How to share folder in Windows

Windows 11 allows you to share folders on a network using the built-in file-sharing feature. This feature is managed through the File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks option, which is enabled by default in most systems. It allows users to share files and folders with others on the same network efficiently.

The file-sharing functionality uses the CIFS protocol, which is compatible with SMB on Linux and other Unix-based systems. This compatibility ensures that shared folders in Windows 11 can be accessed across different operating systems without additional configuration.

Setting up a shared folder in Windows 11 can be done through the File Explorer interface. This method is straightforward and involves a few steps to select the folder, configure sharing options, and set permissions for network users.

1. Launch File Explorer from the search bar.
2. Create or select the folder you want to shareone.
3. Right click on the folder that you want to share.
4. Click on Show more options from the menu.
5. Click on the Give access to menu item.
6. Click on Specific people from the options.
7. Click on the user that you want to allow access from the list.
8. Click on the Share button.
9. Select the network that you want to allow file sharing.
10. Click Done to complete the sharing setup.
11. Verify that the shared folder is accessible from another device on the networkfolder.

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