Information in this article applies broadly to all versions of the Windows operating system.

Where Is the Windows Public Folder?

New folders can be added to the Public folder at any time by any user with the proper permissions.

Files.

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If web connection discovery is not enabled on your machine, you mustenable Windows file sharingin the Control Panel.

If it’s turned on, you still need proper permissions so you can jump into the folder.

To share or unshare the Public folder:

fire up the Control Paneland selectNetwork and Internet.

Use the keyboard shortcut Windows Key + E (or Ctrl + E in older versions of Windows) to open the File Explorer.

In some versions of Windows, you’ll seeNetwork and Sharing Centeras an option.

If this is the case, select it and skip to step 3.

SelectNetwork and Sharing Center.

Select This PC (or My Computer in some Windows versions) in the left pane, then open the primary hard drive (it’s usually C:).

SelectChange advanced sharing settingson the left side of the window.

Select thedown arrownext toAll Networksto reveal a list of options.

Use this screen to enable or disable Public folder sharing.

Open the Users folder

SelectSave Changesat the bottom to apply the new options.

Open the Public folder

Select Network from the left pane of Windows Explorer, then select the name of the computer that has the Public folder you want to access.

Open the Control Panel and select Network and Internet

Select Network and Sharing Center

Select Change advanced sharing settings on the left side of the window

Select the down arrow next to All Networks to reveal a list of options

Enable or disable Public folder sharing in the Windows Advanced sharing settings.

Select Save Changes at the bottom to apply the new settings