Windows 10 Network Sharing Not Working

“File sharing over a network” is one of the cool features loved and used by many Windows users because it allows you to share your documents, images, or files easily with another computer or laptop that is connected to the same network. However, some users have reported that Windows 10 network sharing not working. If you’re also facing this same problem, try the simple and quick troubleshooting methods given below to fix it.

Resolving Windows 10 network sharing not working problem

Method 1: Restarting the Windows 10 computer

The restart process will help you to resolve some hidden problems on your computer. So, as the first step of troubleshooting, restart your Windows 10 computer.

Step 1: Click on the Start menu available in the taskbar.

Step 2: Select Power > Restart.

Method 2: Enabling “File Sharing”

If the “File Sharing” function is disabled on your computer, there is a chance for these kinds of issues to occur. To check and enable the File Sharing function, follow the instructions given below.

Step 1: Open Control Panel.
Step 2: Select Network and Sharing Center> Change Advanced Settings.

Step 3: Now, go to the Network discovery section and select the Turn on network discovery option by clicking the radio button beside it.
Step 4: Similarly, select the Turn on file and printer sharing option if it is not selected.
Step 5: Click the Save Changes button and try to share a file over the network connection.

If the selected file is shared successfully, it means the problem is fixed. Otherwise, perform the following method.

Method 3: Disabling password protection

If you have enabled password protection, you’ve to either share your login access to other members or disable it to access the files. If you have no problems in sharing your login access, share it with the one with whom you want to access your data. Otherwise, temporarily disable the password protection and then try to share your data. The following instructions will help you in disabling password protection on your Windows 10 computer.

Step 1: On the Control Panel screen, select the Network and Sharing Center option.
Step 2: Click Change advanced sharing options > Network > Turn off password-secured sharing > Save Changes.

Step 3: Now, try to share the file.
Step 4: After sharing the files successfully, turn on the Password Protection function again by selecting the Turn on a password secured sharing option in the Network window.

Check if the “Windows 10 network sharing not working” problem is fixed. If not, try the next method.

Method 4: Modifying the Firewall settings

If the firewall function configured on your computer is causing this problem, modify its settings to enable network sharing.

Step 1: On the Control Panel screen, click on the Windows Defender Firewall option.
Step 2: Now, select the following option “Allow an app or feature through Windows Defender Firewall.”
Step 3: Enable File and Printer Sharing by clicking the checkbox beside it.
Step 4: If this method also doesn’t resolve the network sharing problem, upgrade your Windows 10 computer.

Method 5: Upgrading the Windows computer

Step 1: On the Settings screen, click on the Update & Security option.
Step 2: Select Check for updates and follow the on-screen instructions to upgrade to the newest version of Windows.