Ensure network discovery and file sharing are enabled, set the network to "dedicated", and enable relevant options in advanced sharing settings; 2. Enable SMB 2.0/3.0 and network discovery functions through the control panel, and enable SMB1 if necessary (only for legacy devices); 3. Check the sharing and security rights of shared folders to ensure that everyone or corresponding users have read or modify permissions; 4. Use the same Microsoft account or matching local account on both PCs, or turn off password-protected sharing to simplify access; 5. Check whether the Windows firewall allows "File and Printer Sharing" and "Network Discovery" to pass, and temporarily disable third-party antivirus software if necessary; 6. Restart key network services such as FDResPub and SSDPSRV as an administrator; 7. Use ping and IP addresses (such as \192.168.xx) to test connectivity to confirm whether it is a name resolution problem; finally make sure that the two devices are on the same subnet, avoid isolating the network, and complete system updates and restarts. The problem can usually be solved by correctly configuring network discovery, sharing permissions and firewall settings.

File sharing not working over a network in Windows 11 is a common issue, especially after updates or when setting up a new PC. The problem can stem from incorrect network settings, disabled sharing features, or firewall restrictions. Here's how to troubleshoot and fix it step by step.

? 1. Check Network Discovery and File Sharing Settings

Windows 11 must be set to discover other devices and allow file sharing on the current network.

Steps:

• Press Win I to open Settings .
• Go to Network & internet > Advanced network settings > Advanced sharing settings .
• Under the Private network profile (or the one you're using), ensure these options are turned on:
  • Turn on network discovery
  • Turn on file and printer sharing
  • Turn on sharing so anyone with a Microsoft account can read and write files
• Under All networks , check:
  • Turn on password protected sharing (disable this if you're having trouble accessing shared folders from other PCs on the same network).

? If you're on a "Public" network, switch it to Private . Windows restricts sharing on public networks by default.

To change network profile:

• Go to Settings > Network & internet > Wi-Fi (or Ethernet).
• Click on your network > Set as Private .

? 2. Enable Required Sharing Features via Control Panel

Some legacy sharing components are only accessible through the Control Panel.

Steps:

• Open Control Panel (search for it in Start).
• Go to Programs > Turn Windows features on or off .
• Make sure these are checked:
  • ?? SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support (not recommended for security, but needed for older devices)
  • ?? SMB 2.0/3.0 (enabled by default, but confirm)
  • ?? Network Discovery (LLMNR) and Function Discovery should be on
• Restart your PC if you made changes.

?? Note: SMB1 is outdated and insecure. Only enable it if absolutely necessary (eg, sharing with older NAS or Windows 7 devices).

? 3. Verify Sharing Permissions

Even if sharing is enabled, incorrect permissions can block access.

On the host PC (the one sharing the folder):

• Right-click the folder > Properties > Sharing tab.
• Click Advanced Sharing > Check Share this folder .
• Click Permissions > Ensure Everyone has at least Read (or Change if needed).
• Click OK .

Also check Security tab in Properties:

• Click Edit > Add Everyone if missing.
• Give Read & execute , List folder contents , Read (and Modify if needed).
• Apply changes.

? 4. Use the Same Microsoft Account or Set Up Matching Local Accounts

Windows 11 may prompt for a username and password when accessing shared folders.

Fix options:

• Use a local account with the same username and password on both PCs.
• Or, sign in with the same Microsoft account on both devices.
• Alternatively, disable password-protected sharing (Settings > Advanced sharing settings > All networks > Turn off password protected sharing).

?? Disabling password-protected sharing is less secure but simplifies access on trusted home networks.

? 5. Check Windows Firewall and Antivirus

Firewall settings can block file and printer sharing.

Steps:

• Go to Control Panel > Windows Defender Firewall .
• Click Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall .
• Ensure these are allowed for Private (and possible Public) networks:
  • ?? File and Printer Sharing (SMB-In)
  • ?? Network Discovery (LLMNR-UDP-In, etc.)

If you're using third-party antivirus (like Norton, McAfee), temporarily disable it to test if it's interfering.

? 6. Restart Network Services

Sometimes the SSDP or Function Discovery services get stuck.

Run as Administrator (Command Prompt or PowerShell):

 net stop fdrespub
net start fdrespub
net stop SSDPSRV
net start SSDPSRV

You can also restart the Computer Browser and Server services via services.msc .

? 7. Test Connectivity

Before troubleshooting further, confirm basic network communication.

• On the client PC, open Command Prompt and run:

   ping [Host-PC-IP]

  (Replace with the actual IP of the PC hosting the shared folder.)

• Find the IP: On the host, run ipconfig and look for IPv4 Address .

• Try accessing via IP:

  • Open File Explorer > Type \\192.168.xx (the host's IP) in the address bar.

If this works but the PC name doesn't, it's a network name resolution issue (often fixed by enabling LLMNR or using IP addresses temporarily).

---

Final Tips

• Make sure both PCs are on the same network/subnet .
• Avoid Wi-Fi hotspots or guest networks that isolate devices.
• Update Windows: Go to Settings > Windows Update and install pending updates.
• Reboot both devices after major changes.

---

Basically, file sharing issues in Windows 11 usually come down to network profile settings, sharing permissions, or firewall blocks. Go through each step carefully—most cases are resolved by enabling network discovery and adjusting sharing settings.

The above is the detailed content of File sharing not working over network in Windows 11. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!