You can open a shared folder from a Windows 10 PC by browsing the local network or by entering the share’s UNC path directly. Windows 10 reached the end of standard support on October 14, 2025, so a PC that still uses it should be covered by an appropriate Extended Security Updates option where applicable or moved to a supported version of Windows.
Open a network share in Windows 10
- Make sure the Windows 10 computer is connected to the same trusted local network as the computer or server hosting the folder.
- Press Windows+E to open File Explorer.
- Click the address bar and enter the share path in the form
\\ComputerName\ShareName, then press Enter. - If Windows asks for credentials, enter an account that has permission to use that share.
- Open the folder and confirm that you can read or modify files as expected for your assigned permissions.
Browse through Network if you do not know the share name
You can select Network in File Explorer and look for the computer hosting the folder. Network discovery must be enabled for browsing to work, and some networks intentionally block discovery. Directly entering a known UNC path is often more reliable than waiting for a device to appear under Network.
Map the folder to a drive letter
If you use the share frequently, right-click This PC and choose Map network drive. Pick an unused drive letter and enter the UNC path. You can choose to reconnect at sign-in. Do not save credentials on a shared or untrusted computer.
If Windows cannot reach the folder
Confirm that the host computer is turned on, the folder is actually shared, and your account has both share and file-system permissions. Also check that the network profile and firewall rules on the host permit the intended file-sharing traffic. Avoid disabling the firewall as a general troubleshooting step.
Older devices sometimes depend on obsolete SMB versions. Do not enable SMB 1.0 merely to make an old share appear unless you fully understand the security implications and have no safer migration path. Updating or replacing the legacy device is preferable.
On Windows 11, first turn on network discovery.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
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