What's The Public Folder?...and what to do with it?


  1. pappi
    Posts : 294
    W7 pro 32-bit.
       New #1

    What's The Public Folder?...and what to do with it?


    I remember with Vista, this folder had multiple entries and they were not mine(probably came with new laptop, like bloat ware?). I was clueless then (with Vista)what that folder was about...and I'm still in the dark(with W7) .

    I just discovered today, with W7, this folder is completely empty. (Why?).

    I don't remember if I shared it(with Vista), but now I realize I have options...to share or not. I feel silly sharing an empty folder. So I opted to turn sharing OFF . Is being selfish(not sharing) disadvantageous to my system?
      My Computer
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  3. Brink
    Posts : 72,058
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       New #2

    Hello Pappi,

    The "Public" folders, are basically folders that the public (all users) have full access to by default. They basically set to be shared by "Everyone" making it easier to share files between users on the local PC and network easy to do by simply putting a file in one of the Public folders.

    Empty Public folders do not take up any space. They are not a security risk since they only have access to what you place in the Public folders.

    It's just a personal choice if you want to have Public folder sharing turned on or off.

    Here's some more details below on all this if you like.

    Public Folder Sharing - Turn On or Off in Windows 7

    Hope this helps, :)
    Shawn
      My Computer
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