I've got two Windows 11 computers connected to the same home network and I want to share files between them. I learned that while it can take a little while for computers to show up in File Explorer, I can directly enter the UNC path in the address bar like this: \ComputernameShareName. My search led me to use the command 'Net use' in the command prompt to find my UNC path, but it just returns a message that says "new connections will be remembered" and "There are no entries in the list." I know my computer's name, but I'm confused about what "sharename" refers to. Is it the path to my folders like C:userusernameMy documentsshared file folder?
6 Answers
The "sharename" is what you set when you shared the folder in File Explorer. Just right-click on the folder you want to share, hit properties, and click on the Sharing tab. You'll find the share name right there. Alternatively, you can check in the Control Panel under Computer Management to see all shared folders listed in the Share section.
If you're having trouble with computer names, using the IP address is usually faster. Just remember that if you go that route, it's a good idea to set static IP addresses for your computers to avoid connection issues later.
Your "Computer Name" is simply what your PC is called, which you can find in Settings under the System section. It might be something like "Desktop-XXXX." I suggest renaming it to something simpler. The "Share Name" is based on the folder you set to be shared. Just right-click the folder you want to share, go to Properties, then to the Sharing tab. There you'll see the share name and the full UNC path like \computernamesharename. By default, the share name is the folder's name—it can be changed in Advanced Sharing. Also, with the 'Net use' command, you can quickly assign a drive letter to that share path, like net use Z: \computernamesharename. Just remember to ensure your firewall settings allow for sharing!
Thanks everyone for your suggestions! With your help, I found the "share to nearby devices" option in Settings under system settings for nearby sharing. I clicked on the option to share with "My devices only." The only downside is that I have to rush to the other PC to accept the file when I share it, since it times out quickly. Definitely quirky, but it's working for me now!
You need to set up a share for this to work. For example, in Explorer's address bar, you would enter: \ like \BobsPCSallysSharedFiles. This means you have to set the share correctly first, otherwise it won't connect. If you need access to specific files, you can also try \c$, but be careful as this is more for admin access.
Thanks for the tip! I'll make sure to keep that in mind.
Totally agree! It's better to stick to the intended shared folder rather than accessing the hidden C$ share for security reasons.