Files and directories that are available for viewing or editing by users of computer or mobile systems integrated into a single network (local or wireless) are sometimes absolutely necessary. The advantage of folder sharing in Windows 10 or in any other system, including mobile OS, is hard to overestimate. They may be needed in many cases, so we will briefly dwell on what resources are like creating them or allowing access to them, based on the simplest solutions available to anyone, even the most untrained user.
What is a network folder and why do I need shared resources?
Network resources, which include not only folders with all their contents, but also individual files, need not be located on a network with a strictly defined location. In fact, a network folder (or file) is an object stored on a computer’s hard drive, which can be accessed from other terminals included in a network of a certain type.
Some people mistakenly believe that in Windows-based systems, network directories can be called shared directories created by the systems themselves during installation. Do not flatter yourself, because the fact that the word “general” is used in their name does not mean that they can really be accessed. In the case of local networks, they are really open to the entire network environment (Windows 10 is used or another system of a lower rank is not so important). But when combining computer and mobile devices via a wireless connection via Wi-Fi or when creating a VPN network without permission to set the computer’s network discovery, which is disabled by default, it will be impossible to access the directory or its attached content. To do this, on the terminal itself, where the desired directory is located or the desired file is saved, you will have to do a few simple operations.
But how to create a network folder, even if there is no such item in the extended context menus?
To do this, you need to create a regular directory, and then open it to general access, and sometimes you need to set some permissions for those users who will be allowed to change the contents of the directory or perform some actions with files inside it.
How to share a folder in Windows 10 and below?
With the opening of public access, the situation is easiest. To begin, consider a few simple steps, without affecting the issues of providing additional permissions and rights. Initially, we assume that such actions must be performed for a directory arbitrarily selected by the user.
In this situation, through the PCM menu on the selected object, you need to go to the properties item, after which click on the sharing button on the access tab, add the user (s) and click on the Share button.
So far, we are not talking about the extended options available for the network environment in Windows 10 or in any other system. In any case, the directory will immediately become available for general viewing.
If you need to create a network folder in the same way, but much faster, it is best to use the context menu via PCM on the selected object with the Ctrl and Shift keys held simultaneously, which allows you to use the extended menu.
It is precisely where the quick sharing point is located in several options (for a home group with different priorities and for individual users). There is also a quick access lock item.
Advanced Options and Permissions
As it is already clear, the matter is not limited to the creation of a network folder, since sometimes it is extremely necessary to set additional permission parameters for changing its contents.
To do this, the advanced settings button is used in the properties section of the access tab, after which it becomes possible to add users or groups, set permission types for the actions performed with the shared resource, limit the number of users for using the folder or file at the same time, etc.
Create a home group
How to create a network folder using the simplest methods, in theory, is already clear. Now a few words about what actions should be taken if the sharing is planned to be installed exclusively for computer terminals or mobile devices in the home group.
It goes without saying that this group must first be created. The advantage of this technique is that when you open access, you will not need to select users or groups who are allowed to select actions, since they are already in the group.
In this situation, it is necessary to use the section of the "Network and Sharing Center", which is located in the standard "Control Panel". Immediately pay attention to the settings of network adapters on all subsidiary machines, since when using static addresses for cable connection, you may need to enter a unique IP address for each terminal that is different from the rest. In the case of dynamic addresses or wireless connections, all settings should be set to automatic.
In the main section "System" you need to specify the name of the computer and the workgroup itself, since many people do not like the default name. Keep in mind that on all connected devices, the group name must match without fail.
Setting up a network environment
However, this is not all, and creating a regular network folder will not lead to anything. Group access needs to be configured.
To do this, go to the network management section and select the option to change the settings of the workgroup, first through viewing the active network connections, set the network type to "Home" (or other necessary), click the "Create" button, check the types of shared resources (images, music, printers) etc.), after which, when continued, a password will be generated that needs to be recorded or saved.
To access the subsidiary terminals, you will also need to use the home group setting, but you can access the selected resources only by entering the set password when authentication is activated. By default, just the selected shared folders like “Music” or “Images”, which were noted earlier, will become available.
Share Activation
Finally, considering ways to resolve the issue of how to create a network folder, access activation should be noted separately.
Just go to network management, select the advanced settings item and enable it in the subsection of the current profile, then save the changes.
Note: it is sometimes advisable to use the inclusion of network discovery, as well as mark the points of data encryption and setting or deactivating the password entry requirement.