How to Fix Network Sharing Problem in Windows 11

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How to Fix Network Sharing Problem in Windows 11

Network sharing is one of the most useful features in Windows 11. It allows you to share files, folders, and even printers between two or more

How to Fix Network Sharing Problem in Windows 11

Network sharing is one of the most useful features in Windows 11. It allows you to share files, folders, and even printers between two or more computers on the same network. But many users face a common issue: network sharing not working in Windows 11. Sometimes shared folders do not appear, sometimes you get an error like “Windows cannot access \PC-Name”, or the system asks for a password again and again.

These problems mostly happen because of wrong network settings, disabled sharing features, firewall blocks, or SMB issues. The good news is — you can fix all these problems easily.

In this guide, we will show you step-by-step, how to completely fix network sharing issues in Windows 11. The steps are beginner-friendly, and we have also included screenshot instructions so you can follow along easily.

Whether you want to share files at home, in an office, or between your laptop and PC, this complete guide will help you solve the issue quickly and safely.


Table of Contents

  1. Quick Overview: What is Network Sharing?

  2. Before You Start — Quick Checklist

  3. Step 1 — Set Network Profile to Private

  4. Step 2 — Turn On Network Discovery & File Sharing

  5. Step 3 — Enable SMB and File Sharing Features (Windows Features)

  6. Step 4 — Check Required Services Are Running

  7. Step 5 — Configure Windows Defender Firewall for File Sharing

  8. Step 6 — Share a Folder Correctly (File Explorer)

  9. Step 7 — Access a Shared Folder from Another PC

  10. Step 8 — Use Command Line Tools to Troubleshoot (ipconfig, ping, PowerShell)

  11. Step 9 — Reset Network (Last Resort)

  12. Extra Tips & Common Problems

  13. Quick Troubleshooting Checklist

  14. FAQ

  15. Final Thoughts

What is Network Sharing?

Network sharing (file and printer sharing) lets one Windows 11 PC share folders, files, or printers with other PCs on the same network. Problems happen when settings (network profile, sharing options, firewall, or SMB) are not set correctly. This guide shows you how to fix network sharing not working Windows 11 

Before You Start — Quick Checklist

Make sure:

  • Both PCs are on the same Wi-Fi or wired network.

  • You have admin rights on the PC you are configuring.

  • Windows 11 is updated (optional but recommended).

  • You know the folder you want to share.

Step 1: Set Network Profile to Private

Windows treats Public networks as untrusted. For file sharing, set the network to Private.

Steps

  1. Click Start → Settings (gear icon).

  2. Go to Network & internet.

  3. Click on Wi-Fi (or Ethernet if wired) → click the connected network name.

  4. Under Network profile, select Private.

Step 2: Turn On Network Discovery & File Sharing

Enable discovery and sharing so other devices see your PC.

Steps

  1. Open Settings → Network & internet → Advanced network settings.

  2. Click Advanced sharing settings.

  3. Under Private, turn on:

    • Network discovery

    • File and printer sharing

  4. Optionally, under All networks, turn Off Password protected sharing if you want open shares (not recommended for public networks).

Step 3: Enable SMB and File Sharing Features (Windows Features)

Windows uses SMB (Server Message Block) for file sharing. Make sure required features are enabled.

Steps

  1. Press Start, type Turn Windows features on or off, and open it.

  2. In the dialog, make sure these are checked:

    • SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support (only if you need old devices — avoid enabling unless required)

    • SMB Direct (if available)

    • File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks (this is usually enabled by the network adapter)

  3. Click OK and restart if prompted.

Important note: SMB1 is old and insecure. Only enable it if you must share with very old devices.

Step 4: Check Required Services Are Running

Several Windows services must run for discovery and sharing.

Services to check

  • Function Discovery Provider Host

  • Function Discovery Resource Publication

  • SSDP Discovery

  • UPnP Device Host

  • Server (for file sharing)

  • TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper (if using NetBIOS names)

Steps

  1. Press Windows key + R, type services.msc and press Enter.

  2. Find each service above. For each service:

    • Right-click → Properties

    • Set Startup type to Automatic (or Automatic (Delayed Start) for Function Discovery services)

    • If status is Stopped, click Start.

Step 5: Configure Windows Defender Firewall for File Sharing

Firewall can block sharing ports (SMB uses TCP 445 and 139). Allow File and Printer Sharing in the firewall.

Steps

  1. Open Control Panel → System and Security → Windows Defender Firewall.

  2. Click Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.

  3. Scroll to File and Printer Sharing and ensure both Private and Public are checked as needed. (Prefer only Private.)

  4. If you use a third-party firewall, open ports TCP 445 and TCP 139 and allow the required app.

Step 6: Share a Folder Correctly (File Explorer)

Share a folder step-by-step so other PCs can access it.

Steps

  1. Open File Explorer and go to the folder you want to share.

  2. Right-click the folder → Properties → Sharing tab.

  3. Click Share....

  4. Select user Everyone (or specific user) from the drop-down → click Add.

  5. Set Permission Level: Read or Read/Write.

  6. Click Share, then Done.

  7. For advanced permissions, click Advanced Sharing → check Share this folder → Permissions → customize.

Tip: Note the Network Path (e.g., \\PC-NAME\SharedFolder) shown after sharing.

Step 7: Access a Shared Folder from Another PC

From a second Windows PC on the same network, try to access the share.

Steps

  1. Press Windows key + R, type \\PC-NAME (replace PC-NAME or use IP \\192.168.1.10) and press Enter.

  2. The shared folders should appear. Double-click to open.

  3. If asked for credentials, enter the username and password of the host PC (unless you shared with Everyone and turned off password protection).

Step 8: Use Command Line Tools to Troubleshoot

If something doesn’t work, these commands help identify problems.

Open Command Prompt (Admin) or PowerShell (Admin).

Useful commands

  • ipconfig /all — shows IP addresses and adapter status.

  • ping <other-pc-ip> — checks basic connectivity (e.g., ping 192.168.1.10).

  • net view \\PC-NAME — lists shared resources on the remote PC.

  • Get-SmbConnection (PowerShell) — shows current SMB connections.

  • Test-NetConnection -ComputerName <IP> -Port 445 (PowerShell) — checks if SMB port is open.

Example

Test-NetConnection -ComputerName 192.168.1.10 -Port 445

If port 445 is open, SMB is reachable.

Step 9: Reset Network (Last Resort)

If sharing still fails, reset the network. This removes all adapters and reinstalls them — you will need to reconnect to Wi-Fi.

Steps

  1. Settings → Network & internet → Advanced network settings.

  2. Under More settings, click Network reset.

  3. Click Reset now and restart the PC.

Warning: You will lose saved Wi-Fi passwords and VPN settings.

Extra Tips & Common Problems

  • Problem: Cannot see other PC in Network — Make sure both PCs are on Private network and Network Discovery is on.

  • Problem: Wrong username/password — Use the exact account username (PCNAME\Username) or create a dedicated sharing account.

  • Problem: Old devices can’t connect — Older devices may need SMB1 (only enable temporarily and with caution).

  • Problem: Firewall or antivirus blocking — Temporarily disable firewall/antivirus to check. If it works, add an exception instead of leaving it off.

  • Use IP instead of PC name when name resolution fails: \\192.168.1.x\ShareName.

  • Map a network drive for easy access: In File Explorer → This PC → Map network drive → enter \\PC-NAME\Share.

Quick Troubleshooting Checklist

  1. Are both PCs on the same network?

  2. Is the network set to Private?

  3. Is Network Discovery and File Sharing ON?

  4. Are required services running? (Function Discovery, Server)

  5. Is File and Printer Sharing allowed in firewall?

  6. Did you share the folder with correct permissions?

  7. Can you ping the other PC?

  8. Is SMB enabled if needed?

  9. Try \\IP-ADDRESS\ShareName instead of PC name.

  10. As last resort, perform Network reset.

FAQ

Q: Why does sharing work with IP but not PC name?
A: Name resolution may be blocked. Use Ping PCNAME to test. If that fails, use \\IP\Share or enable NetBIOS/WINS.

Q: Should I enable SMB1?
A: SMB1 is insecure. Only enable it if you must connect very old devices; disable it again after use.

Q: How to share with Windows 10 and Windows 11 together?
A: Ensure both use Private network and have Network Discovery and File Sharing enabled. Use compatible SMB settings.

Final Thoughts

Network sharing in Windows 11 is powerful and usually simple to set up. Most problems come from one of these places: network profile, discovery settings, firewall, services, or SMB settings. Follow this guide step-by-step, take screenshots as you go, and you’ll fix network sharing not working Windows 11 quickly.