

1. First you have to open File Explorer on the remote device.
2. Then, in the address bar, you should enter the network address of the shared folder.
3. If necessary, you have to enter username and password from the host device.

Ultimately, sharing folders on a network from Windows 11 is a very useful system function that helps us improve collaboration and productivity. The advantage of this being an integrated tool is that it can be configured easily and securely, adjusting all permissions and options according to our preferences and needs.