Computers are a vitally important tool when carrying out projects and carrying out the different jobs and activities that are assigned for educational processes.
In medium or large companies, it is important that, if there are several computers, for example, in an office, there is a way to access almost any type of information that a person may need to carry out an action.
Exists? Of course, yes, and that is why in this article you can learn a very important and simple way so that you and many other people can access the same type of information from any computer .
The local network
In workplaces where there may be different computers with information that are related to each other, the transfer process can be somewhat tedious, especially when the necessary tools are not available, such as a USB stick or the internet is faulty in terms of its operation.
However, there is a way that you can share files and folders in such a way that your co-workers can access these items as if they were on their computers. How to do it? Keep reading and you will find out.
Sharing files and folders on a local network using Windows can be done quite easily. Here’s a step-by-step guide in a tabular format to help you through the process:
| Step | Action | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Open File Explorer | Navigate to the file or folder you want to share. |
| 2 | Right-click on the item | Choose the file or folder, then right-click on it. |
| 3 | Select ‘Properties’ | A context menu will appear. Select ‘Properties’ at the bottom of this menu. |
| 4 | Go to the ‘Sharing’ tab | In the Properties window, navigate to the ‘Sharing’ tab. |
| 5 | Click on ‘Advanced Sharing’ | You will see an option for ‘Advanced Sharing’. Click on it. |
| 6 | Check ‘Share this folder’ | In the Advanced Sharing window, check the box that says ‘Share this folder’. |
| 7 | Set Permissions (Optional) | Click on ‘Permissions’ to set specific permissions for different users or groups, if needed. |
| 8 | Click ‘Apply’, then ‘OK’ | After setting it up as needed, click ‘Apply’, then ‘OK’ to close the windows. |
| 9 | Note the Network Path | Take note of the network path provided in the Properties window, you’ll need this to access the share. |
| 10 | Access from another computer on the network | On another computer, open File Explorer, type the network path in the address bar, and press Enter. |
Note:
- Ensure that network discovery and file sharing are enabled on your PC.
- The steps might slightly differ based on the version of Windows you’re using.
- Be aware of the security implications of sharing files and folders on a network, especially if sensitive data is involved.
How to share files and folders?
For all those computers that have the Windows operating system, the tool for sharing files and folders with computers that are connected to the same network has become extremely important on a day-to-day basis.
Handling this type of tool represents a very important advantage when several people need to manipulate the same information from the comfort of their computers without having to go through tedious or bureaucratic file transfer processes.
First steps
To do this, you must enter your computer’s settings to activate file sharing . In the same way, it is recommended to activate the publication of function detection resources, through the command “Windows + R”, type services.msc and press enter or click OK. This should be done, at a minimum, on the computer that will share the files or folders.
Once you have carried out the previous step, a new window will appear with a list of services in which you will search, precisely, for the publication of function detection resources. Once you have achieved it, double click on it, and in the section that says “Manual”, change the setting to “Automatic”.
Select what you want to share
You can share practically any type of folder or file : documents, images, videos, you can even share everything on your local disk. However, if you are trying to carry out this action for work or academic reasons, be sure to only share what is necessary.
Procedure to share file or folder
Once you have chosen the file or folder that you want to share with the rest of the users that are part of your local network . It is time to right click on the element and enter its properties.
- A new window will open, in which you will click on the share tab.
- Now you must click on the “Advanced Sharing” option .
- Make the corresponding confirmation.
- Check the box that will allow you to share the file or folder.
Advantages of sharing files or folders on a local network
In addition to providing facilities when accessing a particular file that is on another computer, duplication of the same document with different modifications is avoided .
All this will allow for a much more efficient work, as long as modifications are made in an organized manner. Being an extraordinary tool, above all, for those files that are manipulated or modified through programs such as Microsoft Word or Excel.
What are you waiting to try it?
This interesting and important technique is extremely valuable. So don’t take much longer to put this new knowledge into practice and make the way you work in your office easier.
Sharing files or folders with all your colleagues in an extraordinarily simple, comfortable and much more secure way. Leaving behind those bureaucratic transfers by means of pen drivers.
