File Sharing - "Share with" & "Stop Sharing" in Windows 8

How to "Share with" and "Stop Sharing" Files and Folders on a Network or Shared PC in Windows 8


information   Information
This tutorial will show you how to set folders and drives in Windows 8 to share with or stop sharing the files in them with people on your network (homegroup, workgroup, or domain) or on a PC that you share with other users.

Tip   Tip

  • It's best to use HomeGroup for home (private) networks unless you need to connect PCs running Vista or XP to the network. PCs must be running Windows 7 or Windows 8 to participate in a homegroup.
  • If you want to share files and folders with everyone who has a user account and password on your PC, you can just put the items you want to share in the Public folders.
  • If you are in a homegroup network, then you can view all your shared items in your computer name under Homegroup in the navigation pane of File Explorer.
  • If you are in a workgroup or domain (private) network, then you can view all your shared items in your computer name under Network in the navigation pane of File Explorer.
  • If the items you've shared don't appear under Network, you can customize your view of folders in File Explorer to see which items have been shared and the people you're sharing them with. Open a folder that contains the items that you think are shared, add the columns Shared and Shared with to be able to quickly see what is shared or not.

Note   Note
Sharing Items on a Network Requirements:

  • PCs need to be in the same homegroup or workgroup, and that each PC has a unique computer name.
  • If your PC is in a workgroup, use the same user name and password combination on each PC.
  • Check Use Sharing Wizard in View tab of Folder Options.
  • Turn on network discovery.
  • Turn on file and printer sharing.
  • If you have a home (private) network and a PC that’s a member of a domain (for example, if you bring home a work laptop), you can access items that are on your home PCs using your work laptop, but not the other way around. Make sure the user accounts on the home PC have passwords. To access items using your work laptop, you might need to enter the user name as home PC name\user name and then provide the password.
  • PCs need to be turned on and awake for their shared items to be available.





OPTION ONE

To Set Your Folders and Libraries to "Share with" or "Stop Sharing"


1. Do step 2, 3, or 4 below for what you would like to do.​
2. In File Explorer, right click or press and hold a library or folder, click/tap on Share with, and go to step 5 below. (see screenshot below)​
Libraries_Context_Menu.jpg
3. In File Explorer, select (highlight) a library or folder, click/tap on the Share tab on the ribbon, and go to step 5 below. (see screenshot below)​
Libraries_Share_tab.jpg
4. In File Explorer, right click or press and hold a folder or a C:\Users\Public folder, click/tap on Properties.​
A) Click/tap on the Sharing tab, and do step 4B or 4C below. (see screenshot below)​
B) Under Network File and Folder Sharing, click/tap on the Share button, and go to step 6 below. (see screenshot below)​
NOTE: You can see under Network Path if this folder is currently being shared or not. If the Share button is grayed out, then this is a system folder and you will need to use step 4C below instead.​
OR
C) Under Advanced Sharing, click/tap on the Advanced Sharing button, and go to step 6 in OPTION TWO below. (see screenshot below)​
NOTE: You must be signed in as an administrator to be able to do this step.​
File-Sharing-Folder-1.jpg

5. Select the file sharing option you would like to do. (see screenshots below steps 2 and 3)​
Note   Note

  • To stop sharing this item with all users and networks, select Stop Sharing.
  • To share items with a particular person (local or network), choose that person's account (ex: Standard).
  • To share with all the members of your homegroup, choose one of the Homegroup options to (create or join a homegroup), only (view) items, or (view and edit) items.
  • To select to share or not share items with other people who have accounts on your PC, in your private network (ex: workgroup), or in your homegroup, choose the Specific people option, and go to step 6 below.

A) If you didn't select Specific people, then that's all you need to do.​

6. Do step 7, 8, or 9 below for what you would like to do. (see screenshot below)​
File-Sharing-1.jpg

7. To Add People to Share this Folder or Library With
A) Click/tap on the arrow at the top, and select someone you want to add. (see screenshot below)​
File-Sharing-Add-1.jpg
B) Click/tap on the Add button, and go to step 10 below. (see screenshot below)​
File-Sharing-Add-2.jpg

8. To Change Sharing Permissions of Added People for this Folder or Library
A) Click/tap on the name of the person you want to change the permission level of, select the level you want, and go to step 10 below. (see screenshot below)​
File-Sharing-2.jpg

9. To Remove People to Stop Sharing this Folder or Library With
A) Click/tap on the name of the person you want to stop sharing with, select Remove, and go to step 10 below. (see screenshot above)​

10. Repeat step 7, 8, or 9 above if you would like to make any more changes to the file sharing settings of this folder or library.​
11. When finished, click/tap on the Share button at the bottom. (see screenshots below step 7B or 8A)​
12. If prompted by UAC, then click/tap on Yes (if administrator) or enter an administrator's password (if standard user).​
NOTE: You will only be prompted by UAC if the folder location is not in your C:\Users\(user-name) folder.​
13. If this is a shared folder, then click/tap on Done. (see screenshot below)​
NOTE: You will now see the network link of the shared folder that you can email, or copy if you wanted to create a shortcut of it.​
File-Sharing-Folder.jpg








OPTION TWO

To Set Drives and System Folders to "Share with" or "Stop Sharing"


NOTE: You must be signed in as an administrator to do this option. This option uses advanced sharing settings to share or not share everthing on a drive, and/or to share or not share items in a system folder (ex: "Public" folders, Program Files, Users, Windows, System32, etc...).
1. Do step 2, 3, or 4 below for what you would like to do.​
2. In File Explorer, right click or press and hold a drive, system folder, or a C:\Users\Public folder, click/tap on Share with, click/tap on Advanced Sharing, and go step 5 below. (see screenshots below)​
Drive-1.jpg
System_Folder-1.jpg
3. In File Explorer, select (highlight) a system folder or a C:\Users\Public folder, click/tap on the Share tab on the ribbon, click/tap on Advanced Sharing in the ribbon, and go to step 5 below. (see screenshots below step 2)​
4. In File Explorer, right click or press and hold a drive, system folder, or a C:\Users\Public folder, click/tap on Properties. (see screenshots below step 2)​
5. Click/tap on the Sharing tab, and click/tap on the Advanced Sharing button. (see screenshots below)​
Drive-2.jpgSystem_Folder-2.jpg
6. If prompted by UAC, then click/tap on Yes (if administrator) or enter an administrator's password (if standard user).​
7. Do step 8 or 9 below for what you would like to do. (see screenshot below)​
Advanced_Sharing-1.jpg
8. To Stop Sharing this Folder or Drive with Everyone
A) Uncheck the Share this folder box, and click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below step 7)​
B) If prompted, click/tap on Yes to confirm, and go to step 10 below. (see screenshot below)​
Advanced_Sharing-4-Stop_Sharing.jpg
9. To Share this Folder or Drive
A) Check the Share this folder box. (see screenshot below step 7)​
B) Select or type the number of users you want to limit to be able to simultaneously access this shared item at once. (see screenshot below step 7)​
C) If you like, type in any comments to help you know what this share is about for furture reference. (see screenshot below step 7)​
NOTE: You could type whatever you like though.​
D) Click/tap on the Permissions button. (see screenshot below step 7)​
E) Add (share) or Remove (not share) users and/or groups for those you want to be able to share this item or not with. (see screenshots below)​
NOTE: For more on how, see step 8 and 9 in OPTION TWO at this link: How to Allow or Deny Access Permisions to Users and Groups in Windows 8
Advanced_Sharing-2-Permissions.jpg
F) When finished with step 9E above, check or uncheck the Allow or Deny share permissions you wish to give to the added users and/or groups for how they will be able to access this shared item, and click/tap on OK. (see screenshot above)​
NOTE: Deny will override Allow. Be careful to do not "deny" ""Everyone" since this will include your account.​
G) Click/tap on the Caching button to adjust Offline Settings for this shared item. (see screenshot below step 7)​
H) Select (dot) which files and programs, if any, you want to be available to users who are offline from this shared item, and click/tap OK. (see screenshot below step 7)​
Advanced_Sharing-3-Offline-Cache.jpg
I) When finished, click/tap on OK, and go to step 10 below. (see screenshot below step 7)​
10. Click/tap on OK. (see screenshot below step 5)​





That's it,
Shawn


 

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Last edited by a moderator:
Hi I've been looking into this and it appears if you right click on any folder or file and go to share with, stop sharing will appear as an option even if the selected item is not being shared. Is that the case? Seems confusing to show that option when the file isn't even being share.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8
    System Manufacturer/Model
    HP DV7-4269WM
    CPU
    i5-480M
    Memory
    4GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    ATI Mobility Radeon HD 6370
    Sound Card
    Beats Audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    17.3"
    Screen Resolution
    1600x900
    Hard Drives
    750GB (5400RPM)
    Internet Speed
    1500
Hello Bryan,

Yeah, it's just a fixed available option.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
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    Internet Explorer 11
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    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
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    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
perfect..just what I was looking for..many thanks bro...U ROCK !!!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 64 bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    AMD FX-8350 4.00 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS M5A97 EVO R2.0
    Memory
    8 GB DDR3 Corsair Vengeance 1600 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    SAPPHIRE HD 7950 3GB GDDR5 OC with Boost VAPOR-X
    Sound Card
    Onboard Realtek HD
You're most welcome. Glad it could help. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
Guess I need some more help :)
Let me sum up what I did..i actually created a homegroup and then shared folders as per this tutorial..all work good.
The Laptop in the homegroup shows up in my Desktop's windows explorer and i can then access the shared folders.
But is it possible that upon clicking the Laptop name in the explorer, a window prompting for password will pop up and then upon entering correct password (may be the Laptop login password), the shared folders will be accessible? Pls advise.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 64 bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    AMD FX-8350 4.00 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS M5A97 EVO R2.0
    Memory
    8 GB DDR3 Corsair Vengeance 1600 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    SAPPHIRE HD 7950 3GB GDDR5 OC with Boost VAPOR-X
    Sound Card
    Onboard Realtek HD

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
thank you, Shawn.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8 64 bit
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    CPU
    AMD FX-8350 4.00 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS M5A97 EVO R2.0
    Memory
    8 GB DDR3 Corsair Vengeance 1600 MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    SAPPHIRE HD 7950 3GB GDDR5 OC with Boost VAPOR-X
    Sound Card
    Onboard Realtek HD
You're welcome. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
Hi Brink,

Curious if you've seen this before and possible solutions?

I've tried multiple ways to share a folder but no go on any... Done the "full permissions" and all.. made sure "file and Network sharing " is on..

I've googled all over.. tried things but nothing.. All I get is pictured below every time no matter what..


any folder by the way..

It happens whether I use the Sharing Wizard on or off.. (in view options) and "advanced sharing" does the same. there is never a Network Path showing up after its shared etc..


I'm just dumbfounded why I can't share a folder?

Do you think I have a service turned off?

itsshared.JPG



notshared.JPG

Thanks
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo g750
    CPU
    i5
    Motherboard
    Some Chinese Crap..
    Memory
    8
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia 755
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
I must admit that I'm not sure why either. You might create a new thread in the Network & Sharing forum area to see if someone may know.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    64-bit Windows 10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Custom self built
    CPU
    Intel i7-8700K OC'd to 5 GHz
    Motherboard
    ASUS ROG Maximus XI Formula Z390
    Memory
    64 GB (4x16GB) G.SKILL TridentZ RGB DDR4 3600 MHz (F4-3600C18D-32GTZR)
    Graphics Card(s)
    ASUS ROG-STRIX-GTX1080TI-O11G-GAMING
    Sound Card
    Integrated Digital Audio (S/PDIF)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    2 x Samsung Odyssey G7 27"
    Screen Resolution
    2560x1440
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 990 PRO M.2,
    4TB Samsung 990 PRO PRO M.2,
    8TB WD MyCloudEX2Ultra NAS
    PSU
    OCZ Series Gold OCZZ1000M 1000W
    Case
    Thermaltake Core P3
    Cooling
    Corsair Hydro H115i
    Keyboard
    Logitech wireless K800
    Mouse
    Logitech MX Master 3
    Internet Speed
    1 Gb/s Download and 35 Mb/s Upload
    Browser
    Internet Explorer 11
    Antivirus
    Malwarebyte Anti-Malware Premium
    Other Info
    Logitech Z625 speaker system,
    Logitech BRIO 4K Pro webcam,
    HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP M477fdn,
    APC SMART-UPS RT 1000 XL - SURT1000XLI,
    Galaxy S23 Plus phone
yeah, I kinda think this is a much bigger problem.. I've tried many things..

I may take my own advice I give out all the time and do a clean install of windows and see if it all the "sudden works " after..
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    windows 8.1
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo g750
    CPU
    i5
    Motherboard
    Some Chinese Crap..
    Memory
    8
    Graphics Card(s)
    Nvidia 755
    Antivirus
    Windows Defender
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