Public folders: Frequently asked questions

The Public folders are a convenient way to share files with everyone who uses your PC or everyone on your network. For example, if you and other family members share a PC, you can put all your family pictures in the Public Pictures folder so that everyone can access them easily and add, delete, and edit photos. You can copy and move files to the Public folders in the same way you do for other folders. To learn how, see Copy or move files and folders

The Public folders are in each library. You can see them in the navigation pane in File Explorer.

The Public folders in each library

No. You can also share individual files and folders on your PC without copying or moving them to the Public folders. Sharing specific files and folders like this lets you control who can access them. You can select people individually and set the level of sharing permissions for each person. For info about sharing other folders like this, see Share files and folders on a network or a shared PC.

Note

• Using a homegroup is another way to share. A homegroup is a group of PCs that can share libraries and printers. The PCs must be running Windows 7, Windows 8, or Windows RT to participate in a homegroup. When you share libraries with a homegroup, all folders within them (including the Public folders) are shared. For example, if you share the Documents library, this shares the My Documents and Public Documents folders.

Public folder sharing is turned off by default. Only people with an account on your PC can access your Public folders. If you turn on Public folder sharing, anyone on your network can access these folders, unless your PC is a member of a domain (for example, if you bring home a work laptop). In this case, people on your home network aren't allowed to access any shared folders that are on your PC, including your Public folders.

To turn on Public folder sharing

1. Open Advanced sharing settings by swiping in from the right edge of the screen, tapping Search (or if you're using a mouse, pointing to the upper-right corner of the screen, moving the mouse pointer down, and then clicking Search), entering advanced sharing in the search box, tapping or clicking Settings, and then tapping or clicking Manage advanced sharing settings.

2. Expand All Networks.

3. Under Public folder sharing, tap or click Turn on sharing so anyone with network access can read and write files in the Public folders.

4. Tap or click Save changes.  You might be asked for an admin password or to confirm your choice.

Notes

• When you share your Public folders, other people can open and view the files stored there just as if they were stored on their own PCs. Any changes they make will change the files on your PC.

• Another way to open Advanced sharing settings is to select a Public folder, tap or click the Share tab, and then choose Advanced sharing settings in the Share with group.