Fix 'Can't Access Shared Folder on Network Windows 10' Efficiently

Users using shared folders on a network can conveniently access files and resources from other computers on the same network. These shared folders enable flawless file management and cooperation among several devices. On a Windows 10 PC, however, running across problems whereby you cannot access a shared folder might aggravate, particularly in crucial file sharing or retrieval cases. This post will bring you through doable fixes for this issue so you may access your shared files.

Method 1. Share Files Between PCs with Reliable File Transfer Software

If you need to quickly share files between computers or are looking for a reliable solution, utilizing specialized file transfer software is the best option. EaseUS Todo PCTrans is considered one of the most efficient resources for this task. This software offers a simple and effective method for moving and exchanging files among computers, whether nearby or far apart.

EaseUS Todo PCTrans provides two strong functions: File Sharing and PC-to-PC.

• ✅The PC-to-PC capability lets you quickly move files between two local computers connected to the same network.

Step 1. Set Up the Old PC

• First, install and launch EaseUS Todo PCTrans and select Data Transfer on the left panel of the main interface.

• Select "Transfer Directly" and click "Next" to continue. 

Step 2. Set Up the New PC

• Download and launch EaseUS Todo PCTrans on the new computer; select "This is New PC" and click "Next".

• Select "Transfer directly" and click "Next" to continue. 
• Select "Network" and click Next to continue. This will automatically scan the old PC. (Make sure the two PCs are connected to the same LAN.)

• Select the target PC and click Connect. Then, it will take some time to scan and analyze the data in old PC.

Step 3. Select the Files to Transfer

• Finally, on the new PC, select the Files tab, select the files you need to transfer. Then, click "Transfer" to start.

• ✅With the File Sharing tool, you may exchange files remotely in more complicated settings and ensure your data gets to its destination quickly and securely.

Step 1. Install and open EaseUS Todo PCTrans on source and target PCs. Navigate to the "File Sharing" tab and click "Start" to begin. This feature can achieves high transfer rates by utilizing the maximum available network bandwidth.

Step 2. To build the connection between two PCs, you need to ensure both of them are under the same network. Then, choose the target PC icon or click "Add PC" and enter the other PC's connection code.

Step 3. Drag and drop the videos, pictures, audios, and documents that you want to transfer. Then, you check them in the Receive lists on your target PC.

EaseUS Todo PCTrans is a great place to start when resolving shared folder access issues on Windows 10. It circumvents common network issues and ensures your files are transferred without complications. If you like this tool, don't forget to share it online to help more of your friends share files between local PCs or transfer files to remote computer easily:

Method 2. Restart Networking Services

Try a straightforward file transfer solution first, and if the problem still exists, it may have anything to do with your Windows 10 PC's networking services. Access to shared folders can frequently be restored by restarting these services in the event of a connectivity issue. To restart your networking services and possibly resolve the problem, follow these steps:

Steps to restart network services:

• Use Windows + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
• In the Run dialog box, type services.msc and press Enter. This will open the service window.
• Scroll through the list of services to locate: Workstation, Server, TCP/IP NetBIOS Helper, and Function Discovery Resource Publication.
• Right-click on each of the services listed above and select Restart. If the Restart option is greyed out, select Start instead.

• After restarting these services, try accessing the shared folder again to see if the issue is resolved.

Method 3. Turn on Network Discovery in Control Panel

The next step is to ensure that Network Discovery is turned on if restarting the networking services didn't fix the problem. Network Discovery is needed to get to shared files because it lets your computer find other devices on the network. To turn it on, do this:

• Open the Control Panel by typing it in the Search box on the Windows Task tool bar.
• Find and click to open "Networking and Sharing Center".
• Click "Change advanced sharing settings", and tick "Turn on network discovery"  under the Network discovery section.

After enabling Network Discovery, try accessing the shared folder to see if the problem is resolved.

Method 4. Reset Network Settings

Resetting your network settings may fix underlying setup issues that block shared folder access if turning on Network Discovery doesn't work. By resetting the network settings, all network-related settings will be reverted to their default condition, addressing misconfigurations generating access issues. Resetting your network settings follows:

• Press Windows + I to open the Windows Settings.
• In the Settings window, click on "Network & Internet".
• Scroll down to the Advanced network settings tab and select "Network Reset" at the bottom.
• Click the Reset Now button to reset your network settings. Your PC will restart automatically.

After your PC restarts, reconnect to your network and check if you can now access the shared folder.

Final. Restart Share Files via Shared Folder on Network

Restarting your computer and configuring file sharing via the Shared Folder feature could be useful if everything else fails. This procedure guarantees that your PC is correctly set to distribute files over the network. On a Windows 10 network, follow these detailed instructions on file sharing via a shared folder:

• Restarting your computer will ensure all the changes you made before take effect.
• Right-click on the desktop to make a new folder, and choose "New." Set the folder a name that you can remember.
• Right-click on the new folder and select Properties from the menu that appears.
• From the Properties window, click on the Sharing tab. Then, click on Comprehensive Sharing.
• Select the box that says "Share this folder." If you click on Permissions, you can also decide who can access the folder and what they can do with it (for example, read and write).
• Open File Explorer on a computer on the same network, click Network, and find the computer with the shared folder. Double-click the shared files to access them.

Conclusion 

Sometimes, accessing a shared folder on a Windows 10 network might be challenging, even with the right permissions in place. The reasons for this problem could range significantly from network configuration issues to deactivated services or erroneous Windows settings.

When faced with an urgent file transfer situation and unable to access the shared folder, EaseUS Todo PCTrans is a dependable option. This software allows you to share files rapidly and without delay to the destination PC.

After moving your data safely, follow Methods 2, 3, and 4 to fix the issues preventing shared folder access.

These methods will ensure that your network configuration is running correctly and that all devices can access shared files.

FAQs of Can't Access Shared Folder on Network Windows 10

If you still have questions related to accessing shared folders on a Windows 10 network, find answers below.

1. Why can't I access the shared folder?

Windows 10 network shared folders may be inaccessible for numerous reasons. Common culprits include misconfigured network settings, such as deactivated Network Discovery, wrong shared folder permissions, or firewall or antivirus software obstructing the connection. Shared folders on turned-off or unconnected computers are also inaccessible.

2. How to share files through Shared Folder in Windows 10 using the IP address?

To share files through a shared folder using the IP address in Windows 10, follow these steps:

• Using ipconfig at the command prompt, note down the IPv4 address to get the IP address of the machine hosting the shared folder.
• Launch File Explorer on the second PC, then enter \\ followed by the IP address (e.g., \\192.168.1.1) in the address bar.
• Once the shared folders on the host machine appear, you can access the files by pressing Enter.

3. Can I share files through a LAN cable?

Yes, LAN cables allow file sharing between machines. Connect both computers over Ethernet and link them to the same network. Following file sharing on both devices, utilize File Explorer's Network section to identify and access shared folders across the connected PCs. This approach transfers files quickly and securely without an internet connection.