Share a folder on Windows 11

Before you start

• PC runs Windows 11 on your home network
• Phone and PC on the same home Wi‑Fi (not mobile data / guest Wi‑Fi)
• You know your Windows username and password (set a password under Settings → Accounts → Sign-in options if you only use PIN)
• Create a dedicated folder first, e.g. D:\FamilyPhotos (do not share the whole system drive)

Step 1: Set the network to Private

On a Public network, Windows often blocks file sharing.

1. Open Settings → Network & internet
2. Open Wi‑Fi (or Ethernet) → your connection
3. Under Network profile type, choose Private

Step 2: Turn on File and printer sharing

1. Settings → Network & internet → Advanced network settings
2. Open Advanced sharing settings
3. Under Private: turn on Network discovery and File and printer sharing
4. Under All networks: turn on Password protected sharing (recommended); do not rely on Guest

Step 3: Share the folder

1. Create e.g. D:\FamilyPhotos and put photos/videos there
2. Right-click the folder → Properties → Sharing
3. Advanced Sharing… → check Share this folder
4. Note the Share name → Permissions

Step 4: Who can read / write

1. Remove Everyone if present (recommended)
2. Add… your Windows username → Check Names → OK
3. Grant that user Read and Change (read/write). Upload, move/copy, saving edits, and album backup all need write access; Read alone often causes failures later. Use Read only if the phone will never write.
4. Apply → OK

Do not share all of C:\ or your entire user profile as writable.

Step 5: Firewall

Usually fine after enabling File and printer sharing. If the app never finds the PC:

1. Settings → Privacy & security → Windows Security → Firewall & network protection
2. Allow an app through firewall
3. Ensure File and Printer Sharing is allowed on Private (SMB-related; look for SMB-In in advanced rules)

Step 6: Note the name and credentials

1. Find Device name: search Settings for About; or Settings → System → scroll to About; or Win+R → sysdm.cpl
2. Username: local account name, or sometimes MicrosoftAccount\you@email.com
3. Password: Windows sign-in password (not the PIN)

Step 7: Connect in Home Gallery

1. Phone on the same home Wi‑Fi
2. Home → Connect home storage (or More → Settings → Host connections → Add SMB host)
3. Pick your PC from the scan (or enter IP)

4. Enter username/password → Test connection → Save

5. Choose the shared folder → album folder → Finish

Done checklist

• Network profile is Private
• Discovery + File and printer sharing On for Private
• Folder shared; account has Read + Change (read/write)
• Same Wi‑Fi; app opens the folder

If it fails: Troubleshooting. Also: Synology · QNAP.