SMB (Server Message Block) is how Windows 10 shares files and folders over a local network. To use it, turn on sharing in Settings > Network & Internet > Sharing options (turn on Network discovery and File and printer sharing), then right-click a folder, choose Properties > Sharing > Share, and pick who can access it. On another PC, type \\ComputerName\FolderName into File Explorer’s address bar, or use Map network drive to give the share a drive letter.
Windows 10 uses the modern, secure SMB 2 and SMB 3 versions automatically. Here’s how to share a folder, connect to it, and fix common problems.
Step 1: Turn on network discovery and file sharing
- Open Settings > Network & Internet > Status.
- Click Sharing options (or Network and Sharing Center > Change advanced sharing settings).
- Under your current network profile (Private), turn on Network discovery and File and printer sharing.
- Click Save changes.
Only turn these on for trusted networks, like your home. Make sure your home network is set to Private in its Wi-Fi or Ethernet properties.
Step 2: Share a folder
- Right-click the folder and choose Properties.
- Click the Sharing tab, then Share.
- Choose a user account from the list, or type one, and click Add.
- Set Read or Read/Write permission, then click Share.
- Note the network path shown, like \\DESKTOP-PC\Shared, and click Done.
People connecting need a user name and password for an account on the sharing PC.
Step 3: Connect to the shared folder
- On the other PC, open File Explorer.
- Click the address bar, type the path (for example \\DESKTOP-PC\Shared), and press Enter. You can use the IP address instead, like \\192.168.1.20\Shared.
- Enter the sharing PC’s user name and password if asked.
Map the share as a drive
- In File Explorer, click This PC, then Computer > Map network drive.
- Choose a drive letter, type the folder path, and check Reconnect at sign-in.
- Click Finish.
Troubleshooting SMB sharing
- “Windows can’t access” error: Check that both PCs are on the same network, sharing is on, and the network is set to Private.
- Other PCs don’t appear under Network: Connect directly by typing the path. Network browsing isn’t always reliable.
- Access denied: Use an account and password that exist on the sharing PC, and check the folder’s sharing permissions.
- Old devices, like some NAS drives, won’t connect: They may only support SMB1, which is disabled for security. Update the device firmware instead of turning SMB1 back on.
- Firewall: Make sure File and Printer Sharing is allowed for Private networks in Windows Defender Firewall > Allow an app through firewall.
Related: set up an FTP server on Windows 11.
Frequently asked questions
Which SMB version does Windows 10 use?
SMB 3.x by default when both devices support it, which includes encryption and better performance. SMB 2 is used as a fallback.
Is SMB safe to use?
Yes, on a trusted private network. Never expose SMB directly to the internet.
How do I find my computer’s name?
Go to Settings > System > About and look at Device name.
Can Macs connect to a Windows SMB share?
Yes. In Finder, choose Go > Connect to Server and enter smb://ComputerName/FolderName.
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.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.