December 31, 2022

6 Ways to Access a Shared Folder in Windows 11

Reading Time: 5 minutes

Windows lets you share folders with other users on the same network. But if someone shared a folder with you, here’s how you can access it.

Shared folders are a unique way to collaborate and share documents with other users on a computer network. This can be especially useful if you’re working on a project with a team or need to share files with someone else.

The good thing is that shared folders also offer enhanced security by allowing you to control access permissions. But is it really that simple to set up a shared folder?

Fortunately, it is straightforward once you understand the steps and some technical terms. So, keep reading to learn how to access a shared folder in Windows 11.

1. Via the Run App

The Run utility in Windows allows you to open programs and files by typing their path or command in the Run dialog box.

It is a quick and easy way to access a shared folder in Windows 11. You can simply enter the shared folder’s path in the Run dialog box to open it.

If you’re unsure what this means, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to use the Run utility:

Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
In the Run dialog box, type \\ComputerName\SharedFolder. For example, if the computer name is Computer-1 and the shared folder name is ABC, you would type \\Computer-1\ABC in the Run dialog box.
Press the Enter key to run it.

This will open the shared folder on your computer.

And that’s not all; you can use the Run utility to access other things too. For example, you can open the Device Manager, Disk Management, and Control Panel, as well as other system tools and settings.

2. Using Network Option in File Explorer

Another way to access a shared folder is by using the Network folder in File Explorer. This method allows you to browse and access shared folders on other computers and devices that are connected to your network.

Here’s how you can use the Network folder to access a shared folder:

Press Win + E to open File Explorer.
In the left panel of File Explorer, click on the Network option. You will see a list of all the computers and devices connected to your network.
Open the computer you want to access by double-clicking on it. In our case, the shared folder is available inside the device with name ‘RISHABH2.’
Double-click on the shared folder to open it.

For an easy sharing experience, we recommend turning off password protected sharing. This helps avoid authentication or sharing failed errors when accessing shared folders on a network.

3. Map the Network Drive

Mapping a network drive creates a copy of the shared folder in File Explorer. By mapping, you can access the shared folder anytime, just like any other folder on your computer.

Follow the step below to map a network drive and access a shared folder quickly:

Press Win + E to launch File Explorer.
Click on This PC in the left panel of File Explorer.
Select the Map network drive… option from the context menu.
Choose a drive letter so you can use it to access the shared folder from anywhere on your computer.
Click Browse… to select the shared network folder location. Make sure the location is in the format: \\ComputerName\SharedFolder
Click Finish to exit the mapping utility.

While mapping a network drive is not compulsory on Windows, it can make the shared folder easier to navigate and use than accessing it via a network path.

Remember that mapping a network drive creates a shortcut to the shared folder. So, if someone gains access to your computer, they may be able to access the shared folder through the mapped drive.

4. Access Shared Folders via Computer Management

You can also access shared folders in Windows 11 through the Computer Management utility. Computer Management is a Windows tool that lets you manage your computer’s system tools, storage, and shared folders, among other things.

Here’s how to use Computer Management to access shared folders on Windows:

Press Win + X and choose Computer Management from the power user menu.
Expand the System Tools section in the Computer Management window.
Click on Shared Folders > Shares. It will list all the shared folders on your computer.
Double-click on the shared folder you want to access to open it.

While this may not be the ideal way to access a shared folder, you can use it if other methods fail to work for any reason.

In the meantime, you can learn more about some other useful Windows administrative tools.

5. Access Shared Folders Using Command Prompt

You can also use the Command Prompt utility to access a shared network folder. Running commands in the Command Prompt can be confusing, but you just need to follow the instructions carefully, and you’ll be good to go.

So, here’s what you need to do:

Open the Command Prompt (Admin) using one of the ways to open the CMD on Windows.
Type the following command into Command Prompt, but replace DRIVE with your desired drive letter, like A, B, C, etc.
```
net use DRIVE \ComputerName\SharedFolder
```
Remember to Modify ComputerName and SharedFolder accordingly to access the shared folder on your connected network. Note that this command only works when there are no password restrictions in your network’s folder sharing settings.
If you’ve enabled password protected sharing in Windows, use the following command instead:
```
net use DRIVE \ComputerName\SharedFolder /user:username pass
```
In our case, A is the drive letter, RISHABH2 is ComputerName, and MediaDownloader is the shared folder’s name. Make sure to replace username and password with your sign-in credentials.
Press Enter to execute the above command.

If you’re having issues accessing files in the shared folder, check out our guide on troubleshooting shared folders in Windows for help.

6. Using FTP (File Transfer Protocol)

File Transfer Protocol is a type of network protocol you can use share files and folders between different computers over an internet network. In Windows, you can use the Network Location Wizard to access the FTP server and any shared files.

Follow the instructions below to learn how to access a shared network folder with FTP:

Press Win + E to open File Explorer in Windows.
Right-click on This PC and choose Add a network location from the context menu.
In the Network Location window, click Next to add a network location.
Type the FTP address details in the Internet or network address box.
If you have the login credentials, uncheck Log on anonymously and enter the required details. Next, type a name for the network location.
Click Finish to open the connected shared folder location.

If you’re unable to view the folder or see the ‘Windows cannot access this folder’ error, it means the login details are wrong. So, make sure to double-check the details with the owner of the shared folder.

Easily Access Shared Folders in Windows

Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced Windows user, the methods above will surely work for you. So, the next time you need to access a shared folder, you’ll know exactly what to do.

Shared folders are a great way to share files on a network, but what about sharing outside the network? Fortunately, there are several ways to do this as well. So, be sure to check them out.

Ref: makeuseof

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