How to Share Files Between Windows 11 PCs on a Local Network

If two Windows 11 PCs are on the same trusted home or office network, you can share folders directly over the local network without emailing files or uploading them to a cloud service.

Windows uses modern SMB-based file sharing. You do not need HomeGroup, and you should not enable obsolete SMB1 just to make a current Windows 11 PC appear on the network.

Set the network to Private

On each PC, open Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi or Ethernet > Network profile type.

Use Private network only on a network you trust. This allows Windows to use discovery and sharing features intended for home or workplace LANs.

Turn on network discovery and file sharing

Open Settings > Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Advanced sharing settings. Under Private networks, turn on Network discovery and File and printer sharing.

Share a folder with a specific user

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Right-click the folder.
3. Select Show more options > Give access to > Specific people.
4. Choose the account or users who should have access.
5. Select the permission level.
6. Select Share.

Use Everyone only when you intentionally want every network user who can reach the share to receive the permissions you assign.

Read access and change access are different

Give users only the permission they need. Read access is enough when someone should only open or copy files. Read/Write or Change access allows them to create, edit, rename, and delete content in the shared location.

Access the shared folder from another PC

Open File Explorer and enter \\PC-NAME or a full share path such as \\PC-NAME\ShareName.

If Windows asks for credentials, use an account that has permission on the PC hosting the shared folder.

Keep password-protected sharing enabled when possible

Using named Windows accounts and passwords gives you better control than anonymous-style access. If a share works only after disabling password protection for everyone, revisit account permissions and credentials instead of weakening the entire PC’s sharing model.

Map the share as a drive

In File Explorer, open This PC and choose Map network drive. Select a drive letter and enter the UNC path to the shared folder.

Do not solve discovery issues by enabling SMB1

SMB1 is obsolete and was removed or disabled by default on modern Windows versions because of its security weaknesses. Current Windows 11 PCs use newer SMB versions.

If PCs cannot see each other, check the Private network profile, Network discovery, firewall rules, credentials, device names, and whether both machines are actually on the same LAN.

LAN sharing is different from Internet sharing

This setup is intended for devices on the same trusted local network. If you need to send files to someone outside your network, use OneDrive or another secure Internet file-sharing service rather than exposing Windows file sharing directly to the Internet.

For occasional transfers, Nearby Sharing may be simpler. For a permanent shared folder or NAS-style workflow, normal network file sharing is the better fit.

Official references

Microsoft Support — File sharing over a network in WindowsOfficial reference