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Common questions about file sharing over a network in Windows 10

This article gives you answers to some common questions below about the file and folder sharing in Windows® 10.

How do I share files or folders in Windows 10?
How do I stop sharing files or folders in Windows 10?
How do I turn ON network discovery in Windows 10?
How do I troubleshoot sharing files and folders in Window 10?

Question:  How do I share files or folders in Windows 10?

Below are the options to share a file or folder:

NOTE:  When you share a folder, all files in it will also be shared.
  • Using the right-click option
Step 1: 
Right-click on the file or folder you want to share and select Give access to.

Step 2: 
Choose Specific people... option.

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  • Using the Share tab option
Step 1: 
Select a file or folder you want to share then select the Share tab at the top of File Explorer.

Step 2: 
In the Share with section, select Specific people... option.

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Question:  How do I stop sharing files or folders in Windows 10?

Below are the options to stop sharing files or folders:
  • Using the right-click option
Step 1: 
Right-click on the file or folder you want to share and select Give access to.

Step 2: 
Choose Remove access.

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  • Using the Share tab option
Step 1: 
Select a file or folder you want to share then select the Share tab at the top of File Explorer.

Step 2: 
In the Share with section, select Remove access.

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Question:  How do I turn ON network discovery in Windows 10?

You need to turn ON network discovery to see devices on the network that are sharing files.  Follow the steps below to learn how to turn ON network discovery.
 
Step 1: 
On your computer, go to Network.

Step 2: 
Click on the Network discovery is turned off… notification.

Step 3: 
Select Turn on network discovery and file sharing.

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Question:  How do I troubleshoot sharing files and folders in Window 10?
  • Make sure your computers are connected on the same network.
  • Set your Wi-Fi to Private network.
  • Turn ON network discovery, file and printer sharing, and turn OFF password protected sharing.  To know how, follow the steps below:
Step 1: 
Click on the Start button then select Settings > Network & Internet > Sharing options.

Step 2: 
Under Private, select Turn on network discovery and Turn on file and printer sharing.

Step 3: 
Under All Networks, select Turn off password protected sharing.
  • Make sharing services start automatically.
Step 1: 
On your keyboard, press the Windows logo key + R.

Step 2: 
Enter “services.msc” and then select OK.

Step 3: 
Right-click each of the services below then select Properties.
  • Function Discovery Provider Host
  • Function Discovery Resource Publication
  • SSDP Discovery
  • UPnP Device Host
Step 4:
On the Startup type drop-down menu, select Automatic.
 
NOTE:  If the services are not running, you must select the Start button first. 

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