How to Access Other Computers on the Network in Windows 10

To access another computer on the same local network in Windows 10, both PCs must be connected to the same LAN, the other computer must actually share a folder or other resource, and your PC should use a Private network profile with Network discovery enabled. Then you can open File Explorer > Network or connect directly with a path such as \\OFFICE-PC\Shared.

Being on the same Wi-Fi or Ethernet network does not automatically give you access to another computer's files. Windows still applies sharing permissions and, in most cases, asks for credentials from an account that is allowed to use the shared folder.

Before you try to connect

• Make sure both computers are connected to the same home or workplace network, not separate guest networks.
• On the computer you want to access, share the required folder. In File Explorer, right-click the folder, choose Give access to > Specific people, and grant access to the intended user.
• Have the username and password for an account that has permission to the share.
• Only enable discovery and sharing on a network you trust. Microsoft recommends using the Private profile for trusted networks and the Public profile for untrusted ones.

Microsoft's current guidance for LAN sharing is available in File sharing over a network in Windows.

1. Set the network profile to Private

Windows limits discovery on Public networks. On the Windows 10 PC you are using to connect:

1. Open Settings > Network & Internet.
2. Select Wi-Fi or Ethernet, depending on your connection.
3. Open the properties for the network you are currently using.
4. Select Private as the network profile.

For more detail on the difference between Public and Private profiles, see Microsoft's network settings guidance.

2. Turn on Network discovery and file sharing

Open Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center, then choose Change advanced sharing settings. Under Private:

• Select Turn on network discovery.
• Select Turn on file and printer sharing.
• Choose Save changes.

You can also open File Explorer > Network. If Windows displays a banner saying network discovery is turned off, use that banner to enable discovery and file sharing.

3. Open the other computer in File Explorer

1. Press Windows + E to open File Explorer.
2. Select Network in the navigation pane.
3. Double-click the computer you want to access.
4. Open one of the folders that computer has shared with you.

If the computer does not appear in the Network list, try its UNC path directly in File Explorer's address bar, for example \\OFFICE-PC or \\OFFICE-PC\Shared. A direct path can work even when device discovery is slow or incomplete.

4. Enter the correct network credentials

If Windows asks you to sign in, enter credentials for an account that is authorized on the computer hosting the share. Saving the credentials can be convenient on your own trusted PC, but avoid doing that on a shared computer.

If the other computer still does not appear

• Check the network: both PCs should be on the same local network. Guest Wi-Fi, client isolation, some VPNs, and separate VLANs can prevent devices from reaching one another.
• Check the host PC: it must be powered on, awake, and connected to the network.
• Try the direct path: entering \\ComputerName helps distinguish a discovery problem from a permissions or sharing problem.
• Check discovery services: Microsoft recommends that Function Discovery Provider Host, Function Discovery Resource Publication, SSDP Discovery, and UPnP Device Host be running when troubleshooting network discovery. Open services.msc to inspect them.
• Do not disable Windows Firewall completely: if you use custom firewall rules, make sure Windows file and printer sharing is permitted on the Private profile instead.
• Avoid insecure guest access: if an old NAS or device only works without a username and password, update or reconfigure it for authenticated SMB access when possible. Microsoft warns that insecure SMB guest logons reduce important security protections.

A Windows 10 security note

Windows 10 still runs and can use these local-network sharing features, but standard support ended on October 14, 2025. Microsoft recommends moving to a supported Windows version or using an applicable Extended Security Updates option if you must remain on Windows 10. See Microsoft's Windows 10 end-of-support information.