Windows 10 users wanting to share files with other members of their household, or coworkers in a small office, often relied on HomeGroup, a technology that allowed you to share resources on a small local network. But the Windows 10 April 2018 update (version 1803) discontinued this service.

You can still accomplish the same tasks, but as a replacement, you need to use the Windows 10 built-in sharing tools like OneDrive, Share, and Nearby Sharing. In this article, we’ll walk you through getting connected.
Sharing Files Using File Explorer
Before we get started, it’s important to note that the devices must be on the same network to communicate. Just like how a radio antenna picks up only on the signal that it’s tuned to, computer networks also operate on different frequencies and channels to help prevent interference.
Sharing a file to someone in your house–or across the globe–is easy, here’s how.
- Just open File Explorer (Windows key + E), and find the file you’d like to share. You can select multiple files if you wish.
- Then, click the Share tab, and you’ll see the Share button in the upper left corner of the window.
- When you click this button, a dialog box will open, asking you to select the sharing method, which includes Email, Nearby sharing, or a Microsoft Store app. Clicking on Tap to turn on nearby sharing will allow you to share with any nearby computer running the Windows 10 April 2018 update or later with compatible Bluetooth adapters.
Sharing a Drive Using File Explorer
As mentioned below in the comments by WhipScorpion, you can also share a whole drive over the network.
Here’s how to share a drive in Windows 10.
- Right-click on the drive you want to share and select Give access to > Advanced sharing…
- Now, within the Sharing tab, click on Advanced Sharing…
- Then, click on the Share this folder checkbox.
- Next, click on Permissions to adjust the read/write access for the drive.
- From here, set the permissions how you need them, click Apply and then OK
- Finally, click OK to close the window.
Sharing Files with OneDrive
Here’s how to share files stored on OneDrive.
- Open the File Explorer, navigate to your OneDrive folder, right-click on the file you want to share, and then select Share a OneDrive link.
- This will create a unique link to the file location in OneDrive which will be copied to your clipboard. You can then paste that link into an email message, or share it however you like. Only people with that link will have access to the file.
Below the Share a OneDrive link contextual menu item, you’ll find a choice for More OneDrive sharing options. This will allow you to set permissions for the shared file, including the ability to edit, setting an expiration date, setting a password, and sharing via social media.
Networking Computers with Windows 10
For most people, these methods will be all you need to get those documents into other people’s hands. Remember to check your file permissions and network settings when setting up file/drive sharing.
Are you creating a NAS (Network Attached Storage) device or a more reliable backup storage solution for your files and pictures? Share your thoughts below.
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16 thoughts on “How To Network Two Computers in Windows 10”
The guy here talks about “file” sharing. What the guy here does not say, nor anyone else, is that you can share your whole stinking C:\ hard drive.
I will revert to Windows 8.1 (still supported and still functions quite well with a classic menu app), and see who sees what. Maybe the fix for the version 2004 upgrade will solve all the problems. Too bad there isn’t alternative networking software available for home use.
Sharing didn’t work. Setting access via the Credential Manager didn’t work I tried many posted solutions but they didn’t work (ever notice how many posted solutions don’t work because Microsoft keep moving/hiding operational functions. They are usually there somewhere, the trick is to find them).
Finally, I came up with this method. It requires taking away ALL local security, but it was the only way I could get it to work. Well done Microsoft … every time you release a new Win 10 version you break something (or deliberately block it) .
Follows these steps …
1. Make sure your network has Network Discovery and File and Printer Sharing turned on.
2. Make sure the drive(s) you want to access on the networked computer is “Shared”.
3. Select each drive (right click) and open “Properties”.
4. Go to the “Security” tab and click the “Edit” button.
5. Click the “Add…” button and add a new group “Everyone” (you have to type it).
6. Give “Everyone” Full Control and “Apply” (it will run through the files and may take a while).
7. Repeat the above for all drives you want to access (if you have partitions).
It’s crap that you have to take away ALL security to get access to a networked computer.
8. On each computer the Credential Manager will ask for the Username and Password of the networked computer you want to access.
9. Enter these and check the Remember box (it won’t ask again if you enter them correctly).
10. You should now have access to the networked computer and all shared drives and files.
Final Comment: I always though that how I configure, run and secure my computer was up to me. But, with each new version of Windows Microsoft seem hell bent on taking away more and more control (notice how they now hide the Control Panel). Based on past experience the cynical side of me thinks that if Microsoft see this post they will likely change security permissions to block you doing the above. I hope I’m wrong!
My wife’s computer is running Windows 10 while I still use Windows 7 on my computer. The ease with which I do things like networking in Windows 7 makes Windows 10 look like a sick pile of dog****
BTW, for those of you who are now saying “Oh noooo, Windows 7 – you’re unsafe!”, I say, “Try these new-fangled things called antivirus/antiransom software, and hardware firewalls.”
It was worth the effort. Now my two machines are as one.
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