View Shared Files Windows 10: How to See Them

Updated 6 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

To view shared files on Windows 10, open File Explorer, click “Network” in the left sidebar, and double-click the computer that is sharing the files. If the computer doesn’t appear, type its network path directly into the address bar (e.g., \\ComputerName\SharedFolder). This article explains the different ways to find and access shared folders on your network, how to troubleshoot common problems, and how to connect to them permanently.

What “Shared Files” Means in Windows 10

Sharing files on a Windows 10 network means making a folder (or a printer) available to other computers on the same local network. The computer that owns the folder is the “host” and the computer that connects to it is the “client.” Windows 10 supports several sharing methods, but the most common are:

HomeGroup (removed in Windows 10 version 1803) – older method that automatically shared libraries.
Workgroup sharing – the standard method where you manually share a folder and set permissions.
Public folder sharing – a special folder (C:\Users\Public) that is shared by default if you enable it.

When you view shared files, you are essentially browsing the network for computers that have enabled file sharing. The files themselves are not copied to your machine unless you copy them manually.

How to View Shared Files on Windows 10

The most direct way to see shared files is through File Explorer’s Network section. Here are the exact steps:

Open File Explorer (Windows key + E).
In the left pane, click Network. If you don’t see it, type network in the address bar and press Enter.
Wait a few seconds for Windows to discover other computers. You may see a yellow bar at the top saying “Network discovery is turned off” – click it and choose “Turn on network discovery and file sharing.”
Double-click a computer name to see its shared folders. If prompted, enter the username and password of an account on that computer.
If you know the exact path, type it directly into the address bar, for example: \\DESKTOP-ABC123\SharedDocs

If the computer you want is not listed, check that both computers are on the same network (same Wi-Fi or router), that network discovery is enabled, and that the host computer has actually shared the folder.

How to See Files Shared With You Specifically

Windows 10 also has a “Shared with me” view in OneDrive, but that’s for cloud files, not local network shares. For local network shares, there is no single “shared with me” list. You have to browse the network or use the path. However, you can map a network drive to a shared folder, which makes it appear like a local drive (e.g., Z:) and easier to access later.

To map a network drive:

Right-click “This PC” in File Explorer and choose “Map network drive.”
Select a drive letter (e.g., Z:).
Enter the folder path, like \\ComputerName\SharedFolder.
Check “Reconnect at sign-in” if you want it to be permanent.

Why Can’t I See Shared Files? (Common Problems)

Many users find that the Network section is empty or shows only their own computer. The most common causes are:

Network discovery is off – go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Advanced sharing settings, and turn on network discovery and file sharing for your network profile (Private).
Different network profiles – if one PC is set to “Public” and the other to “Private,” they may not see each other. Set both to Private.
Firewall blocking – Windows Defender Firewall may block file sharing. Check that “File and Printer Sharing” is allowed (it usually is by default).
Workgroup mismatch – all computers should be in the same workgroup (default is WORKGROUP). Check in System Properties > Computer Name.
Password protected sharing – if enabled, you must enter credentials. You can disable it in Advanced sharing settings, but it’s safer to keep it on.
Old SMB version – Windows 10 supports SMB 3.0, but some older devices may require SMB 1.0, which is disabled by default. Do not enable SMB 1.0 unless absolutely necessary because it’s insecure.

How to Check What Files Are Being Shared From Your PC

If you want to see what you are sharing with others, open Computer Management (right-click the Start button and select “Computer Management”), then go to System Tools > Shared Folders > Shares. This shows all shared folders, their paths, and the number of connections. You can also use the command line: net share in Command Prompt.

To stop sharing a folder, right-click it in File Explorer, select “Give access to” > “Remove access.” Or use the Shares list in Computer Management.

Viewing Shared Files on a Mac or Other Device

If you have a Mac, you can connect to a Windows shared folder by opening Finder, pressing Cmd+K, and entering smb://ComputerName/SharedFolder. For Android or iOS, you’ll need a file manager app that supports SMB (like VLC or Solid Explorer). Windows 10 can also access shares from other devices using the same Network section or by entering the path like \\192.168.1.50\share.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I enable network discovery in Windows 10?

Go to Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center > Advanced sharing settings. Under your current network profile (Private or Guest/Public), select “Turn on network discovery” and “Turn on file and printer sharing.” Click Save changes. You may need administrator rights.

Why do I see “You do not have permission” when accessing a shared folder?

This means the account you’re using doesn’t have access rights. On the host computer, the folder must have both a share permission and an NTFS permission that includes your username. Ask the host to grant you “Read” or “Change” permission. If you are the host, right-click the folder > Properties > Sharing > Advanced Sharing > Permissions, and add your user.

Can I view shared files from outside my home network?

Yes, but it requires setting up a VPN or using a cloud service like OneDrive or Google Drive. Windows 10 doesn’t have a built-in way to access SMB shares over the internet without a VPN or port forwarding (which is not recommended for security).

What is the difference between “Network” and “This PC” in File Explorer?

“Network” shows other computers and devices on your local network that are discoverable. “This PC” shows your local drives, folders, and any mapped network drives. Mapped drives appear in both places.

How do I stop my shared files from being visible to others?

Turn off network discovery and file sharing in Advanced sharing settings, or remove the share from the folder’s Properties. You can also disable the “File and Printer Sharing” firewall rule, but that may affect other network features.

Why is my shared folder not showing up even though I can ping the computer?

Ping only confirms the computer is on the network; it doesn’t guarantee file sharing is enabled. Check that the folder is actually shared, that network discovery is on, and that the firewall allows file sharing. Also, try accessing the share directly via its UNC path (\\ComputerName\ShareName) instead of browsing.

Method: the standard formula for this calculation, rounded as each result states. See how the calculators work or report an error.