Depending on your network environment and what you want to accomplish, there are at least four ways to set up file sharing on Windows 10. You can use the Public folder, a specific setup that lets you share files over the local network without configuring permissions. Or you can share content using the File Sharing feature on Windows 10. And if you are looking to share files with other people across the internet, you can use file sharing with OneDrive. In previous versions, you could also use Homegroup, which, unlike the Public folder, automatically shared Windows 10 libraries folders (Pictures, Videos, Music, Documents), Printers, and other devices connected to your computer. However, it is no longer a feature on Windows 10. This guide will teach you how to share files over the network using File Sharing and OneDrive on Windows 10.
Share files between computers from File Explorer on Windows 10 Share files over the network with no password on Windows 10 Share files from OneDrive on Windows 10 Share files with Nearby Sharing feature on Windows 10
Share files between computers from File Explorer on Windows 10
Using the built-in File Sharing feature on Windows 10 is the best method to share files in a local network, as it is more flexible. You can use more restrictive permissions and share files with virtually any device, including Mac, Android, and Linux devices. There are two ways to share files using File Explorer. You can use the basic settings, which allow you to share files on the network with minimal configuration quickly, or you can use the advanced settings to set custom permissions and other advanced options.
Windows 10 file sharing using basic settings
To share files on a local network using the express settings, use these steps:
Windows 10 file sharing using advanced settings
To share files on a local network using the advanced settings on Windows 10, use these steps:
Once you complete the steps, the shared content should be available when browsing the remote computer on File Explorer > Network.
Full Control: Enables users to read, change, and edit permissions. Also, it allows them to take ownership of files. Change: Users can read, execute, write, and delete files and folders in the shared location. 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 shared location, 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 over the network with no password on Windows 10
On Windows 10, any file you share is by default secured with a username and password, which means that only people who have an account and password on the computer can access shared files. If you’re setting up file sharing on a local network for your family members or people you know, it is possible to disable the requirement to sign in with Windows credentials to allow users to access files on the sharing computer without needing a password. To disable password protection for file sharing on Windows 10, use these steps: After you complete the steps, users should be able to access the shared folder without a password.
Windows 10 file sharing with no password
To share files with everyone without a password over the network, use these steps: Once you complete the steps, other users won’t need the same account information on the devices to access the shared folder’s contents.
Share files from OneDrive on Windows 10
You can also share files across a network or worldwide using OneDrive. To share files from OneDrive on Windows 10, use these steps: Any user who receives your message can click the link and view the folder’s content on any web browser.
OneDrive file sharing 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.
If you only want to share files with specific users privately, you can share the content through email. 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.
Share files with Nearby Sharing feature on Windows 10
Alternatively, you can use Nearby Sharing to share files with other people. However, you will be sending a copy of the file, you won’t be making the file available through your computer. On Windows 10, Nearby Sharing is a feature that allows you to share files (not folders) and links to other nearby devices using Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. (You can share files between Windows 10 and 11 devices.) To enable Nearby Sharing on Windows 10, use these steps: After you complete the steps, you can proceed to share files with other devices. (You must repeat these steps on all the devices participating in the sharing process.)
Windows 10 file sharing with Nearby Sharing
To share files with other devices with Nearby Sharing, use these steps: Once you complete the steps, on the other device, you should see a notification that you must confirm to complete the transfer. The file will download and store in the “Downloads” folder.
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