How to Connect Two Computers for File Sharing on Windows

If you have two Windows computers and want to share files between them, there are a few different options you can use. One of the easiest and most convenient is to use the built-in file sharing options in Windows. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to set up file sharing between two Windows computers using the File Explorer.

Step 1: Connect both computers to the same local network

Before you can share files between two computers, you need to make sure they are connected to the same local network. This can be done in a few different ways, depending on your setup. You can connect your computers to the same Wi-Fi network or use Ethernet cables to connect them to the same router or switch.

Step 2: Enable network discovery and file sharing on both computers

Once both computers are connected to the same network, you need to make sure network discovery and file sharing are enabled on both computers. Here’s how:

1. Press the Windows key + X, then click on ‘Settings’.
2. Go to ‘Network & Internet’.
3. In the left-hand pane, click on ‘Sharing options’.
4. Expand the ‘Private’ or ‘Home or Work’ section, depending on your network type.
5. Enable ‘Turn on network discovery’ and ‘Turn on file and printer sharing’.
6. Click ‘Save changes’.

Step 3: Share a folder on the first computer

Once network discovery and file sharing are enabled on both computers, you can share a folder on the first computer. Here’s how:

1. Right-click the folder you want to share and select ‘Properties’.
2. Go to the ‘Sharing’ tab and click ‘Advanced Sharing’.
3. Check the box that says ‘Share this folder’.
4. Optionally, click on ‘Permissions’ to set the access level for the shared folder. By default, ‘Everyone’ will have read access. Click ‘OK’ when you’re done.
5. Click ‘OK’ and ‘Close’ to finish sharing the folder.

Step 4: Access the shared folder on the second computer

Once the folder is shared on the first computer, you can access it from the second computer. Here’s how:

1. Press the Windows key + E to open File Explorer.
2. Click on ‘Network’ in the left-hand pane.
3. You should see the first computer’s name listed under the ‘Computers’ section. Double-click on the computer’s name.
4. Enter the username and password of the first computer if prompted. You may need to use the format “COMPUTERNAME\username” for the username.
5. The shared folder should now be visible. Double-click on it to access its contents.

Congratulations! You have now successfully connected two computers for file sharing on Windows. Remember, both computers must be turned on and connected to the same network to access the shared folder.