If you want to share a folder with documents, pictures, videos, and other types of files, you can complete this task in at least two ways. You can share content using the “File Sharing” feature or OneDrive to share files over the network or the internet. Although you can still share content with other people over the network, if you use Windows 11 with a Microsoft account, and you sign in with a PIN, face recognition, or you use the passwordless authentication option in your Microsoft account, you may run into a lot of issues setting up file sharing. It’s best to create a new local account that you can use to set up the sharing and avoid problems. This guide will teach you how to share files over the network using File Sharing, Nearby sharing, and OneDrive on Windows 11 using simple steps.
Share files on Windows 11 from File Explorer Share files on Windows 11 without network password Share files on Windows 11 from Nearby sharing Share files on Windows 11 from OneDrive
Share files on Windows 11 from File Explorer
The best way to share files with other users in the local network is by using the “File Sharing” feature on Windows 11. The reason is that it’s more customizable since it’s possible to use more restrictive permissions and share files with other platforms, including Mac, Android, and Linux devices. On Windows 11, you have two ways to share files using File Explorer. You can use the basic settings to share files with minimal configuration or the advanced settings to configure custom permissions and advanced options.
Share files with basic settings
To share files on a local network using the express settings on Windows 11, use these steps: After you complete the steps, users in the network should now be able to access the files using a user and password from an account available in the destination or source computer from File Explorer > Network > Computer and open the shared folder.
Read (default): Users can browse and open files. Read/Write: Users can view, open, modify, and delete the content on the folder they are sharing.
Share files with advanced settings
To share files in the network using the advanced sharing settings, use these steps: Once you complete the steps, the shared content should be available on the “Network” page of File Explorer from the remote computer. Confirm the user and password for the account you configured in the shared folder when prompted for the network credentials.
Full Control: Enables users to read, change, and edit permissions, allowing them to take ownership of files. Change: The user can read, execute, write, and delete files and folders in share. Read: Allows users to access and view the contents of the folder.
If you have a device set up with a Microsoft account, you will get a prompt to sign in to access the network contents in the share, and using your email and password is likely to fail. You can get around this problem by using a local account if you configure the share with the “Everyone” group or the user and password of an account available on the remote computer. Alternatively, you could switch your Microsoft account to a local account and then again to a Microsoft account, and then you can use the account to sign in.
Share files on Windows 11 without network password
Windows 11 protects shared content with a password, meaning that only those with the account information can access the shared folder. If you want to set up network file sharing for people you know and trust (for example, family and friends), you can disable the option to require authentication to access the contents without a password. To disable password protection for file sharing on Windows 11, use these steps: After you complete the steps, users should be able to access the shared folder without a password.
Read (default): Users can browse and open files. Read/Write: Users can view, open, modify, and delete the content on the folder they are sharing.
This process will only work for devices using a local account. You will always need to sign in if you have a device configured with a Microsoft account unless you use Credential Manager to store the shared folder credential information on the remote computer.
Share files on Windows 11 from Nearby sharing
Nearby sharing is a feature available on Windows 11 to transfer files (documents, videos, pictures, etc.) and links to other computers using Bluetooth and Wi-Fi without setting up file sharing. This feature requires Bluetooth and the computers to be on the same network.
Enable Nearby sharing
To enable Nearby sharing on Windows 11, use these steps: Once you complete the steps, you can start sharing files and links over the network with other devices.
Off – Disables the features. My devices only – Allows file sharing between computers using the same Microsoft account. Everyone nearby – Allows file sharing with any nearby computer.
Share files with Nearby sharing
To send a file to another computer with Nearby sharing, use these steps: After you complete the steps, the file will transfer over the network to the other computer and store it in the “Downloads” folder. If you want to share a link, use the “Share” option from the context menu on Microsoft Edge.
On Windows 11, Nearby sharing doesn’t work with OneDrive files. If you want to share a file from this location, you need to use the OneDrive sharing option.
Share files on Windows 11 from OneDrive
You can also share files across a network or worldwide using OneDrive. To share files using OneDrive on Windows 11, use these steps: Users who receive the message can click the link and view the folder’s content on any web browser.
Share OneDrive files from the web
If you want users to view and edit the content inside the OneDrive folder, you will need to share the folder using OneDrive on the web. To share OneDrive files from the web, use these steps: Once you complete the steps, anyone with the link can edit the files in the folder.
Files you share will only be available to users if your computer is turned on, except for the OneDrive sharing method. However, using OneDrive, users must have an internet connection to access the shared content. All content on this site is provided with no warranties, express or implied. Use any information at your own risk. Always backup of your device and files before making any changes. Privacy policy info.
