How to Create a Shared Network Folder: A Step-by-Step Guide

Whether you’re working from home, running a small business, or managing files in an office environment, sharing folders over a network can make file access and collaboration a lot smoother. Instead of emailing files back and forth or carrying USB drives, a shared network folder lets multiple users access, modify, and save files in one centralized location.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to create a shared folder on a Windows PC that can be accessed by others on your local network. We’ll also touch on how to do it on a Mac and mention best practices for security.

What You’ll Need

A computer connected to a local network (Wi-Fi or Ethernet)
Another device on the same network (for testing access)
Basic knowledge of your system’s file explorer and settings

🖥 How to Create a Shared Folder on Windows (10 or 11)

🔹 Step 1: Create or Choose the Folder

Open File Explorer.
Go to or create the folder you want to share (e.g., C:\Users\YourName\Documents\TeamFiles).

🔹 Step 2: Enable Sharing

Right-click the folder and select Properties.
Go to the Sharing tab.
Click Share.

🔹 Step 3: Choose Who to Share With

In the “Network access” window, select the user or group (e.g., “Everyone”).
Set their permission level:
- Read: They can view files.
- Read/Write: They can view, edit, and delete files.
Click Share, then Done.

💡 Tip: You can also create new local users for more control and tracking.

🔹 Step 4: Advanced Sharing (Optional but Recommended)

Back in the Properties > Sharing tab, click Advanced Sharing.
Check Share this folder.
Click Permissions and adjust access control for “Everyone” or specific users.
Click OK to save changes.

🔹 Step 5: Get the Network Path

You’ll see the network path (e.g., \\YourPCName\TeamFiles). Write this down or copy it—you’ll need it for accessing the folder from other devices.

🔹 Step 6: Allow Folder Access Through Firewall

Open Control Panel > System and Security > Windows Defender Firewall.
Click Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.
Make sure File and Printer Sharing is checked for Private networks.

🔹 Step 7: Access the Shared Folder from Another Device

On another computer connected to the same network:

Open File Explorer.
In the address bar, type the network path (e.g., \\YourPCName\TeamFiles) and press Enter.
You may be prompted to enter credentials (username/password of the host computer).

✅ Success! You can now access shared files.

How to Create a Shared Folder on macOS

Step-by-Step:

Go to System Settings > General > Sharing.
Enable File Sharing.
Click the “+” to add a folder you want to share.
Set user permissions on the right.
Click Options and check “Share files and folders using SMB.”
Make sure the user accounts are selected, and set passwords if needed.

Access from Windows: Use the path \\YourMacName\SharedFolderName.

Security Tips for Shared Folders

Don’t share system folders or sensitive directories.
Always set passwords for shared folders or network users.
Avoid sharing with “Everyone” unless necessary.
Disable sharing when it’s no longer needed.
Use a Private network, not Public, to enable safe sharing.

Bonus: Sharing Over the Internet (Advanced)

While this guide focuses on local networks, you can also share folders over the internet using:

Cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive)
Remote desktop tools
NAS (Network Attached Storage)
VPN with shared folder mapping

These methods require more setup but offer global access and higher flexibility.

🧾 Conclusion

Creating a shared network folder is a simple but powerful tool for teamwork, file organization, and convenience. Whether in an office, a classroom, or your home, mastering this skill can save time and boost productivity.

So, go ahead—create that shared folder and make file chaos a thing of the past.

how to create a shared network folder