How to Share a Folder on a Local Network from Windows
To access its content from other devices, without manually copying files.
Sharing a folder lets other devices on your same network (another PC, a Smart TV) access its content, with no need to manually copy files each time.
- Right-click the folder → Properties → "Sharing" tab.
- "Advanced Sharing" → check "Share this folder".
- "Permissions" → decide whether access will be read-only or also allow modifying/deleting files.
To access it from another device: in that other machine's File
Explorer, type \\your-pc-name\folder-name in the address
bar (replace with the real names).
Warning: confirm "Network discovery" is turned on (Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center) so other devices can find your PC on the network — without this, the shared folder won't be visible to the rest.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a password to share a folder?
It depends on your network settings — you can require a Windows username and password to access it, or allow access with no credentials if you trust every device on your local network.
Why don't other devices see my shared folder?
The most common cause is having 'Network discovery' turned off in the Network and Sharing Center — without this turned on, your PC isn't visible to other devices on the network.