🖧 Complete Guide: Fix Folder and Printer Sharing Issues in Windows 10

Sharing files and printers across a local network can be very useful, especially in office or home setups. If you’re facing problems with folder or printer sharing in Windows 10, this step-by-step guide will help you solve the issue quickly and easily.

✅ Step-by-Step: Enable Folder & Printer Sharing in Windows 10

🔧 Step 1: Set Network Profile to Private

To allow sharing, your PC must be on a Private network profile:

1. Go to Settings > Network & Internet > Status
2. Click “Change connection properties”
3. Choose PrivateThis is essential for trusted local sharing environments.

📂 Step 2: Enable File and Printer Sharing Settings

1. Open Control Panel > Network and Sharing Center
2. Click “Change advanced sharing settings” on the left
3. Under Private (current profile):
   • ✅ Turn on Network discovery
   • ✅ Turn on File and printer sharing
4. Scroll to All Networks:
   • Optional: Turn off password-protected sharing for easier access

🖨️ Step 3: Share Folder or Printer

📁 To Share a Folder:

1. Right-click the folder you want to share > Properties > Sharing tab
2. Click Share
3. Add Everyone > Click Add
4. Set Permission Level: Read/Write
5. Click Share > Done

🖨️ To Share a Printer:

1. Go to Settings > Devices > Printers & scanners
2. Click on the desired printer > Manage
3. Click Printer Properties > Sharing tab
4. ✅ Enable “Share this printer”

⚙️ Step 4: Check & Enable Required Windows Services

Make sure the following services are Running and set to Automatic startup:

🔹 Open Run (Windows + R) > type services.msc > Enter

👉 To enable a service:

• Right-click > Start
• Right-click > Properties > Set Startup type = Automatic > Apply > OK

🧪 Step 5: Test Your Sharing Setup

1. On another PC in the same network:
2. Press Windows + R and type: \\PC-NAME or \\IP-ADDRESS
3. Press Enter – you should see all shared folders and printers

✅ If it opens successfully, your sharing is working!

🚨 Common Troubleshooting Tips

• 🔌 Ensure both computers are connected to the same network (Wi-Fi or LAN)
• 🧱 Allow file/printer sharing through Windows Defender Firewall
• 👥 Verify both PCs are in the same workgroup:
  Go to Control Panel > System > Change Settings > Workgroup
• 🔄 Restart both PCs after applying all changes
• 🔄 Still stuck? Use ipconfig and ping to test network communication

💬 Final Words

Enabling folder and printer sharing in Windows 10 is simple when done correctly. Whether it’s for home, office, or LAN setups – these steps will make your network sharing seamless.

🛠️ If you still face issues, contact your local tech support or visit our experts at Lapilab, Chandan Nagar, Pune.