Ensure Your Windows PC's Network is Set to Private and File & Printer Sharing Settings Are Correct!
1. Check and Set Your Network Profile to Private
Open Settings:
- Press
Windows + I
to open the Settings app. - Go to Network & Internet:
- In the left-hand menu, click on "Network & Internet."
- Choose Your Network:
- Click on "Properties" next to your current network connection (e.g., Wi-Fi or Ethernet).
- Set Network Profile to Private:
- Under "Network profile type," select "Private."
- This setting makes your PC discoverable on the network, which is necessary for File and Printer Sharing.
2. Turn On File and Printer Sharing
Open Control Panel:
- Press
Windows + R
, typecontrol
, and pressEnter
. - In the Control Panel, select "Network and Sharing Center."
Access Advanced Sharing Settings:
- On the left side of the Network and Sharing Center window, click on "Change advanced sharing settings."
Enable File and Printer Sharing:
- Expand the Private network profile section.
- Under File and Printer sharing, select "Turn on file and printer sharing."
- Save the Changes:
- Scroll down and click "Save changes."