Whatever you add to the Public folder is automatically shared with other users on the computer. These folders are created and remained empty until items are placed in them. They can help users get organized in Windows, especially if you want a consistent view across multiple accounts. When you turn on Public folder sharing in Windows 11, other connected devices on the same network will be able to search, discover and access these folders. If change permissions are given, users will be able to view and change the content of the Public folder. Public folder sharing is turned off by default. When sharing is off, only users on the computer can access them locally.
How to enable or disable public folder sharing on Windows 11
As mentioned above, Public folder sharing is a feature in Windows that allows other connected devices on the same network will be able to search, discover and access these folders. Below is how one can turn on or off Public folder sharing in Windows 11. Windows 11 has a centralized location for the majority of its settings. From system configurations to creating new users and updating Windows, all can be done from its Settings app. To get to System Settings, you can use the Windows key + I shortcut or click on Start ==> Settings as shown in the image below: Alternatively, you can use the search box on the taskbar and search for Settings. Then select to open it. Windows Settings pane should look similar to the image below. In Windows Settings, click Network & internet tile to expand it. On the Network & internet settings pane, select the Advanced network settings tile at the bottom to expand it. On the Advanced network settings pane, under More settings, select the Advanced sharing settings tile to expand it. On the Advanced sharing settings pane, click on the All networks tile to expand it. Under All networks, toggle the button to the On or Off position to enable or disable Public folder sharing as highlighted below. That should do it. You can now exit the Settings app. The Public folder should now be accessed remotely. Related Public folder sharing posts:
How to enable Network discovery and sharing in Windows 11 How to find other Windows computers on a network in Windows 11 How to map a network drive in Windows 11 How to turn on Firewall in Windows 11 How to change network profiles in Windows 11 How to turn on or off network discovery in Windows 11 How to turn on or off file and printer sharing in Windows 11
That should do it! Conclusion: This post showed students and new users steps to turn on or off Public folder sharing in Windows 11. If you find any error above or have something to add, please use the comment form below.
