File Sharing is not working in Windows 11/10

Below is a list of solutions you can try if File Sharing is not working on your Windows 11/10 computer:  Let’s check out all the solutions in detail. 

1] Restart the System

Like any other Windows issue, the File Sharing problem can also be fixed just with a simple system restart. There can be a temporary bug that will be causing the problem. Thus, restart the system and check if it makes any difference. Read: File and Print sharing resource is online but isn’t responding to connection attempts

2] Re-enable File Sharing

By default, file sharing is enabled in Windows 11 for private networks. But you can re-enable it, in case the feature is not working properly on this system you need to turn on printer sharing and network discovery. To do so, here are the steps you need to follow.  That’s it. Now check if the issue is fixed or not. Read: Network discovery is turned off and not turning

3] Check the status of required Services

Open Services Manager, right-click each of the following services > select Properties and ensure that their Startup type is set to Automatic. Also, click the Start button if these services are not started.

Function Discovery Provider HostFunction Discovery Resource PublicationSSDP DiscoveryUPnP Device Host

4] Disable IPv6

You can disable IPv6 connectivity on the systems in order to fix the File Sharing issue. Here are the steps you need to follow.  Restart your system, and check if the File Sharing issue persists. Read: File sharing lock count exceeded error in Office Access.

5] Disable Password Protected Sharing

Password-protected sharing can also cause the File Sharing issue. If the option is enabled, then the recipient needs to be aware of your username and password. Thankfully, you can disable it manually to continue sharing files efficiently. To do so, here’s what you need to follow.  Check if the problem is fixed or not. 

6] Allow File Sharing in Windows Firewall Settings

Not only File Sharing, but the Windows Firewall can also breach the smooth functioning of various Windows features. However, you can always allow the particular feature in the Windows Firewall settings to fix the problem. So, here are the steps you need to follow to allow file sharing in Windows Firewall settings.  The File Sharing issue would have been fixed by now if it was blocked by the Windows Defender Firewall. 

7] Turn on the SMB 1.0/CIFS File Sharing Support

With the latest Windows OS update, Microsoft has decided to disable the SMB feature. It is one of the most important features for file sharing. However, you still have the option to enable the SMB 1.0 by visiting the Windows features. Here are the steps you need to follow.  That’s it. Read: How to share files between computers using LAN

Why is File Sharing not working?

Windows File Sharing feature may stop working if you have either not set it up correctly, or if some of the required Windows Services are not started. It is rather simple t troubleshoot this issue.

Why is my Shared folder not working?

If your Shared folder is not working on your Windows PC, you need to ensure that Printer sharing and Network discovery are enabled on all computers. You need to also check the configuration of the required Windows Services. We hope the problem will be fixed by now. In case of any difficulty, feel free to use the comment section down below.