How to Share Files Between Two Windows PCs on the Same Network

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PC Technician
Windows 11NetworkWi-Fi

The Problem

You have two PCs on home Wi-Fi and need to move folders without emailing yourself or juggling USB drives. Windows 11 hides the switches—network profile, discovery, and folder permissions—so Network in File Explorer stays empty even when both machines are online.

Before You Start

  • Both PCs on the same subnet (same Wi-Fi SSID or same Ethernet LAN).
  • Sign in with a Microsoft account or a matching local username/password on both if you use password-protected sharing.
  • Note each PC's name: Settings → System → About → Device name (e.g. DESKTOP-KITCHEN).

The Fix: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Set the Network to Private on Both PCs

Public networks block discovery.

  1. Settings → Network & internet → Wi-Fi (or Ethernet) → your connection → Properties.
  2. Set Network profile type to Private.

Step 2: Turn On Network Discovery and File Sharing

  1. Open Control Panel → Network and Sharing Center → Change advanced sharing settings
    (Or Settings → Network & internet → Advanced network settings → Advanced sharing settings.)
  2. Under Private:
    • Turn on network discovery
    • Turn on file and printer sharing
  3. Under All networks:
    • Choose Turn off password protected sharing only if you trust everyone on the LAN; otherwise leave it on and use the same login on both PCs.
  4. Click Save changes on both machines.

Step 3: Share a Folder on the Source PC

  1. In File Explorer, right-click the folder (e.g. D:\Photos) → Properties.
  2. Sharing tab → Share... → pick your user account → Share.
  3. Or Advanced Sharing → check Share this folder → set a share name like Photos → Permissions → allow Everyone or specific users Read/Change as needed.

Step 4: Access From the Second PC

  1. File Explorer → Network in the left pane (enable Network under View → Show if missing).
  2. Double-click the other PC's name → enter username/password if prompted.
  3. Open the shared folder and copy files normally.

Step 5: Map a Drive Letter (Optional)

For a permanent shortcut:

  1. File Explorer → ⋯ menu → Map network drive.
  2. Folder: \\DESKTOP-KITCHEN\Photos (replace with real name and share).
  3. Check Reconnect at sign-in → Finish.

If the Other PC Does Not Appear

  • Confirm both are Private network—Step 1.
  • Settings → Privacy & security → Windows Security → Firewall → allow File and Printer Sharing on private networks.
  • Disable VPN on both PCs for testing—VPNs isolate you from the LAN.
  • On Wi-Fi, disable AP isolation / client isolation in the router (common on guest networks).
  • Ping test: Win + R → cmd → ping DESKTOP-KITCHEN (use the real device name). No reply means discovery will fail until the firewall or network profile is fixed.

Faster for Huge Transfers

Gigabit Ethernet or Wi-Fi 6 between the PCs beats copying through a slow router USB port. For occasional phone-to-PC moves, Nearby Share (Settings → System → Nearby sharing) is separate but worth enabling on laptops in the same room.