In the digital age where collaboration and file sharing have become an integral part of our daily workflows, the Public Folder in Windows offers a seamless solution for sharing content. As the name suggests, a Public Folder serves as a communal space where users can effortlessly share, store, and access files and documents. But what exactly is this folder, and how does it function on the new Windows 11?
What is a Public Folder?
The Public Folder is a special folder in Windows, meticulously crafted to foster shared access. It’s a repository that facilitates the aggregation, organization, and dissemination of data with other members of your workgroup, be it in a professional setting or among family members at home. If you place any document or file in the Public Folder, it becomes readily available to those with the requisite permissions, be they users of the same PC or individuals connected to the same network. This folder is a boon for those who require frequent data exchanges without the fuss of setting up complex network permissions. However, to ensure security and prevent unwanted data access, Windows 11 has this feature turned off by default. This risewindows guide will walk you through the steps to activate or deactivate Public Folder Sharing on Windows 11. For those curious about its location, the Public Folder can typically be found at “C:\Users\Public” on the drive where Windows is installed.
In the Public Folder, several subfolders are included. These subfolders are empty by default until items are added. These subfolders assist in organizing data in a systematic manner. The subfolders included in the Public Folder are as follows:-
- Public Documents
- Public Downloads
- Public Music
- Public Pictures
- Public Videos
How to Enable Public Folder Sharing on Windows 11?
By default, Public Folder Sharing is turned off on Windows 11 PC. If you want to use it or share a Public folder with other users on the same network, they can open, view, and work with these files and add something new. For this, you will need to enable this feature. Let’s do it.
Step 1. Firstly, open the setting app.
Step 2. Next, select the Network & internet category in the left sidebar.
Step 3. Then, click on the Advanced network settings tile on the right-side pane.
Step 4. On the “Advanced network settings” page, scroll down to see the “More settings” section and then click the Advanced sharing settings option under it.
Step 5. Turn on the toggle switch beside the Public folder sharing option under the “All networks” section on the following page.
You can also turn on “Password protected sharing” on the above settings page to better control your files and folders.
After completing these steps, you will enable the Public Folder Sharing feature on your Windows 11 computer.
How to Disable Public Folder Sharing on Windows 11?
To disable or turn off the Public Folder Sharing function on Windows 11, follow these steps:-
Step 1. Firstly, open the Setting App.
Step 2. Next, select the Network & Internet category in the left sidebar.
Step 3. Then, click on the Advanced network settings tile on the right-side pane.
Step 4. On the “Advanced network settings” page, scroll down to see the “More settings” section and then click the Advanced sharing settings option under it.
Step 5. Turn off the toggle switch beside the Public folder sharing option under the “All networks” section on the following page.
After completing these steps, the Public Folder Sharing feature will be disabled on your Windows 11 computer.
Also Read: How to View or Recover Windows 11 or 10 Product Key using ProduKey?
Conclusion
The Public Folder in Windows 11 serves as a pivotal tool for facilitating shared access amongst users. It simplifies file and data sharing without the need for intricate network permissions, making it an ideal solution for both professional settings and home environments. Though disabled by default to maintain security, users have the flexibility to activate or deactivate it based on their preferences. By following the steps mentioned in this guide, users can effortlessly manage Public Folder Sharing on their Windows 11 systems, ensuring smooth collaboration and data exchange.
