How to Share a Folder on Network in Windows 11 & Windows Server (Step by Step)

Learn how to share a folder on a network in Windows 11 and Windows Server 2022/2019 — permissions, network drive mapping and access fixes explained step by step.

Windows Server Oct 15, 2026 0 5 Add to Reading List

How to Share a Folder on Network in Windows 11 & Windows Server (Step by Step)

Need to share files with your team? Folder sharing lets everyone on your office network access the same files — no pen drives, no email attachments, no WhatsApp transfers.

This guide covers the complete process: sharing a folder, setting permissions (Read vs Read/Write), accessing it from other PCs with \\SERVER-NAME, and mapping it as a permanent network drive. Works on Windows 11, Windows 10, and Windows Server 2022/2019/2016.

What Is a Shared Folder?
Step 1: Share a Folder (Quick Method)
Step 2: Set Permissions — Read vs Read/Write
Step 3: Access the Shared Folder from Another PC
Step 4: Map Network Drive (Permanent Access)
Windows Server 2022/2019 — Advanced Sharing
"Cannot Access Network Shared Folder" — Fixes
Security Best Practices
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion

What Is a Shared Folder?

A shared folder is a folder on one computer (or server) that other devices on the same network can open — like a common digital filing cabinet. In offices, one Windows Server typically hosts shared folders for the whole team.

Step 1: Share a Folder (Quick Method)

Right-click the folder you want to share → Properties
Go to the "Sharing" tab
Click the "Share" button
In the dropdown, choose users — or type "Everyone" and click Add
Click Share → Done

Your folder is now visible on the network at \\YOUR-PC-NAME\FolderName.

Hindi: Folder pe right-click → Properties → Sharing tab → Share → users add karo → Done!

Step 2: Set Permissions — Read vs Read/Write

While sharing, each user gets a Permission Level:

| Permission | What They Can Do |

|---|---|

| Read | View and copy files only — cannot edit or delete |

| Read/Write | Full access — view, edit, add, delete files |

Rule: Give "Read" to most users; "Read/Write" only to those who must edit files.

Step 3: Access the Shared Folder from Another PC

On the other computer, open File Explorer
In the address bar, type: \\SERVER-NAME\FolderName (use the host PC's name or IP address, e.g., \\192.168.1.10\SharedDocs)
Press Enter — enter credentials if asked
The folder opens like a normal local folder

Can't find the PC name? On the host PC, run hostname in CMD — that's your server name.

Step 4: Map Network Drive (Permanent Access)

Instead of typing the path every time, map it as a drive letter:

Right-click This PC → "Map network drive"
Pick a drive letter (like Z:)
Enter the path: \\SERVER-NAME\FolderName
Check "Reconnect at sign-in" → Finish

Now the shared folder appears as a permanent drive in This PC — always connected.

Windows Server 2022/2019 — Advanced Sharing

On Windows Server, use Advanced Sharing for more control:

Right-click folder → Properties → Sharing tab → Advanced Sharing
Check "Share this folder" → set share name
Click Permissions → add domain users/groups → set Full Control/Change/Read
Use File Server Resource Manager for quotas and file screening on servers

Server admins can also deploy shared drives via Group Policy → Drive Maps to auto-map drives for all users.

"Cannot Access Network Shared Folder" — Fixes

Getting "Windows cannot access \\SERVER" errors? Check these:

✅ Network Discovery ON: Settings → Network → Advanced sharing settings → turn on Network Discovery + File and Printer Sharing
✅ Same network/profile: both PCs must be on the same network; set network profile to Private
✅ Password-protected sharing: either use the host's credentials or turn off password-protected sharing
✅ Firewall: allow "File and Printer Sharing" through Windows Firewall
✅ Use IP instead of name: try \\192.168.1.10\FolderName if the name doesn't resolve

Security Best Practices

Share only specific folders — never share the whole C: drive
Use Read permission by default
Avoid "Everyone — Read/Write" on sensitive folders
On Windows Server, manage permissions via NTFS + Share permissions (most restrictive wins)
Audit access on servers for sensitive data

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I share a folder on network Windows 11 with a password?

Turn ON "Password-protected sharing" in Advanced sharing settings — users will need the host PC's username and password to access the folder.

How do I share a folder on Windows Server 2022?

Right-click folder → Properties → Sharing → Advanced Sharing → set permissions. For teams, use Group Policy Drive Maps to auto-map the share on all PCs.

Why can't I access the network shared folder in Windows 11?

Enable Network Discovery and File Sharing, ensure the network profile is Private, and check firewall rules. Try accessing via IP address instead of PC name.

What is the difference between Share and Advanced Sharing?

Quick "Share" is simple and fast. "Advanced Sharing" gives control over share name, user limits, and NTFS-level permissions — preferred on servers.

How do I map a network drive in Windows 11?

Right-click This PC → Map network drive → enter \\SERVER-NAME\FolderName → check "Reconnect at sign-in" → Finish.

Conclusion

Sharing a folder on a network in Windows 11 or Windows Server takes under 2 minutes: right-click → Share → set permissions → access via \\SERVER-NAME. For permanent access, map it as a network drive. It's the fastest way to share files across an office team.

???? Video Tutorial: [Embed YouTube video — Windows Server #06]