Windows to Windows file sharing

File sharing has been the most convenient way to exchange files and data within a home/office network. This eliminates the need for using an external hard drive or flash drive. This article will guide you on how to configure your Windows® computers to share files with each other. Windows has two types of file sharing:

Workgroup sharing – This is designed for a small home Local Area Networks (LANs) and is a simple way to share files within a home network.
Homegroup sharing – is a secured way to share files within a workgroup. This feature started with Windows 7. It is designed to simplify the way a local network shares documents, pictures, printers, etc.

There are a few things to remember when sharing files in Windows:

All computers must have the same Workgroup
Each computer must have a unique computer name
All computers must belong to the same local area network

NOTE: This is for Windows 7 / 8 / 8.1 / 10.

Workgroup sharing

Step 1:
Right-click on the folder that you want to share and click Share with > Specific people.

Step 2:
In the File Sharing wizard, click the arrow and select a name from the list.

Step 3:
Click Add.

NOTE: If you already know the computer name of the person you want to enable file sharing with, enter the name in the File Sharing wizard and then click Add.

QUICK TIP: You can add as many users to share your folder with as you want.

Step 4:
After adding allowed users to access your folder, click Share.

NOTE: If there is a prompt for a username and password, enter your administrator password.

Homegroup sharing

Step 1:
Right-click on the folder that you want to share and click Share with.

Step 2:
Select the option that you want to enable:

Homegroup (Read) – This enables access to the folder with your entire homegroup. The files cannot be modified or deleted by homegroup members.
Homegroup (Read / Write) – This enables full access to the folder with your entire homegroup and members can modify the contents of the folder.

Accessing shared folders

The easiest method to access your home network’s shared folders is by using Network (for Windows 7 / 8 / 8.1 / 10). Network will list the available computers containing the shared resources that are shared across the home network.

Step 1:
Press the Windows key on your keyboard and then enter "Network".

Step 2:
Select Network in the search results.

Step 3:
Select the computer that you want to access shared files from.

QUICK TIP: Another way of accessing shared folders from other computers is by entering the IP address on the search field of your computer.

Expanding your network

Your router has the capability to connect multiple devices in the network. These devices can be smartphones, game consoles, and printers. You can also extend the range of your wireless network, especially in situations that require you to do so. This is through the use of other networking devices like Powerline adapters. To know more about powerline adapters, click here.