Windows 7: Public Folder Sharing - Turn On or Off in Windows 7

   Information

The Public folders are a convenient way to share files on your computer. You can share files in the Public folders with other people using the same computer and with people using other computers on your network. Any file or folder you put in a Public folder is automatically shared with the people who have access to your Public folders.

The Public folders are located in the C:\Users\Public folder, and also included in libraries by default.

This tutorial will show you how to turn Public folder sharing on or off in Windows 7. Public folder sharing is turned off by default (except on a homegroup). When Public folder sharing is turned on, anyone on your computer or network (including homegroup members) can access these folders. When it's off, only people with a user account on your computer can access them.

You must be logged in as an administrator to be able to do the steps in this tutorial.

   Note

When you share the Public folder on your computer with other people, they can open and view the files stored there just as if they were stored on their own computers. If you give them permission to change files, any changes they make will change the files on your computer.

If you like, turning on password protected sharing will allow you to limit Public folder access (except on a homegroup) to only people with a user account and password on your local computer. Password protected sharing isn't available on a domain.

1. Do either step 2 or 3 below.

2. In Windows Explorer, and go to the C:\Users\Public folder. Right click on the Public folder or any file or folder in the Public folder, click on Share with and Advanced sharing settings. (see screenshot below)

A) Go to step 4.

OR

3. Open the Control Panel (icons view), and click on the Network and Sharing Center icon.

A) In the left pane, click on the Change advanced sharing settings link. (see screenshot below)

B) Continue on to step 4.

4. Click on the to expand the network that you want to turn Public folder sharing on or off for. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: Normally this would be your current profile.

5. To Turn On Public Folder Sharing

A) Select (dot) Turn on sharing so anyone with network access can read and write files in the Public folders. (see screenshot below step 7)

B) Go to step 7.

6. To Turn Off Public Folder Sharing

A) Select (dot) Turn off Public folder sharing (people logged on to this computer can still access these folders). (see screenshot below step 7)

7. Click on the Save Changes button. (see screenshot below)

8. If prompted by UAC, then click on Yes.

9. When finished, you can close the Network and Sharing Center.