File sharing in Windows allows you to give other people access to your files and folders, whether they are on the same network or using the same computer. Understanding permissions is equally important, as they control what others can or cannot do with those files. This guide will walk you step-by-step through the basics of sharing and managing permissions, using clear, beginner-friendly examples.
What is Windows file sharing?
File sharing in Windows means making a file or folder available to other users. This can be done locally between accounts on the same PC or over a home/office network. For example, you might want to share a “Photos” folder so other computers in your home can view and copy the files without sending them by email.
How to share a folder in Windows
1. Locate the folder you want to share in File Explorer. For example, open File Explorer and go to Documents, then right-click the folder you want to share.
2. Click on “Properties” from the right-click menu.
3. Go to the “Sharing” tab in the Properties window.
4. Click the “Share…” button.
5. In the “File Sharing” window, type the name of the user you want to share with, or select from the drop-down menu. If you want to share with all users on the network, choose “Everyone”.
6. Set the permission level by using the drop-down next to the user name. “Read” means they can view files but not edit them; “Read/Write” means they can view and change files.
7. Click “Share” and then “Done”.
At this stage, your folder is shared. Users you selected will be able to see it from their own computers on the same network.
How to manage permissions for a folder
Permissions control exactly what someone can do with your shared folders. Even without sharing over a network, permissions can limit access for other user accounts on the same computer.
1. Right-click the folder and choose “Properties”.
2. Go to the “Security” tab. Here, you will see a list of “Group or user names”.
3. Select the user or group you want to adjust permissions for.
4. Click “Edit…” to change permissions.
5. In the “Permissions” window, you can tick “Allow” or “Deny” for actions like “Read”, “Write”, “Modify”, or “Full control”.
6. Click “OK” to apply the settings.
For example, if you have a shared computer with a guest account, you can set a work folder to “Read” only for that account, preventing any accidental edits or deletions.
Real-world example of network sharing
Imagine you have a family PC and a laptop. Your family PC stores all your music in a “Music” folder. By sharing that folder with “Everyone” and setting it to “Read” only, you can listen to the files from your laptop without risking them being deleted or changed.
Checking shared folders and cleaning up
Over time, you might forget which folders you have shared. Open File Explorer, type `\\localhost` in the address bar, and press Enter. This will display all shared folders on your computer so you can review them.
For beginners, managing shared folders also benefits from regular system maintenance. Glary Utilities is an easy-to-use tool that can help here. It includes a quick way to find duplicate files, remove unneeded temporary files, and even check for empty folders that may have been left behind after stopping sharing. By keeping your folders organized and free of clutter, you’ll avoid confusion about what’s being shared.
Understanding both file sharing and permissions ensures your files are safe while still being conveniently accessible to the right people. With these steps, even a beginner can confidently control who sees, changes, or manages their files in Windows.